Air travel in North Korea

In North Korea (the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK), an increase in deliveries of fuel from China allowed the national carrier, Air Koryo, on July 14, to begin offering scheduled service on its domestic routes for the first time in years.

Until now, without regular air service to cities other than Pyongyang, large swathes of North Korea were difficult to access by American travelers. 

According to the US State Department, “Foreigners are not allowed to use public buses or the subway” (exceptions are made for some students) and “are not allowed to drive in North Korea unless (they) hold a valid DPRK driver’s license.” Trains have been used by Americans traveling in tour groups, but, in general, Americans wanting to explore North Korea by land face restrictions. 

Americans and certain other nationals are still limited to arriving in the DPRK by air at Pyongyang, while tourists from China, who comprise the bulk of tourists to the DPRK, and some other countries may also enter the country via train from China. Foreign visitors must travel on a tour or with a handler in designated areas only and, of course, strictly abide by all DPRK laws.