# Hamhung, North Korea travel guide

> North Korea's industrial hub with severely restricted tourism and minimal infrastructure.

Source: Wanderlust App — https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/hamhung-north-korea
Last updated: 2026-06-25

Wanderlust rates Hamhung, North Korea with overall livability 1.5/5, safety 2/5, cost 3/5, internet 0.2631578947368421/5, leisure 1/5 (data updated 2026-06-25).

## Overview

Hamhung is North Korea's second-largest city and a major industrial center located on the east coast. Foreign travel is tightly controlled and limited to organized government-approved tours, making independent exploration impossible. The city lacks standard tourism amenities, reliable internet, and leisure facilities—visits are rare and highly restricted.

## Wanderlust scores

- Overall livability: 1.5/5
- Safety: 2/5 (higher is safer)
- Cost of living: 3/5 (affordability — higher is cheaper)
- Internet: 2 Mbps median speed
- Leisure: 1/5
- Air quality: 2/5 (higher is cleaner)
- Wanderlust global rank: #1321

## Practical information

- Country: North Korea
- Region: Asia
- Population: 632,623.94
- Best time to visit: Spring (May) or early autumn (September) for milder weather, though all travel requires government approval.
- Currency: North Korean won (KPW)
- Primary language: Korean
- Time zone: Asia/Pyongyang
- Nearest airport: Pyongyang Sunan International Airport

## Estimated monthly cost (USD)

| Profile | Monthly total |
| --- | --- |
| Family | $2,172 |
| Local | $508 |

## Things to do in Hamhung

- Hamhung Port
- Sungri Street
- Chonji Lagoon

## Where to stay in Hamhung

Neighborhoods popular with visitors:

- Downtown Hamhung

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hamhung safe for travelers?

Hamhung has a safety rating of 2 out of 5.

### What is the best time to visit Hamhung?

The best time to visit Hamhung is Spring (May) or early autumn (September) for milder weather, though all travel requires government approval..

### What are the top things to do in Hamhung?

Top sights in Hamhung include Hamhung Port, Sungri Street, and Chonji Lagoon.

### Where should I stay in Hamhung?

Popular neighborhoods for visitors to Hamhung include Downtown Hamhung.

### How expensive is Hamhung?

Hamhung has an affordability score of 3 out of 5, where 5 is most affordable.

### How much does it cost to live in Hamhung per month?

Estimated monthly costs in Hamhung are about $2,172 for a family and $508 for a local resident (USD).

### What is the nearest airport to Hamhung?

The nearest airport to Hamhung is Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.

### What is the internet speed in Hamhung?

Hamhung has an average internet speed of 2 Mbps.

### What currency does Hamhung use?

The currency used in Hamhung is North Korean won (KPW).

### What language is spoken in Hamhung?

The primary language spoken in Hamhung is Korean.

### What time zone is Hamhung in?

Hamhung is in the Asia/Pyongyang time zone.

## More from Wanderlust

- Full guide with photos, maps and reviews: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/hamhung-north-korea
- Plan a trip to Hamhung: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/create-a-journey?destination=Hamhung
- This city's data as JSON: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/api/public/v1/cities/hamhung-north-korea

Scores are Wanderlust's own, from AI-assisted research refreshed on a rolling basis.
Cite as: Wanderlust App, "Hamhung, North Korea travel guide", https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/hamhung-north-korea