East Asia
Is North Korea safe?
—No US advisory
Is North Korea safe?
Street crime is rare; the risk is the state. Perceived disrespect, unauthorised photos or stray literature can lead to detention without consular access.
Key facts
- Road deaths: 24.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Solo women: Street harassment is rare and you are always with guides. The real risk for everyone is political, not personal safety.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Arbitrary detention and show trials for minor acts
- No embassy access for many nationalities
- Missile tests and sudden border or tour cancellations
Laws visitors break by accident
- Never fold, damage or casually photograph images of the leaders.
- Photograph only with your guide's permission, never soldiers or military sites.
- Insulting or joking about the leadership or political system is a serious crime.
Safety by place in North Korea
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Pyongyang | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is North Korea safe for tourists?
Street crime is rare; the risk is the state. Perceived disrespect, unauthorised photos or stray literature can lead to detention without consular access.
Is North Korea safe for solo female travelers?
Street harassment is rare and you are always with guides. The real risk for everyone is political, not personal safety.
Safety by place
Sources
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.