🇰🇵 North Korea Healthcare Guide
All visits to North Korea are conducted through state-approved tour operators, and any medical issues are handled through designated hospitals in Pyongyang — Friendship Hospital is the facility typically used for foreigners. Medical facilities and medication availability are limited by international standards, and visitors have no ability to choose their own provider. Carrying a complete supply of all medications you take, along with a basic first aid kit, means you're covered for the most common issues without needing to rely on local pharmacies or facilities.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $20 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: medium
Healthcare overview
Visitors to North Korea (exclusively through organised tours) are assigned to designated hospitals if medical treatment is needed. Pyongyang Friendship Hospital treats foreigners, but facilities and supply are limited by international standards. Visitors have no choice of provider and no ability to seek independent medical care. Medical evacuation to Beijing or Shenyang (China) is the practical response for any serious condition. Having your health summary saved and accessible offline is worth doing, as internet access is not available to visitors.
No provider choice
Visitors cannot choose their hospital or doctor. The tour agency and government minders coordinate all medical access.
Beijing evacuation
For any serious medical issue, evacuation to Beijing is the standard route. This is coordinated through your tour operator.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Carry your complete medication supply for the entire visit, with extra for potential delays. North Korean pharmacies are not accessible to visitors, and medication availability is severely limited. Your tour operator may be able to source basic items, but do not rely on this. Bring everything, including common over-the-counter products.
Complete self-sufficiency required
Visitors have no access to North Korean pharmacies. Bring every medication and medical supply you could possibly need.
Tips for travellers
Specialist care is not available to visitors in North Korea. If you have a chronic condition, discuss with your tour operator before booking whether the trip is feasible given your medical needs. Having your full treatment protocol and medication list saved and accessible offline means Pyongyang Friendship Hospital’s staff can assess your situation, and Beijing’s hospitals can continue your care if evacuation is arranged.
Pre-trip medical assessment
If you have a chronic condition, discuss medical contingencies with your tour operator before booking. Evacuation logistics are complex.