North Korea, one of the world’s most centrally directed and least open economies, faces chronic economic problems. Industrial capital stock is nearly beyond repair as a result of years of underinvestment, shortages of spare parts, and poor maintenance.

North Korea’s economy is a centrally planned system, i.e. the role ofmarket allocation schemes is limited.

Every aspect of economic activity remains tightly controlled by the Communist Party and Kim Jong-un, the hermit kingdom’s third-generation “supreme leader.”

The country’s basic adherence to a rigid centrally planned economy continues, as does its reliance on fundamentally non-pecuniary (not readily quantified or valued in money) incentives.

Visitors to North Korea must obtain a visa from one of the North Korean diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.

North Korea entry and exit formalities – guide to North Korea visas, immigration, customs and border security

76 tips on getting to and getting around North Korea from real travelers and locals.

Transport in North Korea is constrained by economic problems and government restrictions. Public transport predominates, and most of it is electrified.

North Korea possesses an underdeveloped yet growing market which has markedly improved in recent years as noted by growing mobile penetration. Communications with the outside world is restricted as everyday citizens are only able to receive news through government controlled channels

North Korea has not fully adopted mainstream Internet technology due to its isolationist policies.[1]

The North Korean government continues to require forced, uncompensated labor from workers, including even schoolchildren and university students

A guide to the laws of North Korea from the US Library of Congress

A guide to the laws of North Korea from the US Library of Congress

Food prices are from a very small sample of consumers and may not be reliable

A brief commentary on proper greetings in North Korea

“People and Society” on this CIA site

Facts and statistics on the demographics of North Korea.

Located between 38 and 43 north latitude, North Korea has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Long winters bring bitterly cold and clear weather interspersed with snow storms as a result of northern and northwestern winds that blow from Siberia.

Weather and Climate information for North Korea. Average monthly Rainfall, Sunshine, Temperatures, Humidity, Wind Speed

The State Department strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to North Korea/the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under North Korea’s system of law enforcement

Latest travel advice for North Korea including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health

This is a report on the history of education in North Korea and the ideology that governs education today.

While the schools are teaching literacy skills the main emphasis of the schools is indoctrination. Japan emphasizes social skills in the early years but in the DPRK it is social and indoctrination to the regime.

Discover the complete list of North Korea’s public holidays for 2016 and 2017

Present business cards with both hands. Include a Korean translation of your business card on the flip side. This shows that you are willing to go the extra mile to do business with them.

Import and export license requirements and policy on this US Department of Commerce site

A report from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control

Private Sector both face a shortage of skilled labour and

A report on a South Korea/North Korea trade agreement

North Korea and Cuba yesterday signed a trade agreement that will see them exchanging goods via a barter system, according to a report from Prensa-Latina.

16 reviews plus guest photos and top deals on 6 hotels inNorth Korea from real travelers and locals

Find 785 traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 16 hotels in North Korea.

The State Department strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to North Korea/the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under North Korea’s system of law enforcement

A chance to visit the world’s most isolated nation, where the internet and much of the 21st century remain unknown