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North Korea
Brief Fact File| Capital | Pyongyang |
| Currency | North Korean Won (KPW) |
| Language(s) | Korean |
| Local time | GMT + 09:00 |
| Telephone code | 850 |
| Major cities | Sinuiju, Kaesong, Nampho, Chongjin, Wonsan, Hamhung - Hamnam, Haeju, Kanggye, Hyesan |
Economy
The economy of North Korea is one of the world's most centrally planned and isolated. It faces desperate economic conditions. The country has faced years of underinvestment. Abreast of it the industrial and power output have declined. Large-scale military spending has eaten up the resources needed for investment and civilian consumption. Firm political control remains the Communist government's overriding concern and it will constrain any further loosening of economic regulations.
Major Exports:
- Minerals
- Metallurgical Products
- Manufactures (Including Armaments)
- Textiles And Fishery Products
- Petroleum
- Coking Coal
- Machinery And Equipment
- Textiles
- Grain
Embassy of India
6 Munsudong District
Daedonggang
Pyongyang
DPR Korea
Tel.: +(850)-(2)-817274/77
Fax: +(850)-(2)-817619
Visiting this Country
Business Visa Rules for Korea, North
- The visa application should be made a month in advance. They are
best made through a consulting company specializing in business
visits.
- Visas are almost always a single entry. Do not ask for a
multiple-entry visa in the initial stages.
- Do not expect to receive the visa well in advance of your date of
flight. The issuance of the visa generally ocurs late in the
sequence of procedures for travel to the country.
- The recent types of visa, available at some of the North Korean embassies, are not ink-stamp type, but are pasted directly onto the passport page, taking the full page.
| Festival | Date | Local Name | Detail |
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Araw ng Bagong Taon | |
| Chinese New Year | Araw ng Bagong Taon ng mga Tsino | ||
| People Power Day | February 25 | Edsa Revolution | Special non-working holiday; Commemorates 1986 EDSA Revolution |
| Maundy Thursday | Huwebes Santo | ||
| Good Friday | Biyernes Santo | ||
| Easter Sunday | Linggo ng Pagkabuhay | ||
| Day of Valor (Bataan Day) | April 9 | Araw ng Kagitingan | Commemorates the Bataan Death March |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Araw ng Manggagawa | |
| Independence Day | June 12 | Araw ng Kalayaan | |
| Ninoy Aquino Day | August 21 | Araw ni Kabayanihan ni Ninoy Aquino | Commemorates the martyrdom of Benigno Aquino Jr. |
| National Heroes' Day | Last Sunday of August | Araw ng mga Bayani | |
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Todos los Santos/Undas/Araw ng mga Namayapa | |
| End of Ramadan | Eid ul-Fitr | Date varies, based on Islamic calendar | |
| Bonifacio Day | November 30 | Kaarawan ni Bonifacio | Commemorates the life of Andres Bonifacio |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Araw ng Pasko | |
| Rizal Day | December 30 | Araw ni Kabayanihan ni Dr. Jose Rizal | Commemorates the martyrdom of José Rizal |
| New Year's Eve | December 31 | Medya Noche | Special non-working holiday |
Travel Tips
- It is strongly advised to ask permission before doing
photography. Taking photographs of Korean officials or guarded
buildings should be avoided.
- Tipping is officially frowned but some hotel staff may expect it.
- Gifts, precious metals and personal items like cameras, watches
and tape recorders should be declared.
- Do not carry too much cash while travelling. Remember, expensive
watches, jewelry and cameras can be a tempting targets for thieves.
- Make two photocopy of the passport, credit cards and other valuables. Leave one at home and pack other in your luggage, separate from the original.
