Kaesong, North Korea: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Kaesong, North Korea? If you're planning to go to Kaesong, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Kaesong, North Korea

Based on the climate and weather in Kaesong, North Korea, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Kaesong, North Korea

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kaesong, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Kaesong, North Korea by month

January

In January, Kaesong is freezing. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Kaesong, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

February

If you are traveling to Kaesong in February, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain occasionally and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be sure to get the correct type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

March

In March, Kaesong is pretty cool. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kaesong, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. It's important that you get the right kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

April

In April, Kaesong is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) and occasionally jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kaesong, with several of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Make sure to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

May

May for Kaesong is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Take care to find the correct type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

June

In June, Kaesong is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Kaesong, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. It's important that you choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

July

If you are traveling to Kaesong in July, you will notice that it is warm and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

August

August is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Ensure that you choose the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

September

September here is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. It's important that you pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

October

Traveling to Kaesong in October, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be careful to get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

November

In November, Kaesong is brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kaesong, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be careful to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

December

December in Kaesong can be extremely cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 10 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain once in a while. It also snows a bit less than half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kaesong. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Make sure to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

If you go to the Koryo Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Pakyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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