North Korea—officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)—remains perhaps the world’s most enigmatic nation, and information about the cost of living in North Korea is notoriously difficult to obtain.
Unlike studying in Seoul or Tokyo, life as an international student in Pyongyang comes with extraordinary restrictions and a financial landscape entirely unlike any other country. The North Korean won isn’t traded internationally, foreign currency use is strictly regulated, and the economy operates under a centralized system where many costs are heavily subsidized but controlled by the government.
This guide attempts to shed light on what few international students (primarily from China, Russia, and selected allied nations) experience when studying in this isolated country. While tourist visits give glimpses of carefully curated experiences, studying at institutions like Kim Il-sung University or Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST) offers a slightly deeper—though still heavily supervised—view of life in the DPRK.
Finding accurate information about the real cost of living in North Korea is nearly impossible—but this guide compiles what limited data exists along with rare accounts from past exchange students and the handful of foreign instructors who have taught in the country.
Student Housing in North Korea: The Closely Monitored Experience
Understanding accommodation as part of the cost of living in North Korea requires recognizing a fundamental truth: international students have virtually no choice in where they live. Unlike other countries where you might shop around for apartments or dormitories, foreign students are assigned specific housing, typically within closely monitored international student dormitories.
According to limited reports from previous exchange students, these accommodations are basic but functional, with amenities that far exceed what local students typically access. International dormitories at institutions like Kim Il-sung University reportedly feature more reliable electricity and sometimes even limited internet access (though heavily censored and monitored).
| Accommodation Type | Pyongyang (Monthly) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University Dormitory (Standard) | Included in tuition package | Basic amenities, shared rooms |
| University Dormitory (International) | Included in tuition package | More reliable utilities, sometimes private rooms |
| Koryo Hotel (For visiting scholars) | $100-$150 per night | For short-term academic visitors only |
| Private Accommodation | Not permitted for students | Foreign students cannot choose private housing |
| Yanggakdo International Hotel | $80-$120 per night | Typically for tourists, not students |
The Reality of Student Housing
What’s particularly unusual about the cost of living in North Korea is that housing costs for international students are typically bundled into overall program fees. There’s no concept of “apartment hunting” or comparing prices. Foreign students are housed together, creating what some former participants have described as a “bubble within a bubble”—a segregated foreign student community within an already isolated society.
The important thing to understand: While housing might be included in your program fees, this comes with significant restrictions on privacy and movement. Reports from past students suggest rooms are monitored, visitors are restricted or prohibited, and leaving the premises requires permission and often accompaniment by authorized personnel.
Food in North Korea: Between State-Run Canteens and Special Stores
Food forms a unique component of the cost of living in North Korea for international students. The food system in North Korea is dramatically different from market economies, with heavy state subsidies but limited variety and availability.
Most international students rely on a combination of university canteens and special foreign currency shops. University meal plans are typically included in program costs, offering basic but adequate meals. These canteens generally provide better food than is available to the general population but with limited variety.
| Food Source | Approximate Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| University Cafeteria | Included in tuition | Three meals daily, limited variety |
| Foreign Currency Shop (Potonggang) | $3-8 per item | Limited imported goods, higher prices |
| State-Run Restaurant | $10-$30 per meal | Accessible with guide/permission |
| Local Market (Jangmadang) | Not typically accessible to foreigners | Forbidden for most international students |
| Imported Snacks/Goods | $5-15 per item | Limited selection at special shops |
| Dining Option | Approximate Cost | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| Okryu Restaurant | $15-$30 per person | Limited access, usually with guide |
| Pyongyang Restaurant | $20-$35 per person | Foreign currency only, with permission |
| Hotel Restaurants | $25-$50 per person | Accessible to foreign students with permission |
| University Special Events | Included in program | Occasional banquets for foreign students |
| Local Restaurants | Not typically available | Most local establishments off-limits to foreigners |
The North Korean Food Reality
According to accounts from former exchange students, the cost of living in North Korea includes significant spending on supplementary food items. While meal plans cover basic needs, many international students report spending additional money at foreign currency shops for familiar snacks, fruits, and comfort foods.
What you need to know: Food expenses in North Korea are unpredictable. While many basics are provided, items like coffee, chocolate, or specific snacks can be extremely expensive when available. Some former students recommend bringing non-perishable favorites from home, though all items are subject to inspection upon entry.
Research from the Peterson Institute for International Economics suggests that access to food for foreigners in North Korea is strictly controlled, with international students having significantly better options than the general population but still facing limitations uncommon in other countries.
Transportation in North Korea: The Guided Movement System
Transportation represents a unique aspect of the cost of living in North Korea, as movement is highly restricted and monitored. International students cannot freely travel around Pyongyang, let alone the country. All travel typically requires advance permission and accompaniment by approved guides or minders.
