Hamhung - Discovering North Korea

Travelling to Hamhung

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Hamhung, a pretty good destination in North Korea (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Hamhung and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Hamhung, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through North Korea, here's everything to know about Hamhung for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Hamhung

Hamhung is a city located on the east coast of North Korea, and it is the second-largest city in the country after the capital city of Pyongyang. It served as an important industrial and economic center during the post-war era and is home to a number of significant factories and industrial complexes. It is also known for its scenic beaches and historic landmarks, including the Hamhung Grand Theater and the Hamhung Revolutionary Site. However, as a foreigner, it may be challenging to visit and obtain information about the city due to North Korea's restrictive travel regulations.

What to visit in Hamhung

Hamhung is the second-largest city in North Korea and is located on the eastern coast of the country. Here are some tourist attractions you can visit in Hamhung: 1. Hamhung Grand Theatre: It is one of the largest theatres in North Korea and has a seating capacity of 2,200 people. The theatre hosts a variety of cultural shows, including opera performances and traditional Korean dance.
2. Jangan Temple: This ancient Buddhist temple is located in the mountains outside Hamhung and is believed to date back to the 7th century. The temple has several shrines and statues of Buddha and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Hamhung Revolutionary History Museum: This museum showcases the history of Hamhung and the surrounding area during the Korean War and the period of Japanese colonial rule. The museum has several exhibits featuring military equipment and historical artifacts.
4. Hamhung Beach: This is a popular spot for locals and offers beautiful views of the Sea of Japan. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports here.
5. Hamhung Central Zoo: This zoo is home to over 800 animals from around the world, including elephants, tigers, and bears. The zoo also has a small amusement park with rides and games for children.
6. Ssuk Island: This small island is located just off the coast of Hamhung and is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can hike around the island's rocky coastline and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.
Please note that travelling to North Korea is not currently advisable for many travellers due to a variety of reasons, including political restrictions, safety concerns, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it's important to do your research and make an informed decision before planning a trip to North Korea.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in North Korea, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Hamhung.

When to go on holiday to Hamhung

Hamhung has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to travel to Hamhung is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. During these seasons, the temperatures are comfortable, and there is less rainfall, offering ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer (June to August) can be quite hot and humid, with occasional typhoons and heavy rainfall. Winter (December to February) can be very cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. However, if you enjoy winter sports, winter is a good time to visit Hamhung.
Keep in mind that North Korea imposes several travel restrictions and visa requirements on foreign visitors, so it is always advisable to check the latest travel advisories and regulations before planning your trip to Hamhung or any other destination in North Korea.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Hamhung

Hamhung is a city in North Korea that can be reached by either air or land transportation.
By air: The closest airport to Hamhung is the Hamhung Airport, which has domestic flights from Pyongyang. If you are flying from an international destination, you will need to transit through Pyongyang.
By land: There are several bus and train services that run between Pyongyang and Hamhung. The travel time by road is about five hours, while the train journey takes about eight hours.
Please note that North Korea is a closed country, and foreign visitors are required to obtain a visa to enter. It is also recommended to travel with a tour agency or government-sponsored organization for safety reasons.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Hamhung, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Hamhung

Hamhung is known for its unique culinary culture, which mainly features seafood, rice, and various vegetables. Here's a list of typical foods of Hamhung and their descriptions: 1. Haemul Jeongol (Seafood Stew): A spicy and savory stew that is made with a variety of seafood such as clams, shrimp, squid, and octopus in a delicious broth, which includes vegetables and spices.
2. Hamhung-style Cold Noodle Soup: A refreshing dish served in a cold broth made from sour plum concentrate, seasoned with vinegar and mustard, and topped with noodles, slices of pork, cucumbers, kimchi, and boiled eggs.
3. Jonseun Haejangguk (Hangover Soup): A spicy soup that is typically consumed after a night out drinking. It consists of a hearty broth made from beef and assorted vegetables, including peppers, garlic, and ginger.
4. Gyeongdan (Sweet Rice Cake): A delicious rice cake made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweetened sesame seeds, aronia berries, and red bean paste.
5. Hwandeok (Sweet Rice Pancake): A popular snack made from sweet rice flour, sugar, and water, then fried and served with honey, sesame seeds, or sweetened soy sauce.
6. Bibimbap (Mixed Rice Bowl): A classic Korean dish, where a colorful mix of vegetables, meat, and sometimes seafood, are placed on top of steamed rice and mixed together with spicy gochujang sauce.
7. Seafood and Vegetables Jeon (Fritters): A savory Korean-style pancake made with a batter of vegetables, seafood, egg, and flour, fried to a crispy golden brown.
These are just some of the typical foods of Hamhung. Each dish is unique, flavorful and offers a taste of North Korea's rich culinary culture.
You can find general info about typical foods in North Korea here.

