Travel to Chongjin Port, Chongjin, North Korea

Visiting Chongjin Port in North Korea requires careful planning due to the stringent travel regulations and restrictions imposed by the North Korean government. It's important to note that independent travel to North Korea is not possible and that you must arrange your visit through a government-approved tour agency.

Arriving in North Korea

The most common entry point for international travelers is the capital city of Pyongyang. There are a few options for reaching Pyongyang:

• By Air: Enter North Korea by flying into Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport. Flights are typically available from Beijing or Shenyang in China, and on rare occasions, from Vladivostok in Russia. The national carrier, Air Koryo, as well as Air China, operate flights to Pyongyang.
• By Train: There's also a train service from Beijing and Dandong in China to Pyongyang.

Traveling from Pyongyang to Chongjin

Once you're in Pyongyang, you will need to arrange transportation to Chongjin through your tour agency, as independent travel within the country is not allowed. Options to reach Chongjin may include:

• By Air: A domestic flight from Pyongyang to Orang Airport followed by a car or bus ride to Chongjin, depending on the local schedule and permissions.
• By Train: There is a train service that runs from Pyongyang to Chongjin, but it is slow and the schedules are not reliable for foreigners. Usually, such a trip would be part of a pre-arranged tour.
• By Road: Traveling by road is possible, but expect a long journey which can take over 24 hours due to the conditions of the roads and the travel restrictions imposed on tourists.

Important Considerations

• All visitors must obtain a North Korean visa and this can only be obtained through an approved tour operator.
• Travel within the country is highly controlled and must be arranged as part of a guided tour.
• Communications (including internet access) is heavily restricted for tourists.
• Foreigners are usually not allowed to interact freely with local residents.
• Currency must be exchanged to local North Korean won but spending opportunities can be limited.
• Always follow the advice and instructions from your tour guide to ensure your safety and to avoid breaking any laws.