Can North Koreans Travel to Other Countries in 2024?

Are you curious about whether North Koreans can travel to other countries? This is a complex issue with an interesting answer. SIXT.VN is here to break it down for you, offering insights into North Korean travel policies and how they navigate international borders. Discover the possibilities and limitations, and how SIXT.VN can help you explore Vietnam with ease. We provide everything from airport transfers to hotel booking to unique travel experiences.

1. Understanding North Korean Travel Policies

Do North Koreans have the freedom to travel abroad like citizens of other nations? The answer is nuanced. While not entirely prohibited, international travel for North Koreans is heavily restricted and subject to strict government control. It’s a far cry from the ease of travel many of us take for granted.

North Korean travel abroad requires explicit permission from the government. This permission is not easily granted and is typically reserved for specific purposes deemed beneficial to the state. Think of it as a privilege, not a right. Much like in other socialist countries, North Koreans need an exit stamp to leave, as well as needed a re-entrance interview when they get back to the DPRK. The socialist reason for this is that the country have invested in educating the citizen, sow when North Koreans travel abroad the country needs to be sure they will not defect.

The interview on their return to the country is more related to making sure they have not become capitalist-roaders.

North Koreans traveling abroad

2. What are the Primary Reasons for North Koreans Traveling Abroad?

What reasons might allow a North Korean to journey beyond their borders? The most common reasons include:

• Work: Many North Koreans are sent abroad for employment, often in industries like construction, mining, or restaurants. This generates income for the North Korean government.
• Business: Some North Koreans are involved in international trade and business ventures, representing state-owned enterprises.
• Trade: Similar to business, trade delegations travel to negotiate deals and procure goods.
• Study: A select number of students are granted opportunities to study abroad, typically in fields like science, technology, or language.

2.1. Working Abroad

Can North Koreans find employment opportunities in other countries? Yes, but under very specific circumstances. These workers often face strict oversight and limited freedom.

Contrary to popular belief a lot of North Koreans work abroad; labourers in Russia, chefs and waitresses in North Korean restaurants especially in Dandong and footballers in foreign leagues (such as Japan and Russia) all fly the DPRK flag beyond its borders.

2.2. Students Abroad

Are there opportunities for North Koreans to study in foreign universities? Yes, but these are highly selective and often focused on specific fields of study.

There is a large number of North Korean students abroad, especially in China. These students are often studying Chinese language or sciences such as chemistry and physics. Beijing, Shenyang and Yangji all have massive North Korean student populations.

North Korean students abroad

2.3. Embassies Abroad

Does North Korea maintain diplomatic missions in other countries? Absolutely. These embassies serve as official representation and facilitate communication with the host country.

North Korea has almost 60 overseas missions, all operated by North Korean consular staff. Countries that have North Korean embassies include the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Singapore, Thailand, to name a few. If you are a citizen of a country with a North Korean embassy, it is even possible to get the North Korean visa sticker issued in your passport before your trip to the country. If you are visiting a country with a North Korean embassy and missing North Korean food such as Pyongyang cold noodles, make sure to check the area around the embassy as you can often find North Korean restaurants that cater to the embassy staff.

2.4. North Koreans in New York City

Are there North Koreans working at the United Nations? Yes, a small number of North Koreans are stationed in New York City to represent the country at the UN.

There is a small contingency of North Koreans living in New York City working at the countries mission to the United Nations.

North Koreans in New York City

3. Is Leisure Travel a Possibility for North Koreans?

Do North Koreans travel purely for leisure or vacation? It’s uncommon. Travel for leisure is rare, though those traveling for work or study might have limited opportunities for sightseeing.

It is not common for most North Koreans to travel abroad for the sole purpose of leisure or vacation. This does not mean, however, that when they go on business or study abroad, they do not reserve time for leisure. North Koreans also take time in the sights, sounds and culinary of the destination they are in. Sometimes, this is even arranged as a part of the trip. For example, some of our partners in Pyongyang attended a tourism conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, a few years back. They were very eager to show us photos of the boat cruise they took in Halong Bay at the end of the conference.