Is Hamhung an expensive destination for tourists?

As North Korea is a very closed country and very restrictive in terms of tourism, it is difficult to give a definite answer about the costs of visiting Hamhung or any other destination in North Korea. However, based on reports and information available, it is safe to say that visiting North Korea can be quite expensive for tourists due to a number of reasons. Firstly, tourists are required to book their guided tours through authorized travel agencies, which can often charge high prices for their services. Additionally, visitors are required to pay for visas, travel permits, and other bureaucratic procedures that can add to the overall cost of the trip.
Moreover, given the lack of availability of certain goods and services in North Korea, prices tend to be higher for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and accommodation compared to other countries.
Therefore, if you plan to visit Hamhung or any other destination in North Korea, it is recommended to research and plan accordingly and keep in mind that it may be an expensive journey.

Where to find accomodation in Hamhung

Hamhung, North Korea's second largest city, has a number of options for accommodation, but the best areas to look for a place to stay while visiting the city are around the city center and along the main thoroughfare, Tonghung Street. Some popular options include hotels such as the Hamhung Grand Hotel, the Tongmyong Hotel, and the Hamhung Health Complex. Another alternative is to stay in a guesthouse, which can offer a more personalized and local experience. Whatever your choice, it is important to note that it is mandatory to have a guide and pre-arranged accommodations in North Korea, and tourists are not allowed to travel independently.
You can check hotel prices at Hamhung here:
Booking.com

Is Hamhung a safe destination for tourists?

Hamhung is generally considered a safe place for tourists who are permitted to enter North Korea. However, it is important to note that North Korea is a heavily controlled and restricted country, with strict rules and regulations that must be followed by visitors. It is also worth noting that the political situation in North Korea can be volatile, and there have been instances in the past where tensions with other countries have escalated. If you are planning to travel to Hamhung or anywhere in North Korea, it is important to do your research and stay up-to-date on the current political climate before making any travel arrangements. It is also recommended to travel with a reputable and experienced tour operator who can provide guidance and support throughout your trip.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in North Korea here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Hamhung.

What type of travelers will enjoy Hamhung the most?

Hamhung is not frequently visited by tourists, and North Korea has strict rules for all visitors. However, it is a place that can be enjoyed by all types of travelers, including couples, families, and young people. The city has a number of interesting tourist attractions, such as the Hamhung Revolutionary Site and the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex. It's worth noting, however, that North Korea is a destination with unique challenges and requirements for visitors. All visitors must travel as part of a guided tour, and there are many restrictions on what can be seen and done. It's important to thoroughly research and plan any trip to North Korea, and to travel with a reputable tour operator that can help navigate these challenges.

How to get around Hamhung

The most common way to move around Hamhung is by taxi or bus. Taxis are easily available and can be hailed from the roadside or requested from the hotel reception. Buses also run frequently and are an affordable option. However, it's important to note that public transportation in North Korea can be unpredictable and may not always run on time. It's best to plan ahead and leave early to allow for any unexpected delays.

What to see around Hamhung

Unfortunately, as a travel website, I cannot provide specific travel advice for North Korea as the country is known for having travel restrictions for foreign visitors. However, as a general piece of advice, it's always good to check with the local authorities and travel agencies about the places allowed for tourist visits. If you do have permission to travel around Hamhung, some places of interest to check out in a day trip from the area are the Hamhung Grand Theater, Jangsusan Hotel & Ski Resort, the Kyonghung Unfired Porcelain Factory, and the Fortress Wall of Hamhung. Keep in mind that traveling within North Korea can be quite challenging due to transportation and security concerns, so please make sure you take all the necessary precautions and get proper authorization from the government before planning any excursion.
For every travel information about North Korea you can click here.

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