Kumgangsan, North Korea: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Kumgangsan, North Korea? If you're planning to go to Kumgangsan, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Kumgangsan, North Korea

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January here is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: 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 Kumgangsan. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be careful to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

February

February here can be brisk. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kumgangsan. 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March is cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kumgangsan. 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 airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Take care to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

April

April is crisp. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kumgangsan. 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 airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Take care to get the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

May

May in Kumgangsan is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kumgangsan. 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
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Make sure to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

June

Traveling to Kumgangsan in June, you will notice that it is warm. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kumgangsan. 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 constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be careful to get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July in Kumgangsan is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kumgangsan. 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 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be careful to pick the right kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

August

August in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, 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 Kumgangsan. 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 excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Check that you get the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kumgangsan. 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 airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

If you go to Kumgangsan in October, you will notice that it can be chilly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly 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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kumgangsan. 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
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Check that you find the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

November

Traveling to Kumgangsan in November, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kumgangsan. 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Take care to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • 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 penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

December

December in Kumgangsan can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, North Korea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kumgangsan. 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 airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

What to do in Kumgangsan, North Korea

Located in the southeastern part of North Korea, Kumgangsan is an outstanding tourist destination with many interesting attractions. Kumgangsan, or Mount Kumgang, is the most famous mountain in North Korea, and its stunning scenery, scenic spots, and cultural relics are a draw for visitors from all over the world.

Here are the top tourist attractions in Kumgangsan:

1. Kumgangsan National Park - Kumgangsan National Park is a breathtaking natural treasure located in the eastern part of North Korea. The park is known for its rugged peaks, waterfalls, and dense forests. Visitors can take the Kumgangsan Cable Car to the summit for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

2. Kuryong Falls - Kuryong Falls is a majestic, 74-meter-high waterfall located in Kumgangsan National Park. Visitors can hike to the base of the falls for a stunning view of the cascading water. The falls are especially beautiful in the fall when the surrounding trees are ablaze with color.

3. Manmulsang Hot Springs - Manmulsang Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in Kumgangsan National Park. The hot springs are said to have therapeutic properties, and visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural mineral water while surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Kumgangsan.

4. Samil Lagoon - Samil Lagoon is a picturesque freshwater lake located in Kumgangsan National Park. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and is a popular destination for boating and fishing. Visitors can also hike around the lake to take in the stunning scenery.

5. Haegumgang - Haegumgang is a stunning coastal area located in the northeastern part of North Korea. The area is known for its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear water, and beautiful marine life. Visitors can take a boat tour of the area to get up close and personal with the sea creatures that call Haegumgang home.

6. Musu Danwon Fortress - Musu Danwon Fortress is a historical fortress located in Kumgangsan National Park. The fortress was built in the 14th century to protect the surrounding area from invaders. Visitors can explore the fortress and admire its impressive architecture and historical significance.

7. Samilpo Lake - Samilpo Lake is another beautiful lake located in the heart of Kumgangsan National Park. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning reflection of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can hike around the lake to take in the beautiful scenery or rent a boat to explore its tranquil waters.

In conclusion, Kumgangsan is a popular tourist destination that offers a wealth of natural beauty, cultural attractions and historical sites. Visitors to Kumgangsan can enjoy everything from hiking, boat tours, hot springs, historic sites and beautiful marine life. Regardless of what you choose to do, a trip to Kumgangsan is certain to be unforgettable.

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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