In a Nutshell: It may surprise you, but as a tourist to North Korea you’ll have ample opportunity to purchase traditional souvenirs. You’ll find souvenir shops inside major hotels or nearby major tourist attractions such as Kim Il-Sung Square and even the DMZ. They sell anything from books, posters, postcards, stamps and artwork, to CD/DVD’s, food items including liquor and even apparel. I’m generally not a fan of souvenirs (I travel light!) but in North Korea I make an exception. It’s the genuine product made locally and the items are unique, wacky and often confronting. Here are the souvenirs I acquired during one particular visit!
North Korean Propaganda Postcards
Left: “If the US imperialists aim their gun at us, we will do the same, but with our cannon!”
Right: “We will fight the tough by being even tougher!”
North Korean postcards are not subtle. They’re often bright, militaristic, confronting and presented to be motivational. By sending one, you may make a postman’s day or perhaps add yourself to a government watch list. I have about thirty of these postcards, each has different socialist-realist artwork and unique slogans that reference parts of North Korea’s revolutionary history and their goal of a prosperous future. The anti-American and anti-Japanese sentiment remains strong, but in general these postcards reference proud aspects of contemporary North Korean culture such as scientific advancement, the Songun Policy, Juche Idea or Chollima Movement, the role of North Korean children as future intellectuals, the celebration of sporting achievements or performing arts, the opening of Masikryong Ski Resort and even tributes to bean farming policy. A mosaic of these postcards would give a clear indication of what the North Koreans hold dear (officially).
Top Left: “Give us any command!”
Bottom Left: “With the united strength of the whole nation, let’s destroy (detonate) the nuclear war manoeuvre provocation of the US!”
Right: “Raising the sound of the marching group’s trumpet, let’s march forward towards a powerful nation!”
Kaesong Koryo Insam Liquor
This fine beverage is a ‘Special Class Commodity’ and due to its high price tag, is only available to the wealthy, generally those that are part of the emerging middle-class or elite in Pyongyang. If the box is to be believed, it’s earned both ‘Gold Medals’ and ‘Diplomas’ to international acclaim.
It’s a 700ml, 86 proof bottle of 20-year-old rice alcohol distilled and bottled in Kaesong, North Korea. It contains Kaesong’s speciality ‘insam’ (ginseng), an extensive root plant that’s been grown for six years, the perfect timing to highly concentrated nutrients. The ginseng is said to wield a myriad of medicinal benefits such as beating physical or mental fatigue to treating diabetes. Ginseng is found globally but the Korean ginseng has a solid reputation, North Korea even started producing a ‘wonder drug’ named Kumdang-2 which contains ginseng and traces of rare earth metals such as gold and platinum. It allegedly cures Ebola, AIDS, MERS, tuberculosis and cancer.
I purchased this liquor from the Kwangbok Supermarket in Pyongyang. At the time, this store had only just opened and I was just the second foreigner ever allowed inside. A plaque on the entrance commemorated the dates that both General Kim Jong-Il and Marshal Kim Jong-Un had given ‘field-guidance’ to the store. Photography was banned (and it remains that way) and I was permitted only to visit the first floor (this restriction has since been lifted). It’s illegal for tourists to handle local currency, so at the time I had to line up to receive a receipt, then head over to the currency exchange booth offering unofficial, black market North Korean Won rates. It was here you make payment, receive a best-attempt at change in three different foreign currencies, and then take your receipt back to collect your goods. Fast-forward two years and Kwangbok Supermarket now serves as the only place in Pyongyang that tourists are permitted to exchange and use local currency freely despite it remaining illegal. North Korean contradictions are sometimes puzzling.
As I tried to leave North Korea this visit, a General from the Korean People’s Army found the ginseng liquor while searching my luggage in Sinuiju. Smiles aren’t derived effortlessly in North Korea, but after he saw this golden water I received a sparkling ear-to-ear of absolute approval. This smile then evaporated when I refused to let it go as a bribe. I enjoyed a 2.5-hour shakedown that day. I later gave the liquor to my dad and we still haven’t drunk it, I think he likes having the only one in Tasmania.
