Cultural Dos and Taboos
• Travelers in North Korea often visit the country as part of tour groups. In such settings, it is very important that travelers not compromise the safety of fellow tourists, or their local guides, for that matter. Travelers should know, for example, that if they violate any of North Korea's strict rules and regulations, often the local guides are made responsible for their offenses. Travel experts explicitly state that if tourists are willing to accept the circumscribed features of a guided tour in North Korea, then they will likely reap the benefits of such a trip. Independent and adventuresome travelers who prefer to explore on their own will not be well integrated into travel tours in North Korea, and many well risk the safety of other travelers and their guides. Indeed, travel experts advise that such people not visit North Korea for these reasons.
• North Korea has many strict regulations that must be respected. Travelers, for example, cannot wander the streets of the country freely. In cases of "cabin fever," when one may feel the desire to go for an evening stroll, or simply to amble out of doors for a breath of fresh air, it is simply not permissible to do so in North Korea as a matter of prerogative. A leisurely walk within the confines of the hotel grounds, or in some cases, along the river, may be possible, but prior permission is required, and adherence to all the other rules and regulations of life in North Korea are mandatory.
• Most significant of the regulations levied in North Korea are those surrounding the use of cameras and photography, and most of the problems experienced by travelers invariably involve the illegal use of cameras. Travel guides will instruct travelers about what may or may not be photographed. Generally speaking, however, one can never take photographs of anything concerning the military or government without permission. Other prohibited features include general everyday scenes that may seem inoffensive but, in fact, may be classified as evidences of North Korean poverty. One should also ask permission before photographing people as well; failing to do so can cause grave complications, especially since the public is obliged to report all acts of photography.
• Most travelers to North Korea are technically "invited" into the country and as such, it is good protocol to pay one's respects to the 20-meter statue of Kim Il Sung, North Korea's Great Leader, at Mansudae. For the most part, paying one's respects involves bowing in front of the statue, and / or presenting flowers to the statue. Flowers for this purpose can be purchased at Mansudae, although one can arrive prepared from beforehand with offertory flowers. One should also be sure to be properly attired while undertaking this ritual, and in general comport one's self with respect and composure.
• North Koreans tend to be restrained in their behavior and attitudes; one should emulate these tendencies and function with discretion and self-possession while in this country. In addition, an overall self-presentation style of respectful restraint is suggested for all travelers. This means that one should always be modestly and neatly attired when in North Korea, and one should refrain from eating, spitting or chewing on the streets or in public areas. These strictures are especially important when one is in the presence of national monuments such as the aforementioned statue at Mansudae, as well as the Manyongdae birthplace of Kim Il Sung or the Friendship Exhibition. Along this vein of thought, it should be noted that public drunkenness is not tolerated in North Korea, and public displays of affection are frowned upon.
• While a respectful and reserved countenance is suggested in North Korea, at the same time, the North Korean people are generally receptive to genuine gestures and intimations of openness, kindness and friendliness. Experts on North Korean culture suggest that smiling at locals, greeting them, and waving at children, are simple ways of conveying affability to North Koreans. Although it is possible that some people may be wary of such overtures, most people will be amenably responsive.
• It has been suggested that the visitor to North Korea should refrain from any discussion of politics, especially if it is anti-communist in content. Diplomatic subjects of conversation, such as historic sites and sightseeing, Korean culture and language, as well as sports, can be appropriately discussed. Travel experts also suggest bringing postcards (not photographs) of your home country. These serve as a pleasant foundation for discussions about one's culture and lifestyle at home.
• As North Korea has been experiencing harsh economic conditions for several years, and with many people not getting enough food to eat, public displays of wealth are inappropriate and may cause offense.
• Since most travelers will have direct contact with tour guides in North Korea, it might be worthwhile giving small gifts to one's guides and drivers. Most Korean men smoke cigarettes regularly, so a carton of cigarettes from one's home country constitute a thoughtful and useful gift for tour drivers, tour guides, as well as army guides in military zones. For female guides, fine chocolates are a suggested choice. Other suggested gifts include pens, chocolates, candies and lighters. Travel experts also suggest purchasing boxes of fruit, which is scarce in North Korea, and giving out fruit to people one might meet while visiting. These small gifts are much appreciated in North Korea and may be helpful in conveying kindness to locals, and in building goodwill. That said, one should choose such gifts wisely, avoiding items that may too overtly suggest Western culture, and as noted above, flaunting one's wealth is also ill-advised.
• In both offering and accepting items, whether they might be food or gifts, it is customary to use both hands.
• Although tipping is not customary in North Korea, the guides tend to appreciate them.
• In Korean, one can say hello to locals by saying: "an-nyong ha-sim-ni-ka." Thank you is conveyed by saying: "kam-sa ham-nida." Simply perfecting these two small phrases and taking time to use them, when appropriate, among the locals, will also be well received.
• As noted above, North Korea is a restrained culture where conservative dress, appropriate to the climate, is expected. Self-presentation is viewed as a reflection of respect and as such, travelers are urged to always dress modestly and neatly. Suits, jackets and pants, long-sleeved blouses and skirts, as well as smart but casual ensembles, are all acceptable choices. Flashy, slovenly, or revealing clothing are not recommended. One should also be mindful of North Korea's temperate climate when selecting one's attire in this country.