How to do a Homestay in North Korea.
The idea of staying with a local family in a foreign place has a become regular and popular worldwide travel trend for years now.
But what about in the hermit kingdom, Is it really possible to do a homestay in North Korea?
The answer – Yes! But it’s way off the tourist trail.
North Hamgyong Province
In order to stay at a North Korean homestay you will have to join a tour that visits the North Eastern province of North Hamgyong. This is a hard to reach province that is rarely visited by foreigners. It can be accessed from the North West of China overland or via domestic flight from Pyongyang. It’s a province that lags far behind the capital in terms of economic development. In some ways this makes it a genuine glimpse into North Korean life.
Mount Chilbo
The homestay itself is located on the Mount Chilbo national park area. The park is divided into three sections: Inner, Outer and Sea Chilbo. The Homestay village is on the coast at the base of the mountain.
The village is made up of 15 different houses each with a genuine local family waiting to host. Guests are encouraged to play volleyball, partake in Korean wrestling and join bonfire Karaoke well into the night. In the morning doing some cleaning & household chores are much appreciated by your local family!
The rest of your days are filled with mountain treks, boat rides and swimming on the beach. It doesn’t get much more idyllic than this.
After your homestay explore the rest of the province by visiting the border towns of Hoeryong and Namyang. The main city of Chongjin has lots to offer from hot spas & retro hotels to key revolutionary sites. The warmth and hospitality of the people up here will leave you wanting to return instantly.
How do you I book my place?
Rocky Road Travel has two tours per year to the North East of Korea. In June and in September.
Book your place today and cross the border into North Korea by foot and travel a part of the world where only a handful go each year.