North Korean Stamps
Top Left: Mechanisation. Automation. Remote control. (Juche, self-reliance ideology and technological advancement)
Top Middle: 10 Century to 14 century (historical dynasty of North Korea)
Top Right: UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) technical cooperation for 40 years, 1990.
Bottom Left: Mansudae Grand Monument, the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle for 10 years, 1974.
Bottom Right: Workers Party of Korea Sixth Congress decision, let’s unite for piercing penetration! The Federal Democratic Republic IO administrative policy. Frequency, equal peace, national unity (reunification).
For an isolated nation with a well-documented stranglehold over freedom of communication, North Korea produce a lot of stamps. They are used in the domestic post but are primarily made for foreign consumption, particularly in China which is the largest stamp collecting market in the world. Collections are extensive and whilst military achievement, political ideology and sporting milestones play a strong role in the stamp’s designs, many of them are cultural throwbacks to ancient Korean history or even generic themed collections of dog types, natural wonders or plants. You can find extensive (and well-presented) collections for sale in the Koryo Stamp Museum in Pyongyang or the Koryo Stamp Shop in Kaesong and they are not cheap, starting at about 25 euro.
Pictured are some loose sample stamps.
Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea flag
This cheaply made Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea flag got me into a bit of strife during my visit.
It was September 9, National Day, an important calendar event celebrating the founding of the DPRK. I had purchased this flag from the Yanggakdo Hotel in Pyongyang with the intention of joining the festivities with light-hearted pseudo-nationalism, which went down fantastic and derived many smiles that day. However, as the day came to an end and after tucking into my dinner, I was interrupted and taken aside by one of my guides to be briefed on the situation.
Upon arrival back to the hotel, I had left all but my necessities on the bus. It was common for us to leave waters, sweets or non-valuables at our seats (we used the same bus each day), but tonight I had also left the North Korean flag sitting in the back pocket of the seat in front. My guide asked me if I had done this, to which I responded that I had. I was then advised that the bus driver had discovered the flag and had perceived this action as a clear attempt at disposing of said flag, an anti-State hostile act on a day of such national importance. He had reported this offence to the guides. Quite alarmed at this point and with vision as to where this was heading, I gave my utmost apology to my guide, which it was filtered back to the driver. Some tense minutes followed before my apology was accepted, and I was told to collect my flag and put it into safe keeping.
To leave North Korea with this flag was always my intention, but in that moment it did not matter. The situation could have escalated and it was as simple and as innocent as that. As a traveller, it is important to be well aware of, and show respect and sensitivity to, the cultural norms of any nation, but nowhere is this more important than in North Korea. The stakes are higher and this transgression was a stern reminder.
From that point on, my flag was carefully folded and kept in my luggage like a pet rock that I checked up on regularly. Here it is for your viewing today. An interesting memento.
‘See You In Pyongyang’ T-shirt
At the time, this t-shirt was the only government-approved apparel for sale to tourists in the entire country of North Korea. I only saw it for sale once in Pyongyang. The design is about as sterile, unimaginative and tacky as souvenir t-shirts get, the kind that first-time tourists to San Francisco hold no shame wearing. In saying that, most of us on this tour (including me!) purchased one despite a meagre choice of just three colours. We did yearn for some variety, and even with money to spend, it was a quick crash-course in socialism: Despite our demanding fists full of cash, supply was bottlenecked by the state apparatus. Market freedom is limited, locals simply cannot produce their own designs and sell them legally. On the back below the neck is a small land mass map of North Korea, with the text ‘Pyongyang DPRKorea’. This t-shirt got me a lot of attention in China on the day I left North Korea (because of course, I was wearing it!).
Postcard home to Australia from Pyongyang
Firstly, I apologize for my handwriting. It is shameful. Anyhow, this postcard I sent from Pyongyang to my parents on 13/09/2014 took many months but eventually did turn up. All postcards sent from North Korea are translated and screened by officials, so my words were chosen wisely. Anything untoward or critical ensures it’ll never see beyond the border and may land you in hot water. I did my best to sugar coat the experience for this reason, but frankly, it’s mostly genuine. My tongue-in-cheek ode to the Supreme Commander Kim Jong-Un at the end was walking a fine line, but I simply couldn’t help myself.
