Stay Connected in Pyongyang
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Staying connected in Pyongyang presents unique challenges due to North Korea's heavily restricted internet infrastructure. Foreign visitors cannot access standard mobile networks or the global internet through local providers. Most tourists rely on hotel Wi-Fi, which is typically limited and monitored. However, some tour operators and high-end hotels may offer restricted internet access for international visitors. The connectivity situation is unlike anywhere else in the world - standard eSIMs and local SIM cards simply won't work for regular tourists. Diplomatic missions and certain business visitors may have special arrangements, but leisure travelers should plan for extremely limited connectivity and prepare accordingly before arrival.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Pyongyang.
Network Coverage & Speed
North Korea operates an isolated domestic network called Kwangmyong, which is completely separate from the global internet. The country's mobile network uses 3G technology primarily, with limited 4G coverage in Pyongyang. However, foreign tourists cannot access these networks under normal circumstances. The domestic carrier, Koryolink, serves local residents but doesn't provide services to international visitors. Internet access, when available to foreigners, is heavily filtered and monitored. Some upscale hotels in Pyongyang may offer Wi-Fi to international guests, but expect slow speeds, frequent disconnections, and blocked access to many websites including social media platforms. Coverage outside Pyongyang is virtually non-existent for foreign visitors. The telecommunications infrastructure is controlled entirely by the state, making standard international roaming agreements impossible.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
Traditional eSIMs from providers like Airalo will not function in North Korea due to the country's isolated telecommunications system. The infrastructure doesn't connect to international networks that eSIM providers rely on. Even if you have an eSIM installed before traveling, it won't provide any connectivity once you enter North Korean territory. This isn't a limitation of eSIM technology itself, but rather the result of North Korea's deliberately isolated internet infrastructure. For travelers planning multi-country trips that include North Korea, you might consider keeping an eSIM active for other destinations, but understand it will be completely inactive during your time in Pyongyang. The convenience and reliability that eSIMs offer in other countries simply doesn't apply to North Korea's unique situation.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards are not available for purchase by foreign tourists in North Korea. The domestic mobile network serves local residents only, and there's no process for visitors to obtain connectivity through local carriers. Even if SIM cards were theoretically available, they would only provide access to the domestic Kwangmyong network, not the global internet. Tourist shops, airports, and hotels don't sell SIM cards to international visitors. Some diplomatic personnel or long-term foreign residents working in specific capacities may have special arrangements, but these are exceptional cases requiring official sponsorship. Regular tourists should not expect to purchase any form of local mobile connectivity. The telecommunications system is designed to maintain isolation from global networks, making standard SIM card purchases impossible for visitors.
Comparison
In North Korea, the usual comparison between local SIM, eSIM, and roaming becomes irrelevant since none of these options work for regular tourists. International roaming agreements don't exist, eSIMs can't connect to isolated networks, and local SIMs aren't sold to visitors. Your only realistic option is limited hotel Wi-Fi where available. This makes North Korea unique among global destinations - standard connectivity solutions simply don't apply.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Download offline maps, translation apps, and any essential information before arrival. Inform family of limited contact possibilities and establish check-in schedules through your tour operator. Budget travelers: Plan for complete digital disconnection - there are no budget connectivity options available. Use this as an opportunity for a true digital detox. Long-term stays: Even extended visitors typically rely on supervised hotel internet or special diplomatic arrangements. Standard long-term solutions don't apply. Business travelers: Coordinate with your sponsor organization for any necessary communications. Some foreign businesses or embassies may have satellite communication options, but these require pre-approval. For all travelers, the key is preparation: handle all digital needs before arrival and embrace the unique experience of being truly disconnected from the global internet.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Pyongyang.
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