Getting from Sunan International Airport
Sunan International Airport is located approximately 24 kilometers north of Pyongyang. It serves as a primary gateway for international travelers arriving from cities such as Beijing, Moscow, and Vladivostok. While the airport handles a relatively small number of passengers, it features a modern terminal with expanded amenities.
Navigating the City
The experience of moving around Pyongyang depends heavily on your status as a visitor. Most tourists are required to be accompanied by an accredited guide who manages all logistics and transportation arrangements for the itinerary. However, personal visitors of foreign residents have more freedom to move independently unless specifically instructed otherwise by the government.
Public Transportation: Metro and Trolleybus
The city features a metro system with two routes. While the trains are noted for running efficiently despite their age, there are specific limitations for tourists:
- Metro: Most visitors on package tours will have short trips organized in advance by their guides. Only visitors of foreign residents are permitted to use the entire metro system freely. Note that the metro is located on the west side of the river, while the area where foreign residents live (Munsu dong) is on the east side.
- Trolleybus: While standard bus travel is generally restricted for foreign residents, some tour groups may organize specific trips to experience the trolleybus system. Navigating these can be complex because the numbers displayed on the dashboard indicate stopping patterns rather than route numbers, and routes are identified by their destination names rather than numbers.
Taxis
Taxis are available in Pyongyang, but drivers are often hesitant to accept foreign passengers due to regulations. An exception is noted at the Koryo Hotel near the railway station; drivers there may transport foreigners if they first confirm with the hotel that they are permitted to do so. For those authorized to use them, the cost for a medium distance is typically around €5, though specific rates for foreigners are calculated per kilometer depending on whether it is before or after 18:30.