FAQ
Do I have to send my passport to apply the visa?
You don't need to send us your passport for applying the visa. Just simply fill in the application form on the website. We can apply the visa for you.But you have to arrive in Dandong 1 day earlier to hand in your passport and start the tour the second day morning.
How do I pay the deposit of the tour ?
You can pay us by Paypal. Paypal is going to charge service fee :3.9% +0.3usd not Explore North Korea.
Or you can pay us by bank transfer.
We have met some tourists would like to pay us when they come to Dandong, China. But some Visa card only can get 1000-2000RMB 1 day. It depends on different card different bank. It might bring you some inconvenience So we suggest you to pay us by Paypal.
Is North Korea safe?
North Korea is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. Our customers have had no problems with either crime, or the authorities. The only way you are likely to put yourself in any danger is by criticising the North Korean leaders or government. We urge you to respect your guide's views and wishes otherwise constant disrespect and criticism is likely to lead to deportation or even jail.
Do I have any freedom in North Korea?
Your government guides will be with you at all times of day and you are unable to venture off on your own. When back at the hotel you are free to spend time as you wish around the hotel and its grounds.
Do you cater to vegetarians?
Yes vegetarians are catered for. Please inform us of your dietary needs beforehand.
Since the 7th of Feb 2013 tourists can bring cell phone into DPRK.
You can bring cell phone and laptop with you while you travel in DPRK. What you have to do is fill in register form at the customs.
If you would like to call outside of DPRK you have to buy Sim card in DPRK Customs (cost 50-100 euro).
What are the 'Mass Games'?
The Mass Games or 'Arirang' is one of the greatest spectacles in the world. It is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest event of its kind on earth. There is a cast of more than 100,000 people including dancers, martial arts experts, a military tattoo acrobats and most awe inspiring of all the backdrop; an awe inspiring constantly changing human mosaic that displays panoramas, political slogans and cartoons. The Mass Games usually takes place from early August until the end of September.
What are the moral implications of visiting North Korea?
Some believe it is wrong to visit North Korea as your money is going direct to their government rather than into the hands of locals. However, others believe visiting the country can help benefit the people you meet by making them aware of the outside world. There isn't really a clear right or wrong answer to whether you should visit or not so we advise you to research the topic yourself and make your own decision.
I am American, how is my tour experience affected?
American tourists are required by North Korean government to fly into the country from Beijing or Shenyang in China.For American tourists we need more time to apply your traveling visa to North Korea. So we suggest American passport holders to send the application form the earlier the better. at least 3 weeks before. Contrary to popular belief, American citizens may travel to North Korea at any time of the year currently.
Can I post postcard in North Korea ?
You can buy post card in North Korea and you can send post card to your own country. There is a post office on the first floor of Yanggakdao Hotel near the coffee shop where you could send post card. We have tried from Pyaongyang- Canada take 40 days.
Can I make a phone call in North Korea?
Yes you can make a phone call from Yanggakdao Hotel in Pyongyang to your country but the telephone bill cost around 17RMB=2.7USD for 1 minute.
Can I video all the trip when I travel in North Korea?
Yes there is a special service you have to ask for it is that you can have Korean photographer to shoot all the trip while you travel in North Korea. It depends on how many tourists would like to take part in. The more the cheaper.
How do I get to Dandong? click here
Overnight trains run daily from Beijing to Dandong and tickets are priced at around €40. The journey takes around 12 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Dandong's Airport, only a handful of flight arrive and depart the airport each day. You may fly to Dandong from either Beijing or Shanghai. We will help with your travel arrangements free of charge, if you would like. You may also fly into nearby airports, such as Shenyang and Dalian, and then go on a train or bus for about 3 hours to arrive in Dandong.
When do I need to be in Dandong?
You must be in Dandong at least 24 hours prior to your tour's departure. If your departure dates is during Chinese Holiday we suggest you to arrive in Dandong 2 days earlier just in case can not book the transportation or the delay. If you choose to fly from Shenyang, you must arrive before 10AM the day you are set to depart, although we strongly recommend that you get there the day before.
If I applied visa start from Beijing can I change to start the tour from Dandong ?
No you can not. Visa start the tour from Dandong and Visa start the tour from Beijing is different.
If you apply the visa to start the tour from Beijing you can not change to start the tour from Dandong.
If you start the tour from Beijing you should arrive in Beijing 1 day earlier to get visa from the embassy and start the tour the next day.(except Sun and Sat).
What can't I bring to North Korea?
You can not bring Korean money (North or South), Cameras with higher than 200mm zoom, or any political reading to North Korea due to government restrictions. You can put in save box in the hotel in Dandong and pick up them when you come back from North Korea.
If you choose to fly into North Korea you should put those things in 1 bag and hand in to North Korean guide when you land in Pyongyang. After you finish the trip the Korean guide will give you back those things when you get on the plane.
What's the weather like in North Korea ?
Before you departure from your home please visit the website: http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Pyongyang+North+Korea+KNXX0006
It will give you idea and suggestion for what clothes you should bring with you before you start the trip to North Korea.
How much money should I bring to North Korea?
We suggest that tourists bring an additional 1000 RMB for souvenirs and extra drinks in North Korea, although no additional money is required every meal will included some beer and water if you don't buy any souvenir you almost do not need money to pay anything. In North Korea, Chinese RMB, US Dollars, and Euros are accepted.
