PDRK (North Korea)
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
2
Positives
- NOVELTY SURF DESTINATION
- EMPTY EASY WAVES
- CONSISTENT DURING NE MONSOON
- UNTOUCHED PRISTINE ENVIRONMENT
Negatives
- VERY COLD IN WINTER
- HUMANITARIAN RIGHTS ISSUES
- RARE TYPHOON SWELLS, SUMMER INCONSISTENCY
- LIMITED ACCESSIBILITY
- EXPENSIVE
Where to surf in PDRK (North Korea)
Reading the words ‘surfing’ and ‘North Korea’ in the same sentence conjures up images of a 007 movie, and in some ways, it may as well be. Entering the country is an adventure in itself. With the exception of a brief reopening in the winter of 2014 (that didn’t include the coast) the borders of The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have been closed since January 2020.
Things were a bit easier before the pandemic when a few agencies based in China could grant access to several sites and outdoor activities, including biking, the Pyongyang marathon, SUP tours, and surfing. This if you weren’t travelling on a US or South Korean passport.
Between 2014 and 2017, after extensive negotiations, three surf-diplomacy expeditions led by Italian explorer Nik Zanella caught the first documented waves there. Scoring was not the main goal though. These expeditions taught locals and opened the first surf school inside the Majon hotel in Hamhung and equipped it with about 20 boards, wetsuits, SUPs, and bodyboards. Majon is one of the few seaside resorts on the east coast, catering to the internal elite and sporadic tourists. It features a fun right-hand point just upfront and a small local community enjoying it during summer swells. The water is crystal clear, with pollution non-existent. The landscape boasts red granite cliffs, deep red sand beaches, and a flora comparable to that of Northern California.
Surf spots in PDRK (North Korea)
Research the 2 surf breaks in PDRK (North Korea) and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to PDRK (North Korea)
Travel Information
Money
- Currency
- KPW
Communication
- Language
- Korean
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ac
Getting There
As of May 2025, there are no official plans to reopen tourist routes into the country. If this happens, there are a few agencies that organise trips there, including Shanghai-based URI Tours, which is the only one offering surf packages to Majon and Sijung. All trips start from Beijing. A trip to North Korea can be expensive. A 7 nights tour costs about 1.900 EU. This doesn’t include your flight into and nights in Beijing. Inquire with your agency of choice for surf options.
Getting Around
Independent transportation is strictly prohibited. You travel around in a comfortable bus, accompanied by zealous guides who watch over your every move. Guides are lovely, cooperative and speak great English. The surf spots are far from the capital, about 8 hours drive north. This gives you the rare chance to see parts of the country that other tourists can’t.
Accommodation
All hotels (and meals) are included in the package. The accommodation options range from the fascinating Korio Hotel in Pyongyang (truly out of a 50s spy movie) to the luxurious 5-star Majon Hotel, equipped with a spa, bowling alley, and beach club right in front of the waves.
Activities
There’s plenty to see and do in and out of the capital Pyongyang, including offering flowers to the Leaders’ statues on Mansudae Hill, climbing the Juche Tower, visiting Kim Il-sung Square where army parades are held or a day trip to the Demilitarised Zone. On the way to Majon, you can stretch your legs by SUPing on a lake. However, the best activity on the road is simply staring at the stunning landscape and common people passing by from the bus windows.
Hazards & hassles
The DPRK is possibly the safest destination on the planet. No theft, no crime, no hassles. This if you stick to the rules clearly stated by your chaperons on day one. Ask your guides before taking pictures, avoid criticism of the leaders, don’t try to wander around alone and don’t steal propaganda posters.
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