Reaching Hamhung, the second-largest city in North Korea, involves careful planning due to the country's travel restrictions. International tourists are generally required to be part of a guided tour, with entry typically via the capital city, Pyongyang. Below are the steps and options for reaching Hamhung:
Step 1: Book a flight to Pyongyang, which is home to the main international gateway to North Korea, the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (IATA: FNJ). Flights are available from several cities with close diplomatic ties to North Korea, such as Beijing and Shanghai in China, and Vladivostok in Russia.
Step 2: Once in Pyongyang, you will need to arrange for domestic travel to Hamhung as part of your guided tour. Note that independent travel within North Korea is not permitted.
Step 3: There are train services from Pyongyang to Hamhung, but keep in mind that the train schedules can be erratic, and tourists may not have permission to use this service without special arrangements through a tour operator.
Step 4: The most common option for tourists is to travel by road. The journey from Pyongyang to Hamhung can take approximately 5 to 6 hours by car, depending on road conditions and the time of year. This will be arranged by your tour operator and conducted with a guide and driver.
Visiting Hamhung, like any other destination within North Korea, demands thorough preparation and adherence to the country's strict tourism rules. Through your guided tour, you'll not only get to Hamhung but will also be provided with an itinerary that includes supervision and assistance throughout your stay in the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea).
