100 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Traveling to North Korea

Before you pack your bags and your best "I survived Pyongyang" t-shirt, there are a few—okay, a hundred—rules you’ll want to brush up on. You see, a trip to North Korea isn’t your typical vacation. 

Nope, this is the kind of travel experience where taking a selfie in the wrong spot could turn your holiday into a very extended stay. So, buckle up as we dive into the Do-Nots of the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea, where every rule is a matter of life, imprisonment, and international diplomatic headaches.

100 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Traveling to North Korea

1.        Do Not Wander Alone: Leaving your tour group or guides is prohibited and could result in severe punishment.

2.        Do Not Take Unauthorized Photos: Photographing military personnel, checkpoints, or restricted areas is strictly banned.

3.        Do Not Mock or Criticize the Leadership: Any disrespectful comments about the Kim family can lead to imprisonment.

4.        Do Not Fold or Discard Newspapers with Leader's Photos: Images of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un must be treated respectfully.

5.        Do Not Bring Any Religious Material: Bringing religious texts or symbols can be seen as attempting to proselytize, which is illegal.

6.        Do Not Discuss Politics: Political discussions, even among tourists, can be considered subversive.

7.        Do Not Insult the Regime: Even indirect criticism of the government is considered a severe crime.

8.        Do Not Use GPS Devices: GPS devices, satellite phones, and similar equipment are banned.

9.        Do Not Attempt Unauthorized Interactions with Locals: All interactions must be supervised; unsanctioned contact is forbidden.

10.  Do Not Distribute Foreign Literature: Giving out books or other foreign media is considered an attempt to spread foreign influence.

11.  Do Not Take Close-up Photos of Locals Without Permission: This can be seen as disrespectful and intrusive.

12.  Do Not Joke About Nuclear Weapons: North Korea’s nuclear program is a sensitive topic.

13.  Do Not Refuse to Bow to Statues: Failing to bow at monuments can be seen as a lack of respect.

14.  Do Not Dress Casually at Monuments: Dress formally when visiting important sites, such as Kim statues.

15.  Do Not Wear Political Slogans or Western Brand Logos: Clothing with slogans or provocative imagery is not allowed.

16.  Do Not Criticize Korean Culture: Even mild comments about food or customs can be interpreted negatively.

17.  Do Not Display Foreign Flags: Displaying foreign national flags, especially South Korean or American, is forbidden.

18.  Do Not Deface or Damage Currency: Damaging North Korean won, especially bills with leader portraits, is a serious offense.

19.  Do Not Refuse to Attend Official Events: Missing a scheduled visit can be viewed as disrespectful.

20.  Do Not Write About Sensitive Topics: Avoid taking notes on politics, military, or the regime’s control methods.

21.  Do Not Attempt to Visit Unapproved Sites: Every location must be pre-approved by your guides.

22.  Do Not Drink Alcohol Publicly: Drinking in public places can attract unwanted attention.

23.  Do Not Use Binoculars or Telescopes: These are often seen as suspicious tools for spying.

24.  Do Not Criticize the Lack of Freedom: Discussing North Korea’s human rights situation is highly dangerous.

25.  Do Not Joke About the Kim Family: Jokes, even in private, can be misinterpreted and reported.

26.  Do Not Take Notes During Meetings: Taking notes in the presence of officials can be considered espionage.

27.  Do Not Change Hotels Without Permission: Changing accommodations is strictly prohibited.

28.  Do Not Attempt to Use Foreign Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms are blocked, and accessing them without permission is illegal.

29.  Do Not Attempt to Access Foreign News that isn't Permitted on Hotel TV: Reading or discussing unauthorized foreign media is considered subversive.

30.  Do Not Criticize the Regime in Your Hotel Room: Hotel rooms are likely bugged (99% probability)

31.  Do Not Refuse to Participate in Group Activities: Opting out can be seen as disrespectful.

32.  Do Not Make Fun of the Language: Mocking or mimicking the Korean language is seen as offensive.

33.  Do Not Draw Attention to Differences in Wealth: Commenting on poverty or inequality is taboo.

34.  Do Not Bring Pornography: Possessing or sharing explicit material is illegal.

35.  Do Not Move Propaganda Materials: It is considered an anti-state act and can lead to serious punishment.

36.  Do Not Bring Laptops with Sensitive Files: Having materials critical of North Korea can be seen as subversive.

37.  Do Not Ask About Political Prison Camps: Asking questions about political prison camps (gulags) can be perceived as espionage, resulting in imprisonment.

38.  Do Not Discuss Forced Labor: Conversations about forced labor are deemed anti-state behavior. 

39.  Do Not Speak Directly About International Criticisms of North Korea: It can be labeled an anti-state actor. 

40.  Do Not Inquire About the Kim Family’s Private Life: This can be interpreted as espionage, leading to severe consequences.

41.  Do Not Compare North Korea’s Development with South Korea’s: It can be seen as anti-government behavior and may result in immediate expulsion.

42.  Do Not Engage in Unauthorized Filming: Unauthorized filming can be considered spying.

43.  Do Not Share or Show Foreign Posts Mocking Kim Jong Un: It is treated as an act of espionage or anti-government behavior.

