Is pizza allowed in North Korea?

No, pizza isn't banned in North Korea, but it's a luxury food largely restricted to the elite and foreigners, introduced by Kim Jong-il who even had Italian chefs train locals in the 1990s; while some restaurants in Pyongyang serve it, it's far from common for ordinary citizens due to cost and availability, with a focus on controlling Western influences.

Can you order pizza in North Korea?

North Korea has several restaurants serving pizza. Most people in the country cannot afford pizza, and it is mostly available for the elite.

Is there KFC in North Korea?

No, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) does not have official locations in North Korea, but a popular local restaurant in Pyongyang called the Chicken Specialised Restaurant is nicknamed "KFC" by foreigners because it serves fried chicken and has a similar name, while North Koreans often buy KFC items at airports in China before flying home.
 

Are condoms allowed in North Korea?

Yes, the manufacture, sale, and import of condoms are effectively banned in North Korea as "indecent items" to encourage higher birth rates, but demand is high, making them contraband, with many brought in illegally from China, despite official discouragement of contraception and family planning. While possession might not be explicitly illegal, the government actively suppresses their use and availability to boost population growth. 

Can a hijabi go to North Korea?

The two venues mentioned above are the only places where there is a strict clothing requirement within North Korea. During your stay on the tour there are no other restrictions. If you have tattoos, piercings, facial hair, or prefer wearing hijab/niqab or blue jeans this is no issue.

I Was Kim Jong-Il's Chef, What I Saw Was Pure Degeneracy | Kenji Fujimoto 1

How much is $1 in North Korean won?

1 USD = 900 KPW Jan 13, 2026 11:17 UTC

The currency converter below is easy to use and the currency rates are updated frequently.

Is there a Coca-Cola in North Korea?

North Korea and Cuba are the only two countries where Coca-Cola is not officially sold, due to long- standing U.S. trade embargoes.

Why can't you smile on July 8 in North Korea?

You can't smile in North Korea on July 8 because it's the anniversary of the death of founder Kim Il Sung (July 8, 1994), a day for solemn mourning, where expressions of joy like smiling, laughing, drinking, or celebrating are strictly forbidden, with severe punishment for violators, reflecting extreme state control over public emotion and memory. 

Who sold KFC for 240 million?

John Y. Brown, Jr. and his partner Jack C. Massey sold KFC to Heublein Inc. for around $240-$285 million in 1971, though Colonel Harland Sanders originally sold the company to them in 1964 for just $2 million. Brown built the company into a massive franchise before selling his stake, leading to a significant profit for the investors who'd bought it from Sanders years earlier. 

How many kids can you have in North Korea?

North Korea encourages large families, with state media promoting having three or more children through benefits like better housing and subsidies, as Kim Jong Un pushes for population growth, though economic hardships often limit families to one or two kids in reality. While there's no official limit, the government actively incentivizes higher birth rates, with some reports mentioning encouragement for families to have as many as six children in the past. 

What is the biggest cause of death in North Korea?

The leading causes of death in North Korea are non-communicable diseases (NCDs), primarily Stroke, followed by Coronary Heart Disease (Ischaemic heart disease), and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Lung Disease), with Tuberculosis also being a major killer, reflecting issues from poor living standards, diet, and the collapse of medical systems, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data and other health reports.
 

Can you drink in North Korea?

Yes, alcohol is legal and widely consumed in North Korea, with state-run breweries and bars, but it's also subject to ideological crackdowns, with heavy drinking viewed negatively by the state as a "political cancer," leading to penalties for excessive or public intoxication, especially around sensitive sites, despite the government providing rations on holidays. There's a significant cultural presence, with drinking common at celebrations and social gatherings, but recent years have seen crackdowns on its perceived negative impact, reports {The Conversation} and {NK News} say. 

Is Islam allowed in North Korea?

Islam (Korean: 이슬람교) is a minor religion in South Korea and North Korea. The Muslim community is centered in Seoul and Busan and there are a few mosques around the country.

Can North Koreans vape?

In North Korea, e-cigarettes are banned by law. As a result, the sale and importation of vaping products are prohibited.

Can you kiss in public in North Korea?

Teenager Trying to Have Fun in North Korea

“You can't kiss in public places, it's not illegal but it's not cultural practice,” he recalls. ”You're also not supposed to have sex before you are married.” Inevitably, young people found ways of being intimate with each other.

Can girls wear jeans in North Korea?

No, girls in North Korea generally cannot wear jeans, especially blue jeans, as they are banned as symbols of Western capitalism and imperialism; the state enforces strict dress codes to promote ideological purity, with violations leading to public criticism, confiscation, or punishment, though enforcement can be inconsistent, and some women wear black jeans in certain contexts, but blue denim is highly taboo. 

Is there a McDonald's in North Korea?

No, North Korea does not have any official McDonald's restaurants, as global fast-food chains avoid the country due to its political climate and anti-American sentiment, though local burger joints like Samtaesong offer similar fare, and the elite once had McDonald's flown in from China. 

What are three things that are not allowed in North Korea?

In North Korea, three major things not allowed are criticism of the regime, access to foreign media and information, and unauthorized communication or travel, with severe penalties including political prison camps, forced labor, or execution for infractions like possessing South Korean media, listening to foreign radio, attempting to leave the country, or expressing dissent. Citizens also face strict rules on approved hairstyles and clothing, while tourists must adhere to rigid guidelines, including no unapproved photos or contact with locals. 

What can you buy in North Korea?

What's the best North Korean gift?

• Propaganda poster – Not a tour goes by where we don't pick up 3 or 4 of these hand crafted beauties. ...
• Flags/Pins/books – these make a great cheap and small gift for someone back home. ...
• Soju – Nothing beats the local rice wine.

Is it legal to own North Korean money?

Technically it is not permitted to take North Korean currency out of the country. If it is found on your person or in your luggage by the DPRK immigration, the officers will politely inform you it's not allowed and you will need to forfeit the cash.

Is 1 million Korean won a lot?

One million won (KRW) isn't a huge amount in Korea but can cover basic expenses for a few weeks for a traveler or a very frugal month for a local, while for a comfortable life, it's quite low compared to average salaries, especially with Seoul's high living costs. It's enough for a short trip, basic meals, or some savings but not for significant luxury or extensive travel without careful budgeting, as rent alone can consume much of it, especially in cities.