
North Korea has been one of the most secretive countries of the world in generations past. As one of the few nations still under communist rule, North Korea is generally perceived as a strict and unfriendly country.
However, the country has recently been taking steps to increase tourism and open their gates to visitors. Although strict rules, such as controlled photography and limited interaction with the locals, are still in place in the country, the mere fact that North Korea is now allowing visitors in guided tours is a huge step away from their previous years of seclusion.
Most of the country’s population is made up of ethnic North Koreans, with a very small Chinese community of roughly 50,000. There are dialects present in certain regions, but the Korean language is comprehensible throughout the country. Hangul, the Korean alphabet, is the only system of writing used in North Korea.
The traditional religions ofNorth Korea are Buddhism and Shamanism, with Christianity present before 1945. There are several religious groups present in North Korea today – however, the government restricts religious activity.
If you plan to travel to North Korea with your gadgets, be aware that the voltage used in the country is 240V – the same one used in Australia, Kuwait, and Malaysia. It’s the highest voltage that is used in the world, and your rechargeable gadgets may get damaged if exposed to this voltage for extended periods of time. The plugs used in North Korea are of types C (oblique flat blades), or E/F (2 round pins).
Tourism in North Korea is fully controlled by the government, and as such, only roughly 1,500 Westerners visit the country per year. However, the attraction of exploring a once-highly isolated country is continuously driving up the tourist numbers. With your safety assured, visiting North Korea is an adventure that will change some of your perceptions of the country.