4. North Korean Athletes Competing Internationally

Have North Korean athletes participated in international sports competitions? Yes, North Korea has a history of participating in events like the Olympics and sending athletes to compete abroad.

Again against popular belief, there are a few North Korean athletes who have played for teams abroad and North Korea has been represented on the Olympic stage since 1964.

4.1. North Korea at the Olympics

What is North Korea’s history with the Olympic Games? They’ve participated since 1964, with some exceptions, and have even marched alongside South Korea in opening ceremonies.

North Korea participated in their first Olympic Games in 1964 at the Winter Olympics. Eight years later in 1972 North Korea joined their first Summer Olympics and have participated in every game since except when North Korea joined the Soviet boycott of the games in 1984 and the 1988 Olympics in South Korea.

In the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, the North and South Korean teams marched together at the opening ceremonies, but competed in the games with separate teams.

In 2018 North Korea sent twenty-two athletes to the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang South Korea and a delegation of 400 supporters.

North Korean athletes at the Olympics

As of 2020 North Korean Athletes have won a total of 56 medals on the world stage.

4.2. Ri Myung-Hun

Who is Ri Myung-Hun? He’s a famous North Korean basketball player who had aspirations of playing in the NBA.

The best North Korean basketball player Perhaps one of the best known North Korean athletes Ri Myung – Hun played center position for the DPRK’s National Basketball Team and had aspirations of playing abroad in the NBA. Standing 7’8 ½” (2.35 m) tall Ri participated in basketball training in Canada, but unfortunately was unable to play in the NBA due to the United States ban on trade with North Korea.

Ri Myung-Hun

4.3. North Korean Football Players Abroad

Are there North Korean soccer players playing for foreign teams? Yes, there are, particularly in Europe and Asia.

As the North Korean National Football Team and the program has developed over the years, so has the amount of North Korean football players making the leap to foreign teams, especially in Europe and Asia.

The most prominent player as of late to make the leap is Han Kwang Song.

Han Kwang Song

Han Kwang Song was born on 11 September 1998 in Pyongyang North Korea and is currently playing as a forward for Qatari club Al-Duhail and the North Korea national team.

He was signed in 2017 by Cagliari Calcio and, at just 19, was a member of their academy side. He soon made his debut for the first team playing the last 5 minutes of a 3-1 win over Palermo, thus becoming the first-ever North Korean to play in Italy’s premier division — Serie A.

Only one week later, he scored his first goal for the club — in a 3-2 defeat to Torino — becoming the first-ever North Korean to score in Serie A.

5. The North Korean Diaspora

Is there a North Korean diaspora? Yes, primarily in China, Russia, and former USSR countries. These individuals have the ability to travel and live abroad and visit family back home.

Whilst it might surprise many there are quite a few member of what might be called a North Korean diaspora around the world. These are to be considered unique from refugees who cannot go back to North Korea, as well as Chongyron Koreans in Japan.

The diaspora exists mostly in China, the Russian federation and the former USSR. These North Koreans can travel and live abroad, as well as have the ability to go back to the DPRK to visit family and the like.

6. Domestic Travel Within North Korea

Do North Koreans travel within their own country? Absolutely! Domestic tourism is growing, with popular destinations including ski resorts, beaches, and mountains.

Yes, they do. This is one of the fastest-growing markets within North Korea right now. There is a number of travel companies over the last few years setting up focusing only on domestic tourism. As the country and its people continue to have more disposable, the desire to see parts of their own country has grown highly. Some of the most popular places for North Koreans to travel domestically are Maskikryong Ski Resort, Wonsan Beach, Kumgangsan Mountain range, Chilbosan Mountain Range and, of course, the ever sacred Mount Paektu.

North Korean Student Group at Rimyongsu Waterfall The past few years have seen even more places open for North Koreans to travel to. Samjiyon City and the Yangdok Hot Spring Resort to mention a few.