DVD: A Traffic Controller on Crossroads
I purchased this DVD from the Grand People’s Study House in Pyongyang. It’s directed, produced and distributed in North Korea and stars the iconic Pyongyang traffic ladies that I am convinced are subject to a nationalistic fetish in North Korea. You will notice the distributor is ‘Mokran Video’, the ‘mokran’ (mongolia) is North Korea’s national flower and you’ll find this logo on every DVD legally sold in Pyongyang, even on the disk of familiar western titles such as Tarzan, the Lion King and Aladdin that can be found readily available in street stalls; they have been pirated and are sold at a state level.
Pyongyang’s traffic ladies are synonymous with Pyongyang city life and it’s a well-regarded position rumoured to be fulfilled by only those women handpicked by Marshal Kim Jong-Un himself. Whether rain, hail or shine these beautiful women are dressed immaculately and operate near robotically with movements of militaristic intention. Nobody dare crosses the intimidating law enforcement of the traffic lady on the streets of Pyongyang and due to a lack of ‘orange light’, you’ll often witness cars come to a screeching halt at the change of their signal. The women will also salute passing vehicles driven by Worker’s Party of Korea officials who typically have number plates beginning with 7-27. This number represents July 27, Victory Day on the North Korean calendar when the armistice was signed marking the end of fighting in the Korean War.
North Korea Flag Pin and Stamp
All North Korean citizens must wear, by law, a lapel pin of the late leaders above their heart. Ordinary citizens usually wear that of either President Kim Il-Sung or General Kim Jong-Il themselves, while those of higher social status are permitted to wear a more expensive, double portrait version.
As a foreigner, you aren’t allowed to purchase the authentic pins, they must be presented to you (which has occurred for some foreigners working in the country). Tourists are instead urged to buy the (less interesting) souvenir North Korean flag version pictured here. So I did. The stamp was actually given to me as part of my change when a venue ran out of foreign currency, as you aren’t aren’t allowed to handle or use the local North Korean Won.
North Korean Cigarettes
“Cigarettes are harmful for your health.” Surprising, right? The juxtaposition between health warnings adopted by most of the modern world and the otherwise concerning lifestyle conditions forced upon citizens of North Korea may leave you scratching your head. Me too. Has North Korea truly adopted such a reasonable stance on a known health hazard? Probably. Alternatively, it’s been hypothesised as a way to reduce the value of cigarettes as a currency between North Korean people, primarily bribery. Plausible. Commodity scarcity is rife, making cigarettes a highly valuable currency on the North Korean markets.
These cigarettes in particular, ‘Lake Samilpo’, are named after a south-eastern lake of the same name I visited in North Korea. A non-smoker myself, and one that’s likely spent too long in Asia, I purchased them as an icebreaker and currency. Unbeknownst to me, they’re a highly regarded brand associated with male status in North Korea, so I ended up handing out packets like the Santa Claus of cigarettes. This couple I kept as product mementoes, though!
Book: Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in the Year 2012
I purchased this book at the Foreign Language Bookstore in Pyongyang. A small trusted group of foreigners are employed to translate Korean publications into other languages to distribute the re-education beyond North Korean borders and into international acclaim.
This particular book was widely distributed, I saw it at most souvenir desks during my visit to North Korea. I’d say this is because the transition between Kim Jong-Il and Kim Jong-Un’s new leadership is still a sensitive political topic and they’re trying to get some circulation. Confidence from the people in Kim Jong-Un as the new commander is paramount to North Korea continuing forward unchanged.
The entire book is a celebration into Kim Jong-Un, in particular, his ‘accomplishments’ and the unconditional, endearing love he has (already) ‘earned’ from his people. Relatively unknown prior to his leadership, Kim Jong-Un is now undergoing a phase where a narrative is being constructed and attributed to his life for propaganda purposes, much the same as his father and grandfather. I mean, he is the Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, the fourth largest army in the world and has had no formal military experience. He needs the storytelling behind him.
