Planning to film or photograph in North Korea? Content creators must follow strict rules on filming locations, equipment, and etiquette.
As we prepare for the long-awaited return of the Pyongyang Marathon after five years, we know many travel influencers and content creators are eager to experience and document North Korea.
We fully support and encourage this unique opportunity. And having taken some big names into the country for filming before, such as Michael Palin, we'll ensure you have the best experience to get the most from your content.
If you're planning to create content while travelling in North Korea, there are a few important things to be aware of to ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience.
At Koryo Tours, we regularly work with content creators, vloggers, and travel influencers. We understand the excitement of capturing and sharing your experience with your audience, but we also know the importance of following North Korea’s regulations.
To help you prepare, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about filming, photography, and content creation in the DPRK.
Let's get started with these frequently asked questions for travel influencers planning to visit North Korea.
Can You Film and Take Photos in North Korea?
Filming Locals: Always Ask for Permission
Leave Your Professional Cameras and Gear at Home
Creating Viral or Unusual Content in North Korea
Internet and Social Media Access is Extremely Limited
Be Mindful of How You Present North Korea in Your Content
Drone Usage is Strictly Prohibited
Editing and Posting After Your Trip
Can You Film and Take Photos in North Korea?
Yes, in most cases, you are allowed to take photos and videos during your tour. If you’ve seen images or footage from North Korea before, that’s because visitors are encouraged to document their experience.
However, there are restrictions that every traveller—including content creators—must follow.
These are common-sense rules, such as staying with your tour group, respecting local customs, and avoiding photography of military personnel or restricted areas.
The best rule of thumb is simple: if you are unsure whether you can take a photo or video, ask your guide first.
They will let you know what is allowed and what isn’t. It’s always better to check in advance rather than risk getting yourself or your local guides into trouble.
You should never attempt to secretly film or photograph restricted areas. If you get caught, the consequences will not be worth the risk.
Filming Locals: Always Ask for Permission
If you want to take photos or videos of North Korean people, be polite and ask first. Some locals are happy to be photographed, while others may decline or feel uncomfortable.
Unlike other destinations where candid street photography is common, North Korea does not allow filming locals in a way that could be seen as intrusive or disrespectful.
If in doubt, check with your guide before recording interactions.
Leave Your Professional Cameras and Gear at Home
We strongly recommend leaving professional cameras, external microphones, and large recording setups at home.
Lenses over 150mm are technically not allowed in the DPRK.
Compact cameras, GoPros, and smartphones are perfectly fine, professional-looking equipment can draw unnecessary attention.
North Koreans are naturally curious about foreigners, and anything that resembles journalistic equipment could be problematic.
Journalists are not allowed to enter North Korea as tourists, so carrying large camera setups might raise concerns, even if you're not a journalist.
The best approach is to blend in, keep it low-key, and use compact gear to document your trip.
Make sure to bring extra memory for your camera. You’ll take more photos than you expect!
Creating Viral or Unusual Content in North Korea
We understand that viral content thrives on unique and attention-grabbing moments, but North Korea is not the place to push boundaries.
Attempting to stage pranks, break rules, or conduct risky behaviour for content could jeopardise your safety, your group, and your local guides.
Influencers have been known to try controversial stunts in other destinations, but doing the same in North Korea could have serious consequences.
The DPRK takes laws and customs very seriously, and even minor infractions can lead to detainment or expulsion.
If you have a specific idea for a video or project, discuss it with us before your trip so we can guide you on what is appropriate.
Internet and Social Media Access is Extremely Limited
Unlike most travel destinations, North Korea has no public internet access for tourists. Some hotels for foreigners offer WiFi, but it is highly restricted and censored.
You won’t be able to access social media, Google, or most Western websites, even with a VPN.
If you need to upload content, plan ahead by scheduling posts or having a team manage your social media while you’re away.
Be Mindful of How You Present North Korea in Your Content
North Korea is a sensitive topic globally, and how you frame your content matters. If you're planning to document your trip, avoid sensationalism or exaggerated storytelling.
Rather than pushing a political narrative, focus on cultural insights, history, and daily life.
If your content appears to mock, distort, or disrespect North Korea, it could have consequences. Not just for you but also for future travellers, your local guides, and tour operators.
Keep your content objective and respectful while still offering an authentic perspective.
Drone Usage is Strictly Prohibited
Drones are NOT allowed in North Korea. If you attempt to bring one in, it will be confiscated at customs.
North Korean officials are very strict about aerial photography, and even asking about using a drone could raise suspicions.
Stick to ground-level filming and use tripods or handheld stabilisers instead.
Editing and Posting After Your Trip
Since you won’t be able to upload content while in North Korea, make sure you organise your footage and plan your content ahead of time.
Be mindful when editing your videos or writing captions. Keep your tone neutral and avoid unnecessary controversy that could affect future travellers.
If you have specific content ideas, ask us before your trip, and we’ll help guide you on what’s allowed.
For further questions, feel free to reach out to Koryo Tours!
Koryo Tours
Experts in North Korea Travel Since 1993
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