Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea. Pyongyang has been completely redesigned since the Korean War (1950–1953). It is designed with wide avenues, imposing monuments, and monolithic buildings. The city also has regular international train services to Beijing and Moscow. A journey to Beijing takes about 25 hours and 25 minutes; a journey to Moscow takes 6 days.

The Democratic Republic of Korea is in Eastern Asia, in the northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and South Korea. The climate is temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer.

The official language is Korean. North and South Korea share the same language but there are differences in dialect. The main religions are atheist or non-religious and traditional beliefs.

The economy of North Korea is an industrialised, highly centralized command economy. The role of market allocation is sharply limited - mainly in the rural sector where peasants sell produce from small private plots. There are almost no small businesses.

In North Korea there are strict rules regulating the conduct of foreigners/expatriates as well as locals. North Korean society is hierarchical, placing most importance on seniority. Senior hosts will be introduced first. Expatriate business dress is conservative, comprising suits. Businesswomen are expected to dress conservatively.

The security risk for expatriates in North Korea is medium to high. Risks include inadequate travel permission and documentation, information security, enforced travel changes, and arbitrary interrogation or detention.

The currency of North Korea is the North Korean Won (KPW). Credit cards and travellers’ cheques are not accepted. Some hotels may insist on full payment in advance when checking in.

Medical facilities in North Korea are poor and limited.

The population of Pyongyang is 3.2 Million (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is 55% for North Korea as at July 2013.

For a single Expat, the personal income tax rate in North Korea is 0% as there is currently no personal income tax.

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Pyongyang as at 1 April 2018 is high in comparison to other places in the world.

Pyongyang is ranked as a extreme hardship location.