Does North Korea have restaurants?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 06, 2026
North Korea's government owns and operates around 130 restaurants across Asia. The restaurants are called Pyongyang, named after the capital of North Korea. Serving North Korean food and liquor and featuring live music, the chain offers visitors a rare glimpse into the reclusive nation's culture.
Does North Korea have Mcdonalds?
North Korea does not have McDonald's, nor do they have KFC, Burger King, or any other Western fast-food restaurant chain because North Korea runs a totalitarian government. However, rumors have swirled since 2018 that North Korea was interested in a McDonald's location, but nothing ever came of it.
Does North Korea have bars and restaurants?
Nowadays there are many more bars, coffee shops, and even pizza joints popping up in Pyongyang. But the one true staple of North Korean nightlife preceded even Young Pioneer Tours, and that is the Taedong Diplomatic Club, AKA “The Diplo”.
Why is there no food in North Korea?
The disruption in China-North Korean trade also contributed greatly to the food shortage in North Korea. Starting in January 2020, North Korea closed its border and shut down all trade activities with China due to concern over the spread of COVID-19. China is North Korea's biggest aid provider and trade partner.
Is there a KFC in North Korea?
It's located at the edge of a densely-populated and central part of the North Korean capital, on Chilsongmun Street between the Arch of Triumph and the Chollima Statue, and it's popular with the small number of tourists that visit the isolated dictatorship.
26 related questions foundDoes North Korea have Coca Cola?
There are two countries where you won't find the carbonated drink in stores – at least officially. Due to ongoing trade embargoes and sanctions, there are currently no legal avenues to buy Coca-Cola in Cuba and North Korea.
Is there a Starbucks in North Korea?
Pyongyang may be one of the few major cities left on Earth where you ca not find a Starbucks. But it is brimming over with coffee shops. Take a mini-tour of Kumrung, one of the city's newest and popular caffeine hangouts.
Can people leave North Korea?
Freedom of movement. North Korean citizens usually cannot freely travel around the country, let alone travel abroad. Emigration and immigration are strictly controlled.
Is North Korea poor?
North Korea and Poverty
Since 1948, its population has reached 25 million. As a result of its economic structure and lack of participation within the world economy, poverty in North Korea is prevalent. Approximately 60% of North Korea's population lives in poverty.
Do they have nightclubs in North Korea?
There are no clubs in Pyongyang or anywhere else in the country. Nightlife will most likely be limited to two hotels: the Yanggakdo Hotel and the Koryo Hotel, both of them equipped with casinos, karaokes and nightclubs, although these are not open to locals.
Can you go out at night in North Korea?
North Korea at night – Nightlife of Pyongyang
Bars are abundant as are restaurants and Karaoke bars and with more reliable power supply, places tend to stay open later.
Can Tourists drink alcohol in North Korea?
There is a "huge number" of bars in Pyongyang where beer is available. In the summer and during festivals, beer tents pop up around Pyongyang. Tourists can buy beer with foreign currency without the limitations that apply to North Koreans. A beer in international hotels cost about two euros.
What phones do they use in North Korea?
However, North Korea's smartphones (called 'touch phones' locally) could be the most exclusive in the world and includes some great apps. The first domestic model, the Arirang 171, was praised by leader Kim Jong-Un for its 'high pixels' and its cutting-edge technology.
Does North Korea have phones?
North Korea has an adequate telephone system, with 1.18 million fixed lines available in 2008. However, most phones are only installed for senior government officials. Someone wanting a phone installed must fill out a form indicating their rank, why they want a phone, and how they will pay for it.
Does North Korea have pizza?
Pyongyang has two pizza restaurants and this one is by far the best. At the time of writing it is also the only pizza restaurant open to tourists.
What can you not bring to North Korea?
What not to bring to North Korea
- Offensive movies.
- Books about Korea.
- Pornography.
- Religious Materials.
- Satellite Phones.
- Drones.
How many kids are starving in North Korea?
In North Korea “10 million people are considered food insecure … 140,000 children under 5 suffer acute malnutrition … and higher rates of malnutrition and mortality are anticipated for 2021,” UNICEF said in its Humanitarian Situation Report published in February.
Can I move to North Korea?
Foreigners are forbidden to own property and if you are thinking of moving to North Korea from the USA, UK or anywhere else, housing will be provided by the authorities. For its citizens, property in North Korea is allocated by the state and the type of housing depends on their social status.
Can North Koreans shop?
Shopping in North Korea
As a communist country, North Korea is not the place for scratching that retail itch. However, there are a few state-approved souvenir shops and booths – usually attached to museums or within hotels – that offer a heady mix of tacky tourist trinkets and one-of-a-kind mementos.
What can you not do in North Korea?
North Korea bans laughing, drinking and shopping for 11 days; Here's why. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, also known as North Korea has banned its citizens from laughing, shopping, and drinking from Friday onwards as a part of 11-day mourning on the 10th anniversary of former leader Kim Jong-il.
Can you buy pads in North Korea?
Sanitary pads and tampons are not available in the North Korean market. Your profession is chosen by the government, based on the country's needs. Those who do not comply are sent to concentration camps for forced labour. Sanitary pads and tampons are not available in the North Korean market.