Korea Democratic Republic of, Pyongyang

Overview

Korea Democratic Republic of, Pyongyang 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 2.5 Million (2016 est.), while the inflation rate is 55% (July 2017).

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Pyongyang as at 1 July 2017 is high in comparison to other places in the world.

In Pyongyang, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):
1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: High
2) Clothing: Very Low
3) Communication: Very Low
4) Education: Average
5) Furniture & Appliances: High
6) Groceries: Very High
7) Healthcare: Low
8) Household Accommodation: Very Low
9) Miscellaneous: Very High
10) Personal Care: High
11) Recreation & Culture: Very High
12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Very High
13) Transport: Very High

Pyongyang is for example 49.4% more expensive than Houston TX for groceries, -36.6% cheaper for household costs than Kuala Lumpur, and 71.6% more expensive for transport costs than Dubai.

Pyongyang is ranked as a extreme hardship location.

The hardship premium for Pyongyang for an expat from Perth, is for example 30%, i.e. host location (Pyongyang) premium of 40% minus home (Perth) location premium of 10%.

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The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Pyongyang as at 1 July 2017 is high in comparison to other places in the world.

Pyongyang is ranked as a extreme hardship location.