Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in North Korea.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is one of the world's most isolated and controlled destinations. All tourism is tightly regulated through guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into this enigmatic nation with its grand monuments, orchestrated events, and carefully curated experiences.
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Socialist realist paintings and prints produced by North Korea's official artists. Subjects range from revolutionary heroes to pastoral landscapes and monuments. Unique collectibles unavailable anywhere else.
North Korean postage stamps are world-renowned among philatelists for their colorful designs depicting leaders, wildlife, rockets, and athletes. Sold in sets at official shops. Among the most sought-after collectibles from the country.
The ubiquitous portrait badge worn by all North Korean citizens is available in limited souvenir editions for tourists. A small red pin bearing the image of Kim Il-sung. Poignant symbol of DPRK daily life.
High-quality reproductions of classical Korean celadon pottery with jade-green glaze and incised floral or crane motifs. Continuing a tradition dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty. Carefully packed for travel.
Kaesong ginseng is among the most prized in Asia, cultivated in the former Goryeo capital's rich soil for over 1,000 years. Sold as dried roots, capsules, tea, or candy. One of North Korea's most prestigious exports.
The collected writings and speeches of North Korea's leaders are sold at bookshops throughout Pyongyang. Available in English, French, Spanish, and other languages. A fascinating window into Juche ideology.
Hand-embroidered silk panels and pictures featuring landscapes, cranes, and peonies. Produced in state craft workshops with meticulous detail. Rolled for transport and presented in decorative tubes.
North Korea's famous Taedonggang beer, brewed in Pyongyang with German equipment, and local soju spirit are sold in bottles to take home. Both are surprisingly high quality and unavailable outside the country.
Traditional Korean chess sets carved from wood or ivory substitute. The game differs from Chinese and Western chess. Instructions in English included. A unique cultural artifact and practical souvenir.
Official tourist maps of Pyongyang and North Korea, plus propaganda posters featuring revolutionary imagery and socialist slogans. Officially approved reproductions of historic posters. Must pass customs inspection on exit.
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Pyongyang's main department store sells electronics, clothing, food, and household goods. Tourists visit the ground floor souvenir section and food hall. A rare window into what goods are available to ordinary North Koreans.
A state-run farmers and goods market open to tourists with guide accompaniment. Stalls sell fresh produce, Korean snacks, household items, and simple manufactured goods. One of the few places to observe informal economic activity.
The main bookshop for tourists carrying works by the Kim leaders in multiple languages, propaganda posters, DPRK maps, stamps, and Korean language textbooks. The shop is small but curated and a must-visit for collectors of political memorabilia.
Dedicated philatelic shop selling North Korean postage stamps, first-day covers, and commemorative sets. North Korean stamps are eagerly sought by collectors worldwide for their vivid, propagandistic imagery. Staff can advise on popular sets.
Kaesong has cultivated ginseng for over 1,000 years and this market sells the famous local insam (ginseng) in dried, powdered, tinctured, and candy forms. The Kaesong variety commands premium prices globally. Usually visited as part of the Kaesong-DMZ day trip.
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Where to find different types of shops.
Pyongyang's premier shopping street with the Kwangbok Department Store, several specialty shops, and the Samtaesong fast food outlet. Broad and well-maintained, it provides the best concentration of tourist-accessible retail in the city.
The major tourist hotels (Koryo, Yanggakdo, Potonggang) each have lobby gift shops selling approved souvenirs, alcohol, snacks, and North Korean curios. The Koryo Hotel shop is the most comprehensive and well-stocked of these.
Central Pyongyang street near the Koryo Hotel with access to the foreign currency shop, street-level kiosks, and department stores frequented by wealthier locals. The Koryo Hotel's surrounding area offers the best tourist retail access in central Pyongyang.
The area around Mansudae Art Studio allows tourists to purchase original paintings, prints, and sculptures directly from state artists. Works range from small affordable prints to large oil paintings. The studio itself is one of the most unique shopping experiences in North Korea.
Air-conditioned shopping options.
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Prices in tourist shops are fixed and displayed in euros, USD, or Chinese yuan — bargaining is not practiced or expected in North Korea
Hotel shops often have identical items to specialist stores; compare before purchasing as prices can vary
Large artwork purchases from Mansudae Art Studio can sometimes be negotiated if buying multiple pieces — ask the state-assigned guide to assist
Stamps and coins are sold at official fixed prices; collectors should buy multiples as resale value outside DPRK can be significant
Keep all receipts for items purchased — customs inspection on exit may require proof of legal purchase for certain goods like ginseng and alcohol
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Do not attempt to export antiques, military items, or anything depicting national symbols without official approval. The Kim leader badges and official souvenirs are approved exports. Books and printed materials may be inspected by customs. Currency export limits apply — declare all foreign currency on arrival.
No VAT refund system exists for tourists in North Korea. All prices are final.
Tourists are permitted to import personal quantities of alcohol and tobacco. Check current allowances with the tour operator before travel as regulations change.
International postal services from North Korea are unreliable and slow. Purchasing art or large items from Mansudae Art Studio includes packing and limited shipping assistance. DHL and similar services are not available. Most tourists carry purchased items home personally.
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