Electricity, Phone, Internet, TV, Radio, Public Transportation, Banking, Postal and Other Services in North Korea

There are only a few transportation measures to consider when entering the country of North Korea. The most popular transport system to North Korea is by plane from China. Air Koryo, the only airline company in the country, flies to Beijing, Shenyang, and Vladivostok (Russia) from P’yongyang. Most tourists take the one-hour flight from the city of Beijing to P’yongyang. There are 79 airports in the country where 39 of which have paved runways. The Sunan International Airport is the main airport in the country located in its capital city, P’yongyang. Other airports catering domestic flights can be found in Hamhung, Ch’ongjin, and Wonsan regions.

Railways, run by electricity, diesel, or steam, are the main means of transportation in the country. Moreover, it is the only means of transportation where you do not need a DPRK visa to enter the country. The North Korean railroad to Dandong, China is through the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge which begins from Sinuiju, North Korea. Another railway system called the P’yongyang Metro is the only underground mass transit in North Korea. However, because of the frequent power shortages happening in the country, the transport system in North Korea has remained stagnant due to limited power supply and worn out infrastructure.

Roads and highways in North Korea are not much utilized as most roads are unpaved and are of dirt or gravel. In addition to that, there are only a few private vehicle owners in the country. Highways stretch from P’yongyang to Hungnam, Najin, Ch’ongjin, and Wonsan.