7. The Issue of North Korean Defectors

What happens to North Koreans who defect? They often flee to China, though they risk being returned. Many seek asylum in South Korea or other countries.

Of course when it comes to if North Koreans can travel abroad you have to deal with the issues of defectors. Defectors from North Korea tend to do so via China, although of they are caught they are returned home. Those that do get through tend go via Thailand, or Vietnam before settling in the Republic of Korea.

So there you have it. Yes, it is possible for North Koreans to travel abroad and if you spend enough time in places like China or Russia you will most likely at some point run into a North Korean.

8. Can North Korean Defectors Return to North Korea?

Is it possible for defectors to return to North Korea? Interestingly, some have “re-defected,” and North Korea often welcomes them back.

In recent years there have been a number of “re-defections” whereby people want to go back to North Korea. One famous one of course brough Covid-19 to the country. The DPRK actually welcomes these people and there is no evidence that they are treated badly.

Perversely it is the Republic of Korea, or third countries that do not allow this to happen. So, if North Koreans travel without going through official channels, then they risk not being able to come back if they change their minds.

9. Travel Restrictions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

How did the pandemic affect North Korean travel? North Korea became one of the most closed-off countries, with severe restrictions on both entry and exit.

During the Covid-19 pandemic North Korea became essentially the most closed country on earth. They were for all intents the first country to close and the last country to reopen their borders. During this period North Koreans could mot travel abroad, including those North Koreans who would usually be allowed to travel.

This also included North Koreans not being allowed back into their own country during this period, something that has finally started to change recently.

10. North Korean Travel in 2024

What is the current situation for North Korean travel in 2024? Restrictions are slowly easing, with some commercial routes reintroduced, but limitations remain.

So, while North Koreans could not travel abroad from 2020 to most of 2024 this has now slowly started to change. In June of this year two flights were allowed into the county and since then commercial routes have been reintroduced from both Beijing and Vladivostok to Pyongyang.

So, can North Koreans travel abroad in 2024? Yes they can, but still with some Covid-19 based restrictions, although it should also be noted that a certain Marshall Kim Jong-Un recently popped over to Russia by train.

We are though always ready and indeed waiting for North Korea to fully reopen to tourism. To see North Korea for yourself join us on one of many of our group tours.

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14. Realizing Your Vietnam Dream Vacation with SIXT.VN: A Call to Action

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15. FAQs About North Korean Travel and SIXT.VN Services

Still have questions? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand North Korean travel policies and how SIXT.VN can assist with your travel plans.

15.1. Can North Koreans freely travel to other countries?

No, North Koreans cannot freely travel to other countries. International travel is heavily restricted and requires government permission.

15.2. What are the main reasons for North Koreans to travel abroad?

The main reasons include work, business, trade, and study.

15.3. Is leisure travel common for North Koreans?

No, leisure travel is uncommon, though those traveling for work or study might have limited opportunities for sightseeing.

15.4. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect North Korean travel?

North Korea became one of the most closed-off countries, with severe restrictions on both entry and exit.

15.5. Can North Korean defectors return to North Korea?

Some defectors have “re-defected,” and North Korea often welcomes them back.

15.6. What services does SIXT.VN offer for travelers to Vietnam?

SIXT.VN offers tailored travel itineraries, airport transfers, hotel booking services, tours and excursions, and flight booking assistance.

15.7. How can SIXT.VN help me plan my trip to Vietnam?

We provide a one-stop solution for all your travel needs, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience.

15.8. How reliable are SIXT.VN’s services?

Our services are dependable and trustworthy, ensuring a stress-free trip.

15.9. How can I contact SIXT.VN for assistance?

You can reach us via Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358 or visit our website at SIXT.VN. Our Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.

15.10. Does SIXT.VN offer personalized travel itineraries?

Yes, our expert travel consultants can create personalized itineraries based on your interests and timeframe.