20 Best Places to Stay in North Korea: Comprehensive Accommodation Guide

Accommodations in North Korea offer an intriguing journey into retro-futuristic socialist architecture, grand state-run tourist hotels, and authentic traditional Korean courtyard inns. While independent wandering is restricted, hotels serve as lively self-contained resorts equipped with bowling alleys, revolving rooftop bars, and sauna complexes.

What to Expect From North Korea Hotels

Hotels catering to foreign visitors in North Korea are spacious and self-contained properties. In Pyongyang, major hotels feature multiple dining options, microbreweries, swimming pools, and gift shops. In regional areas, stay options range from 6-star luxury mountain resorts to traditional underfloor-heated (ondol) wooden guesthouses.

20 Best Places to Stay in North Korea

1. Yanggakdo International Hotel

Style: Modern High-Rise Island Hotel
Location: Yanggak Island, Pyongyang
Best For: Full-service amenities & city view photo opportunities
About the Place: Pyongyang's most famous 47-story skyscraper hotel located on an island in the Taedong River, complete with revolving rooftop restaurant and bowling alley.
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2. Koryo Hotel

Style: Classic Twin-Tower Luxury Hotel
Location: Central Pyongyang
Best For: Central city location & retro elegance
About the Place: Iconic twin-tower hotel near Pyongyang Railway Station, featuring grand marble lobbies, multiple bars, and revolving sky lounges.
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3. Hyangsan Hotel

Style: 6-Star Luxury Mountain Resort
Location: Mount Myohyang
Best For: Luxury mountain getaways & spa treatments
About the Place: Pyramid-shaped luxury hotel in Mount Myohyang featuring top-tier spa facilities, indoor pools, and fine dining surrounded by mountain peaks.
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4. Kaesong Folk Hotel

Style: Traditional Korean Courtyard Hotel
Location: Old Town, Kaesong
Best For: Traditional Korean culture & ondol sleeping
About the Place: Heritage courtyard hotel consisting of preserved Joseon-era wooden homes with traditional underfloor heating (ondol) and courtyard gardens.
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5. Masikryong Hotel

Style: Alpine Ski Resort Lodge
Location: Masikryong Pass, Kangwon
Best For: Winter sports lovers & mountain luxury
About the Place: Modern chalet-style resort hotel featuring timber finishes, heated swimming pools, saunas, and direct ski-in/ski-out slope access.
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6. Pothonggang Hotel

Style: Quiet Riverside Luxury Hotel
Location: Bothong Riverbank, Pyongyang
Best For: Peace, privacy & high service standards
About the Place: Serene hotel situated along the quiet Pothong River, known for comfortable rooms, peaceful grounds, and Japanese dining options.
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7. Ryanggang Hotel

Style: Classic Socialist-Era Hotel
Location: Sports Village, Pyongyang
Best For: Karaoke nights & budget travelers
About the Place: Hilltop hotel overlooking Pyongyang's sports village, featuring classic architecture, revolving lounge, and lively karaoke facilities.
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8. Sosan Hotel

Style: Modernized Sports Hotel
Location: Kwangbok Street, Pyongyang
Best For: Athletic teams & comfortable budget stays
About the Place: Renovated 30-story hotel in the sports village complex, offering contemporary rooms, sports facilities, and quiet lounges.
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9. Chongnyon Hotel (Youth Hotel)

Style: Retro High-Rise Hotel
Location: Chongchun Street, Pyongyang
Best For: Retro architecture lovers & outdoor pool access
About the Place: Striking 30-story Soviet-modernist style hotel built in 1989, featuring vibrant decor, outdoor swimming pool, and bar.
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10. Majon Beach Resort Villas

Style: Oceanfront Villa Resort
Location: Hungnam, Hamhung
Best For: Beach lovers & coastal relaxation
About the Place: Seaside resort complex offering individual beach chalets located steps from the sands of the East Sea.
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11. Ryonggang Hot Spa Hotel

Style: Geothermal Spa Villa Compound
Location: Ryonggang, Nampo
Best For: Private thermal bath soaks & clam BBQs
About the Place: Secluded villa resort where every bungalow features private indoor mineral hot spring water taps and spacious garden grounds.
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12. Songdowon Hotel

Style: Classic Coastal City Hotel
Location: Central Wonsan Waterfront
Best For: Sea views & harbor access
About the Place: Historic hotel situated directly on Wonsan's waterfront promenade, offering clear sea views and seafood dining.
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13. Tongmyong Hotel

Style: Waterfront Harbor Hotel
Location: Wonsan Pier Area
Best For: Coastal scenery & ocean breezes
About the Place: Hotel situated next to the pier leading to Jangdok Islet, offering comfortable coastal rooms and outdoor seafood terraces.
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14. Outer Kumgang Hotel

Style: Alpine Mountain Lodge
Location: Mount Kumgang Region
Best For: Mountain hikers & nature photography
About the Place: Scenic hotel nestled at the entrance to Mount Kumgang trails, surrounded by pine forests and mountain streams.
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15. Pyongyang Hotel

Style: Classic Mid-Century City Hotel
Location: Central Pyongyang
Best For: Coffee lovers & central theatre district stays
About the Place: Charming mid-century hotel across from the Grand Theatre, widely famous for operating one of Pyongyang's best coffee shops.
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16. Jangsusan Hotel

Style: Regional City Hotel
Location: Pyongsong City
Best For: Educational tour stops & quiet stays
About the Place: Primary foreign visitor hotel in Pyongsong, offering comfortable rooms, bar, and outdoor court space.
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17. Begonia Hotel (Pegi Hotel)

Style: Alpine Mountain Lodge
Location: Samjiyon, Ryanggang
Best For: Mount Paektu base camps & winter stayovers
About the Place: Mountain lodge in northern alpine forests providing warm rooms and hearty meals for trips to Mount Paektu.
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18. Changgwangsan Hotel

Style: Central City Hotel
Location: Central Pyongyang
Best For: Convenience to ice rink & air koryo offices
About the Place: Centrally located twin-block hotel situated near Pyongyang Ice Rink and central department stores.
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19. Bijo Hotel

Style: Mountain Valley Lodge
Location: Mount Chilbo
Best For: Nature exploration in North Hamgyong
About the Place: Secluded valley hotel situated at the base of Inner Chilbo, providing mountain views and home-style regional meals.
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20. Emperor Hotel & Casino

Style: Luxury Coastal Casino Hotel
Location: Rason Special Economic Zone
Best For: Border business travelers & coastal views
About the Place: Modern 5-star hotel and casino facility located on a secluded coastal bay inside the Rason Special Economic Zone.
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Featured Image

Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang