Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: North Korea
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $200-390 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in North Korea
Accommodation
$80-150 per night (included in mandatory tour)
Budget guesthouses or basic hotels arranged through tour packages, shared facilities
Food & Dining
$40-80 per day (included in tour)
Standard meals provided in tour package at local restaurants and hotel dining rooms
Transportation
$30-60 per day (included in tour)
Group bus transportation, basic train travel, walking tours within cities
Activities
$50-100 per day (included in tour)
Standard guided tours to major monuments, museums, and cultural sites
Currency: ₩ North Korean Won (KPW) - though all tourist expenses are typically quoted and paid in USD or EUR
Money-Saving Tips
Book tours 6-12 months in advance for early booking discounts of typically 10-20%
Travel during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) when tour prices are generally 15-25% lower
Choose group tours over private tours to reduce per-person costs by 40-60%
Limit optional excursions and extras which can add $50-150 per day to base tour costs
Bring essential items from home as shopping options are extremely limited and expensive
Choose shorter itineraries (4-5 days vs 7-10 days) to reduce overall tour package costs
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating total costs - tours include most expenses but visas, flights to/from China, and extras add $500-1500
Not budgeting for mandatory tips and gratuities which typically add $20-50 per day
Expecting independent travel options - all tourism must be through approved tour operators with fixed pricing structures