For international students, transportation between approved locations (like from dormitories to classrooms) is usually provided as part of educational programs. Any additional travel, even within Pyongyang, generally requires official approval and escorts.
| Transport Type | Approximate Cost | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| University Shuttle | Included in program | Between approved campus locations |
| Pyongyang Metro | $0.50 equivalent per ride | Limited stations open to foreigners, with guide |
| Official Tour Bus | $30-$100 per excursion | For organized trips to approved sites |
| Government Vehicle | Arranged by university | For official business only |
| Taxis | Not available to students | Reserved for diplomats and special guests |
| Independent Travel | Not permitted | Foreigners cannot travel independently |
The Transportation Reality
The unique aspect of transportation as part of the cost of living in North Korea is that while day-to-day costs may be minimal, this comes with severe restrictions on movement. Students cannot simply decide to explore the city or country on a whim.
What this means for your budget: While transportation costs may appear low on paper, organized excursions to approved sites like the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) or historical monuments can be expensive, with costs for guides, transportation, and permissions adding up quickly.
According to NK News, one of the few specialized news services focused on North Korea, even the limited public transportation that exists in Pyongyang operates on a dual system, with services for foreigners being separate from those used by citizens.
Utilities and Bills: The Controlled Infrastructure Experience
Understanding utilities as part of the cost of living in North Korea requires recognizing that infrastructure in the DPRK is fundamentally different from other countries. Electricity is intermittent even in Pyongyang, with frequent outages. Water supply can be unreliable, and heating in winter is often inadequate.
For international students, the situation is somewhat better, as foreign dormitories typically have priority access to electricity and may have backup generators. However, even in these facilities, services that would be taken for granted elsewhere are not guaranteed.
| Transport Type | Approximate Cost | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| University Shuttle | Included in program | Between approved campus locations |
| Pyongyang Metro | $0.50 equivalent per ride | Limited stations open to foreigners, with guide |
| Official Tour Bus | $30-$100 per excursion | For organized trips to approved sites |
| Government Vehicle | Arranged by university | For official business only |
| Taxis | Not available to students | Reserved for diplomats and special guests |
| Independent Travel | Not permitted | Foreigners cannot travel independently |
The Utility Reality
According to the limited accounts available from past exchange students, the cost of living in North Korea doesn’t typically include separate utility bills for foreign students. Instead, basic services are included in accommodation packages, though quality and reliability vary dramatically.
The most important consideration: Internet access, a utility taken for granted by students worldwide, is extremely limited in North Korea. When available to foreign students, it is heavily censored, monitored, and restricted to specific approved websites. Some educational institutions like PUST have limited intranet systems, but these bear little resemblance to the open internet.
Research from 38 North, a website devoted to analysis of North Korea, indicates that while the country has made some technological advances in recent years, services like reliable electricity and telecommunications remain challenges even in privileged settings like international student facilities.
Student Life in North Korea: Restricted Leisure and Monitored Activities
The cost of living in North Korea includes limited options for recreation and social activities. Unlike in other countries where students might have countless options for entertainment, shopping, and socializing, foreign students in North Korea face severe restrictions on where they can go and what they can do.
Leisure activities are typically limited to pre-approved and guided experiences. Shopping is restricted to foreign currency stores with limited and expensive selections. Cultural events are carefully curated, and interaction with local citizens is typically minimal and monitored.
| Transport Type | Approximate Cost | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| University Shuttle | Included in program | Between approved campus locations |
| Pyongyang Metro | $0.50 equivalent per ride | Limited stations open to foreigners, with guide |
| Official Tour Bus | $30-$100 per excursion | For organized trips to approved sites |
| Government Vehicle | Arranged by university | For official business only |
| Taxis | Not available to students | Reserved for diplomats and special guests |
| Independent Travel | Not permitted | Foreigners cannot travel independently |
The Lifestyle Reality
According to accounts from former students, the cost of living in North Korea includes significant psychological adjustments. The lack of freedom to explore, to choose activities spontaneously, or to interact naturally with locals creates an environment unlike any other study abroad experience.
What you need to understand: While lifestyle costs for approved activities may be subsidized or included in program fees, the restricted nature of life means that money alone cannot buy the freedom and choices available in other countries. Some former students report that the most valuable items were those that helped pass time during frequent electricity outages—books, battery-powered devices, and non-electronic games.
Health and Insurance: Medical Care in the Hermit Kingdom
Health insurance represents a unique aspect of the cost of living in North Korea. The country’s medical system is severely under-resourced, with shortages of equipment, medications, and supplies. For international students, health concerns present significant challenges.
Most foreign student programs require comprehensive international health insurance that includes emergency evacuation coverage. In case of serious illness or injury, evacuation to China is typically necessary, as North Korean medical facilities are generally not equipped to handle complex cases.
| Medical/Insurance Need | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International Health Insurance | $1,500-$3,000 annually | Must include emergency evacuation coverage |
| Medical Evacuation Coverage | $500-$1,000 additional | Essential for any serious medical condition |
| Friendship Hospital (Foreigners) | $50-$200 per visit | Basic care only, limited medications |
| Prescription Medications | Bring from home | Not reliably available in North Korea |
| Emergency Evacuation | $10,000-$50,000 | Insurance essential; evacuation usually to China |
The Healthcare Reality
According to health security experts, including those at the World Health Organization, the cost of living in North Korea should include significant preparation for health contingencies. Students with ongoing medical needs should carefully consider whether these can be accommodated in an environment where even basic medications may be unavailable.
