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

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

Contents

When to go to Pyongyang, North Korea

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Pyongyang is freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows regularly. 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

    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 Pyongyang. 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 some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Check that you find the correct type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile 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

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

February

February in Pyongyang is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows sometimes. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.

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 added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • 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 nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Pyongyang. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be sure to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

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

March

Traveling to Pyongyang in March, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 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.

  • 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 Pyongyang. 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.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Ensure that you choose the correct type. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money 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 support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

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

April

In April, Pyongyang is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Pyongyang, 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

    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 Pyongyang. 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 more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Check that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

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

May

If you vacation in Pyongyang during May, you will probably find that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

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

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Pyongyang. 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.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Take care to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs 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 areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

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

June

If you vacation in Pyongyang during June, you will probably see that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Pyongyang. 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 repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be sure to get the right kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

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

July

July for Pyongyang is pretty consistently hot and very 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

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • 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 Pyongyang. 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

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

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

August

In August, Pyongyang is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Pyongyang, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

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.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly 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 Pyongyang. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more 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.

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 sure to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

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

September

In September, Pyongyang is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Pyongyang, with several of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Pyongyang. 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 penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Check that you find the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

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

October

October in Pyongyang is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 50% range on average.

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 more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • 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 Pyongyang. 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 repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. It's important that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

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

November

November in Pyongyang is cold and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third 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

    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 Pyongyang. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Make sure to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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

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

December

If you go to Pyongyang in December, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain sometimes and snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s 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 Pyongyang. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Take care to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

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

What to do in Pyongyang, North Korea

Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is a destination that is shrouded in mystery and intrigue for many travelers. While the oppressive political climate and lack of individual freedoms in the country is widely known, Pyongyang has a host of attractions that make it an interesting place to visit. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that you should check out when you're in Pyongyang:

1. The Juche Tower: This monument is dedicated to the Juche ideology, which is the official ideology of North Korea. The tower is 170 meters tall and features an observation deck that provides visitors with incredible views of the city.

2. The Arch of Triumph: This arch is a monument that was built to commemorate the Korean resistance to Japan's occupation of the country. The arch has 25,500 blocks of white granite, which represent each day of Kim Il-sung's life.

3. The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun: This palace is the mausoleum of Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, and Kim Jong-il, his son and successor. The palace is located in the heart of Pyongyang and is now open to tourists.

4. The Pyongyang Metro: The Pyongyang Metro is one of the deepest metro systems in the world, with some stations located over 100 meters underground. The stations are incredibly ornate and are decorated with mosaics, murals, and sculptures.

5. The DPRK Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of North Korea and showcases the country's achievements, including its space program and nuclear capabilities.

6. The Ryugyong Hotel: This hotel is arguably the most iconic building in Pyongyang. It stands at 105 stories tall and is shaped like a pyramid. However, the exterior of the building is still incomplete, and it has never opened its doors to guests.

While Pyongyang may not be the most conventional tourist destination, it is a city that has a lot to offer those who are willing to look beyond the political climate. From towering monuments to impressive metro stations, Pyongyang is a fascinating place to explore. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are strict rules that tourists must follow when visiting North Korea, and visitors should be mindful of the country's unique culture and customs.

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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