44.  Do Not Skip State Propaganda Museums: Missing mandatory visits is considered disrespectful.

45.  Do Not Ask About Public Executions: The topic is considered a crime against the state and can lead to arrest.

46.  Do Not Use a VPN or Other Tools to Bypass Internet Restrictions. These can be detected and result in penalties.

47.  Do Not Criticize North Korean Art: Art is deeply connected to the state ideology.

48.  Do Not Wear Clothing that is too Revealing or Offensive. Dress conservatively and avoid wearing anything that could be seen as disrespectful. 

49.  Do Not Ask about Internal Politics: Asking about succession, power struggles, or internal politics is forbidden.

50.  Do Not Attempt to Visit the DMZ Without Permission: This is a highly restricted area.

Pyongyang Ryugyong Hotel

51.  Do Not Use South Korean Products: Using products from South Korea is strictly banned.

52.  Do Not Display American Symbols: Displaying any American symbols can attract negative attention.

53.  Do Not Play Western Music Publicly: Playing non-Korean music in public is discouraged.

54.  Do Not Complain About the Itinerary: The itinerary is set by the authorities and cannot be changed.

55.  Do Not Possess Any Anti-Government Material, foreign media, or political publications: It is seen as promoting anti-state sentiments.

56.  Do Not Compare North Korea's Political System with That of Other Countries: Any comparison can be interpreted as criticism of the regime. 

57.  Do Not Ask About Family Separation: This is a highly sensitive issue.

58.  Do Not Attempt to Import Foreign Media: Importing movies, books, or magazines is illegal.

59.  Do Not Express Sympathy for Defectors: Any sympathy towards defectors is a punishable offense.

60.  Do Not Criticize North Korean Fashion: Clothing is a form of social control.

61.  Do Not Ask about Refugees: Discussing defections is a highly sensitive subject.

62.  Do Not Visit Restricted Websites: Any attempt to bypass restrictions can be considered espionage.

63.  Do Not Leave Without Notifying Guides: Leaving the hotel without notifying is forbidden.

64.  Do Not Attempt Unauthorized Food Purchases: Buying local food outside of approved venues is not allowed.

65.  Do Not Use Unauthorized Transportation: All travel must be pre-approved.

66.  Do Not Offer Political Opinions: Refrain from giving opinions on the regime.

67.  Do Not Use Unauthorized Electronic Devices: Devices like drones are strictly prohibited.

68.  Do Not Criticize Socialist Values: Comments against socialism are considered subversive.

69.  Do Not Point at Statues: Pointing at the leader's statues is considered disrespectful.

70.  Do Not Show Frustration: Losing your temper can attract negative attention.

71.  Do Not Discuss Religion: Religion is highly restricted.

72.  Do Not Express Positive Views Or Support for Capitalism: North Korea views capitalism as the enemy of its ideology. 

73.  Do Not Bring Unapproved Maps: Maps showing South Korea or disputed borders are forbidden.

74.  Do Not Attempt Unauthorized Humanitarian Work: All aid must be state-sanctioned.

75.  Do Not Make Phone Calls to Foreign Countries: This is often restricted.

76.  Do Not Smuggle Items In or Out: Smuggling is punishable by law.

77.  Do Not Photograph Daily Life Without Permission: Always ask before photographing.

78.  Do Not Forget to Show Respect During Political Discussions: Listen attentively, even if you disagree.

79.  Do Not Take Pictures of Empty Shops: Avoid showing economic hardships.

80.  Do Not Discuss Social Class Differences in North Korea: It can be seen as an attempt to undermine the regime’s narrative of equality.

81.  Do Not Ignore Customs Officials: Follow all their instructions.

82.  Do Not Criticize the State-Controlled Media: This can lead to detention.

83.  Do Not Complain About Housing Conditions: Any complaints are seen as ungrateful.

84.  Do Not Criticize State Officials: This is a severe offense.

85.  Do Not Share Contraband Items: Sharing restricted items is a criminal offense.

86.  Do Not Discuss Local Corruption: Corruption topics are sensitive.

87.  Do Not Bring Books About Korea: Books not approved by the state are illegal.

88.  Do Not Display South Korean Media: South Korean films or music are banned.

89.  Do Not Download Anything on Local Devices: This can be seen as tampering.

90.  Do Not Mention the Black Market: Acknowledge only the state-run economy.

91.  Do Not Engage in Public Displays of Affection: Public displays of affection is banned in North Korea. 

92.  Do Not Interact With Soldiers: Engaging with soldiers is restricted.

93.  Do Not Give Gifts with Political or Religious Connotations: It can be seen as attempts to spread foreign ideology, which is strictly prohibited and punishable.

94.  Do Not Use Unauthorized SIM Cards: Only North Korean SIMs are allowed.

95.  Do Not Leave Items Unattended in Public Areas: This could be misinterpreted as espionage.

96.  Do Not Skip Leader Sites: Visits to leader-related sites are compulsory.

97.  Do Not Discuss Sanctions: Discussing international sanctions is forbidden.

98.  Do Not Bring Satellite Receivers: These are strictly controlled.

99.  Do Not Display Negative Body Language: Signs of disapproval can be dangerous.

100. Do Not Visit North Korea: Even if you strictly follow all the rules, your background or beliefs could still put you at risk. 

Pyongyang Ryumyong Street

So, there you have it—100 ways to not get thrown in a North Korean gulag. 

Remember, in North Korea, it’s not just about minding your Ps and Qs—it’s about minding your photos, your questions, your laughter, and, well, pretty much your entire existence. 

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