Critical health advice: Bring all necessary medications in original packaging with a doctor’s letter explaining their purpose. Ensure your international health insurance includes emergency evacuation, as treatment options within North Korea are severely limited. Some former students recommend bringing basic medical supplies like antibiotics, pain relievers, and stomach medication, as these may be difficult to obtain locally.
Education in North Korea: The Heavily Subsidized System
The educational system represents a unique aspect of the cost of living in North Korea. Unlike the market-driven tuition models in most countries, North Korean universities operate under tight government control, with prices for international students often being politically determined rather than market-based.
For the few foreign students permitted to study in North Korea, costs are typically packaged as comprehensive programs that include tuition, accommodation, and basic meals. These packages are often negotiated through government-to-government arrangements or through specific international programs.
| Medical/Insurance Need | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International Health Insurance | $1,500-$3,000 annually | Must include emergency evacuation coverage |
| Medical Evacuation Coverage | $500-$1,000 additional | Essential for any serious medical condition |
| Friendship Hospital (Foreigners) | $50-$200 per visit | Basic care only, limited medications |
| Prescription Medications | Bring from home | Not reliably available in North Korea |
| Emergency Evacuation | $10,000-$50,000 | Insurance essential; evacuation usually to China |
The Education Reality
According to limited reports from educational exchanges, the cost of living in North Korea for students includes significant non-monetary costs. Academic freedom is severely restricted, with curriculum focusing heavily on political indoctrination. Internet access for research is extremely limited, and materials are heavily censored.
What prospective students should understand: While tuition packages may seem affordable compared to Western universities, the educational experience is fundamentally different. Programs are typically narrow in scope, with limited course options and heavily controlled content. Former students report that the value lies more in the unique cultural experience than in the academic content itself.
Research from Columbia University’s Center for Korean Research suggests that most international students who study in North Korea do so for specific political, cultural, or linguistic purposes rather than for traditional academic advancement.
Navigating Student Life: Tips for Managing Costs in North Korea
Based on the limited accounts available from previous exchange students, here are some strategies for managing the cost of living in North Korea:
- Bring essential items from home. Many everyday items are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive. Former students recommend bringing toiletries, non-perishable snacks, medications, and entertainment options like books and downloaded media.
- Prepare a cash reserve in Chinese yuan or Euros. Banking is essentially non-existent for foreigners in North Korea, and credit cards are not accepted. Having sufficient cash (in appropriate currencies) is essential for any unexpected expenses.
- Pack appropriate clothing for all seasons. Shopping options are extremely limited, and heating in winter may be inadequate. Layered clothing appropriate for both hot summers and cold winters is essential.
- Bring a good water filter or purification system. Tap water is not safe to drink, and bottled water can be expensive or inconsistently available.
- Prepare mentally for limited communication. Regular contact with family and friends outside North Korea will be severely restricted. Mental preparation for this isolation is as important as financial planning.
According to reports from the U.S. Department of State, while tourism to North Korea is severely restricted for American citizens, educational programs have sometimes been permitted under specific conditions. For citizens of other countries, such as China and Russia, educational exchanges are more common but still tightly controlled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average monthly cost of living in North Korea for an international student?
Most programs are all-inclusive packages ranging from $3,000-$10,000 annually, covering basic accommodation, meals, and tuition. Additional expenses for personal items, supplementary food, and approved activities might add $100-$300 monthly.
Can international students work part-time in North Korea?
No, foreign students are not permitted to work. All activities are closely monitored, and unauthorized work would be considered illegal.
Which North Korean universities accept international students?
Only a handful of institutions accept foreign students, primarily Kim Il-sung University, Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, and Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies. Admission is heavily restricted and often requires government-to-government arrangements.
Are there ATMs or banking services available for international students in North Korea?
No, North Korea has no international banking connections. Students must bring sufficient cash (typically Chinese yuan or Euros) for their entire stay or arrange periodic cash deliveries through their embassy.
How reliable is internet access for students in North Korea?
Extremely limited. Some universities offer restricted intranet access rather than true internet. Communication is heavily monitored, and access to most international websites is blocked.
What should international students bring that cannot be purchased in North Korea?
Medications, specialty toiletries, electronics, batteries, favorite snacks, and entertainment (books, downloaded movies/music). Many everyday items are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
How do international students communicate with family while studying in North Korea?
Communication is severely restricted. Some universities allow occasional monitored email access or international calls under supervision. Real-time or private communication is generally not possible.
Conclusion
Understanding the true cost of living in North Korea requires looking beyond simple monetary calculations. The most significant costs are often non-financial—restrictions on freedom of movement, communication, and access to information create an educational experience unlike any other in the world.
For the few international students who do study in North Korea each year, primarily from China, Russia, and allied nations, the experience offers unique insights into one of the world’s most isolated societies. However, prospective students should carefully consider whether the severe restrictions and potential risks justify the experience.
While this guide attempts to provide practical information about the cost of living in North Korea for international students, it’s important to note that conditions can change rapidly and without notice. Anyone considering study in North Korea should consult their country’s foreign ministry and maintain close contact with their embassy or consulate.
