Although shows like Squid Game and K-pop music have helped us connect more with South Korea, North Korea remains shrouded in mystery.
Travelling to North Korea isn’t your average holiday. It involves going behind one of the world’s most infamous borders and seeing what life is really like in the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) – with your own eyes.
At Rocky Road Travel, we’ve been running tours to North Korea for years, and if you’re wondering whether it’s possible, safe or even worth it, here’s the honest answer: yes. And it’s unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been.
First Things First: You Can Visit North Korea
Despite what people often assume, tourism in North Korea is permitted; it has been quietly operating for decades.
It is tightly controlled – you can’t wander freely, and you’re always accompanied by two local guides and a western tour leader. But you do get to see the country. It’s about stepping into a place that’s intentionally isolated and seeing what it wants to show.
All Rocky Road Travel tours begin in Beijing, where the group meets before boarding the train to Pyongyang. This overland journey is part of the adventure: you see the countryside slowly shift as you cross the border, and the landscape opens up in ways that few foreigners ever witness.
See The Real North Korea
Expect a country of striking contrasts. The capital, Pyongyang, is grand and immaculate, with wide boulevards, titanic monuments and scrupulous order.
Yet just beyond, life in rural provinces is simpler, slower and often surprisingly revealing. Locals may wave, smile or ignore you entirely – all of which is completely normal. This isn’t just sightseeing; you get to observe a society from a rare angle, with full context from your guides.
Tours can include visits to schools, war museums, statues, and the demilitarised zone (DMZ). Photography is allowed within reason, and your guides will let you know what’s OK to shoot.
On our signature photography tours, you’ll have access to locations and moments that larger groups simply don’t get.
Safety & Sensitivity
North Korea is not dangerous, provided you follow the rules. It’s important not to joke about the leadership, or bring in banned media. Nor should you wander off on your own. But this isn’t difficult – your tour leader walks you through everything.
We make it easy to leave politics at the door and travel with integrity.
Why Who Visit Come Back Changed
For many, a trip to North Korea is about challenging assumptions. Many go expecting to feel tension, and instead discover order, curiosity and moments of genuine warmth. You won’t leave with all the answers, but you’ll leave with a perspective that few people on earth ever gain.
Travelling to North Korea isn’t for everyone. But for those who are curious, open-minded, and ready to see the world from a different angle, it’s one of the most powerful journeys you can take.
Find out more about our North Korea tours. Or drop us a line for more information.
