A North Korea-focused travel agency has issued filming guidelines for foreign visitors, warning of strict rules and potential risks.
Beijing-based Koryo Tours published a notice on its website on March 24 titled “9 Useful Tips for Content Creators Travelling to North Korea,” outlining key restrictions for photography and video recording.
According to the guide, visitors may take photos and videos but must adhere to North Korea’s strict regulations. They must be accompanied by a guide at all times, respect local culture, and avoid filming military facilities or restricted areas.
“The best rule of thumb is simple: if you are unsure whether you can take a photo or video, ask your guide first,” Koryo Tours said. “You should never attempt to secretly film or photograph restricted areas. If you get caught, the consequences will not be worth the risk.”
The agency also advised tourists to obtain permission before photographing locals. “If you want to take photos or videos of North Korean people, be polite and ask first,” it said. “Unlike other destinations where candid street photography is common, North Korea does not allow filming locals in a way that could be seen as intrusive or disrespectful.”
While smartphones and small cameras such as GoPros are generally permitted, authorities restrict professional-grade equipment to prevent visitors from being mistaken for journalists—who are barred from entering as tourists. Cameras with zoom lenses over 150mm are banned, and drones are confiscated upon arrival.
“Journalists are not allowed to enter North Korea as tourists, so carrying large camera setups might raise concerns, even if you’re not a journalist,” the guide stated. “The best approach is to blend in, keep it low-key, and use compact gear to document your trip.”
Koryo Tours also cautioned against using footage from North Korea to create sensationalized content, advising visitors to focus on cultural, historical, and everyday life themes rather than political issues.
“If your content appears to mock, distort, or disrespect North Korea, it could have consequences—not just for you but also for future travelers, your local guides, and tour operators,” the agency said.
The guide further warned against attempting to create viral or provocative content. “Staging pranks, breaking rules, or conducting risky behavior for content could jeopardize your safety, your group, and your local guides,” it said. “The DPRK takes laws and customs very seriously, and even minor infractions can lead to detainment or expulsion.”
Internet access in North Korea is nearly nonexistent for foreign visitors, the agency noted, adding that Google, YouTube, and other services operated by U.S. companies are completely inaccessible, even with a VPN.
The guidelines come as North Korea tentatively reopens its borders, signaling a cautious return to international tourism. In late February, Pyongyang briefly allowed Western tour groups to visit the Rason Special Economic Zone for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic but abruptly suspended the program after a few days. While North Korea did not provide a reason for the suspension, analysts speculated that authorities were concerned about detailed travel reports and social media posts exposing internal conditions.
Despite the suspension, North Korea has accepted applications from international runners for the Pyongyang Marathon on April 6, marking the first time in five years that foreigners will participate. Koryo Tours’ latest filming guidelines appear to be a preemptive measure to prevent unauthorized content from drawing scrutiny from North Korean authorities.
Participants in the marathon reportedly include citizens from 45 countries, including China, Russia, and Iran, as well as the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Australia, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the United Arab Emirates.
