North Korea only recently opened its doors to the outside world and much is still unknown about the county. North and South Korea split their faith after over 3 millennia of common history. Very little is known about the inside of North Korea to the outside world and the vast majority of the news base on diplomatic relations of the country with the surrounding nations. There has been a breakthrough however since the meeting of Korean leaders including the US president which has not happened since the split in the 1950s.

Travelling info

Traveling to North Korea might be a bit of a challenge. Citizens of three countries, namely South Korea USA and Malaysia are ineligible to visit North Korea currently. All other nationals may visit North Korea however this may not come easy. There are two ways to receive a visa to North Korea. One must either obtain such stamp in a North Korean consulate or embassy and these are not in every country or must take part in an organized tour. The tour organizers will acquire the stamp for you. Beware that in North Korea you will not get the freedom to explore on your own, and instead, you will be either part of an organized tourist group or you will be escorted by a North Korean officer. Beware that leaving your hotel etc. without your North Korean escort and being found wandering around alone will most likely result in being charged with espionage charges. There are no car rental companies in North Korea. A North Korean driving permit is required to drive. IDP is not recognized in the country. Acquiring North Korean driving permit would take times exceeding your probably stay.

Travelling hazards

There is almost no data on the state of roads in DPRK nor are there any tourist vehicles moving about. Reports by tourists state that most roads are completely empty and sporadically visitors may see trucks or other similar vehicles. Beware that the GPS does not work in South Korea.

Environmental hazards

Due to the fact that barely any information leaves North Korea, there are speculations about dangerous animals which could possibly inhabit the area. None of these, however, will be a threat since exploring the country is only allowed in organized groups. Swimming is allowed on designated beaches however tourists must be accompanied by their escorts.
North Korea often experiences floods, excessive rainfall, landslides in the mountainous areas, typhoons and earthquakes which are responsible for much of the destruction in the country which is ill-prepared for such disasters.

Health hazards

There is no risk of yellow fever in North Korea however all visitors who are traveling from countries with a risk of yellow fever must present a yellow vaccination proof in order to enter the country. There are several other vaccines which are not required but recommended before visiting North Korea. These are the routine vaccines also known as MMR vaccines, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations. Malaria is present in the country and although there are no vaccinations against it, it is strongly recommended to use mosquito repellants, etc. as the disease is contracted by mosquito bites. Although there are no official reports, tourists who have been to medical facilities in the country report shortage of equipment, drugs, etc.
In case of an emergency dial 119.

Crime

According to North Korea crime statistics, there is no crime. This is surprisingly not true. Crime exists however tourists have only reported a petty crime such as bag theft. Crime against tourists is non-confrontational and stealthy. Tourists who had their good stolen are usually reimbursed in Chinese currency. Tourists should beware that taking photos is allowed only in authorized areas and doing that anywhere else will result in being charged with espionage. Drug laws are very strict. In fact, disobeying any laws may result in being thrown into a work camp regardless of nationality.

Summary

Although North Korea lets very few people in, it is certainly a place like nowhere else in the world. Mind that to stay safe in North Korea you should obey all the rules and respect local authority. Failure to meet these requirements may have severe consequences. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.uritours.com/blog/how-to-get-north-korean-visa/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/north-korea