Poverty in Korea has been attributed to poor governance by the totalitarian regime. It is estimated that 60% of the total population of North Korea live below the poverty line in 2020.

The disintegration of the Soviet Union, followed by a food crisis in the aftermath of a series of natural disasters–hail storms in 1994, flooding from 1995 to 1996, and droughts in 1997–pushed North Korea into an economic crisis. Between 1990 and 1998, the country experienced an average annual growth rate of -4.1%.

As of 2020, North Korea continues its basic adherence to a centralized command economy. North Korea had a similar GDP per capita to its neighbor South Korea from the aftermath of the Korean War until the mid-1970s, but had a GDP per capita of less than $2,000 in the late 1990s and early 21st century.

Tourism in North Korea There is no “dissension” in North Korea and travelers must abide by this or simply not travel there. Curiosity may well get you or your guide killed in North Korea, it’s as simple as that. Travel throughout the country is only possible as part of a guided tour.

Crossing Borders has two main programs to help North Korean refugees: Refugee Care and Orphan Care. These have provided safety, medicine, financial aid and counseling to North Korean refugees in China. Liberty in North Korea is an organization committed to getting North Koreans to safety through charitable donations.

What is life like in North Korea? North Korea is home to more than 25 million people, who live under a form of communist rule, which strictly controls all areas of daily life. People have to ask permission to travel around and it’s difficult for visitors to enter the country too.

Despite what you may hear, it is safe to travel to North Korea. The DPRK (North Korea) is probably one of the safest places on Earth to visit provided you follow the laws and regulations as covered in our booking documents, at our pre-tour briefings, and throughout your stay in North Korea.

Only tourist and business visas are available for Indians travelling to North Korea. Citizens of 19 countries who hold service or diplomatic passports can visit North Korea without a visa. These include Iran, Albania, Belarus, Myanmar, Montenegro, Zimbabwe, Switzerland, etc. However, this does not apply to Indians.

15 Bans and Restrictions You Can Only Find in North Korea

• It’s impossible to buy religious literature.
• Newspapers from a few years ago cannot be found in a library.
• It is almost impossible to buy a car.
• You can’t buy real estate in North Korea.
• Foreigners can’t use local currency.
• There is no access to the World Wide Web or Wi-Fi.
• It is forbidden to wear blue jeans.

YouTube is blocked in North Korea because of the country’s laws regarding the Internet and its accessibility. It has been fully blocked since April 2016, and the North Korean government has warned that anyone who tries to access it is subject to punishment.

Television in North Korea uses a PAL 576i analog signal transmission system and 4:3 aspect ratio. North Korea uses DVB-T2 for Digital Terrestrial Television. Trials began in 2012. As of 2020, multiple models of set-top box were available, giving access to four broadcast channels.

North Korea’s government owns and operates around 130 restaurants across Asia. The restaurants are called Pyongyang, named after the capital of North Korea. Serving North Korean food and liquor and featuring live music, the chain offers visitors a rare glimpse into the reclusive nation’s culture.

There are currently no Western chains in North Korea, but that doesn’t mean the country doesn’t have chain restaurants of its own. Okryugwan, which opened its first restaurant in Pyongyang in 1960, at one point had locations in Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Russia, Cambodia, and the United Arab Emirates.