Air Koryo Items
Air Koryo is North Korea’s only airline, it’s state-owned, the flag carrier and the first point of contact for you as a foreigner into the hermit kingdom. The Pyongyang Times is complimentary upon boarding, and the stewardesses don their leaders pins above their hearts. It’s the only one-star rated airline on earth, and until 2010 was banned from entering the European Union due to safety and maintenance concerns. Was it that bad to fly on? I didn’t think so, but the food quality is in a league of its own, even by airline standards. Their idea of a vegetarian burger was two pieces of bread with lettuce. I’m not exaggerating. I mean, I guess technically correct is the best kind of correct after all.
Either way, I wanted to take a memento from the flight with Air Koryo as Air China printed my boarding pass in Beijing and it didn’t tick the souvenir checkbox…so the next best thing? An Air Koryo branded air sickness bag and hand-towel. I hold no shame!
Masik Pass Slippers
Ordered by Kim Jong-Un himself, Masik Pass Ski Resort was built by the Korean People’s Army in just ten months to boost tourism numbers. After my visit, I can confidently claim that Masik Pass is far and away the most luxurious building available to the ‘public’ in North Korea. Easily.
So, I took their slippers. I think that was allowed, but I’m unsure. If not, I apologise, and they’re still in their shrink wrapping. Sadly, there was no matching gown.
Masik Pass was simply stunning inside, it’s nothing like anywhere else we stayed. It’s on par with international luxury standards and reminded me of The Venetian in Las Vegas, especially the bathrooms. It sits in the middle of nowhere with a bright allure. Not bad for a country with a power shortage, especially considering we were the only guests, and the staff outnumbered us. Man, that was a weird visit.
Another fun fact: Masik Pass came to international notoriety in 2013 after having it’s outsourced ski lift order blocked by the United Nations, classifying it a ‘prestigious propaganda project’. North Korea officially responded by labelling the decision a serious abuse of human rights.
CD: The Song of the Sun Will Be Immortal
With modern classics such as “Long Live Generalissimo Kim Il Sung”, “Our Leader Beloved of People” and “The General Lives Forever as the Sun”, I just had to have it. Apparently the eighth CD in the collection, a quick ponder of the track list may leave you wondering how many further amalgamations of Kim Il-Sung and authoritarian synonyms are left mathematically possible.
In all seriousness, I wanted to leave North Korea with something like this. North Korean music is unique, every song is politically influenced — pop music as we know it simply does not exist. Musical freedom is undefined, it’s usually militaristic, upbeat and supported orchestrally with female vocals. References to the leaders and self-reliance ideology are certain. I watched many performances on Korean State Television in Pyongyang, and it focussed more on the religious celebration (of the leaders) than the music. Amazing stuff, and a great souvenir.
The Pyongyang Times
The Pyongyang Times is the foreign language edition of the local Korean newspaper distributed across the country. This newspaper is North Korean citizens’ only exposure to the outside world, it’s state controlled and offers a restricted view of reality. It’s a fascinating read.
I was told that by law, Kim Jong-Un is featured on the front page of each edition and that it’s illegal to fold in the middle, as it could crease the Great Leader’s head. The paper cannot be used in a disrespectful manner (firestarter, cleaning a mess, etc.) as it retains near holy status, outlining the progression of the Korean people and the Juche ideology. I read three editions and found that each one followed the same structure, beginning with political accomplishments and celebrations, followed by technological and social breakthroughs before offering a double spread in targeted, aggressive propaganda claims towards South Korea, United States and Japan. Facts were optional. Sport and smaller success stories were on the back page.
The Pyongyang Times has in the past been scrutinised due to its creative licence, including claims of South Korea’s ‘poor human rights record’, of maintaining a 50% unemployment rate and their spread of incurable disease.
This newspaper was one of my favourite souvenirs. I’ve included three articles below from inside, they’re an entertaining read.
P.S – Do you have any souvenirs with an interesting story from your travels? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
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Hi all,
I am going to the DPRK in a weeks time. I have looked at several sites but could not see definitive costs of souvenirs.
Could you give me heads up of what to expect cost wise please. What currency did you take?
Many thanks
Ryan
Hi Ryan, souvenir costs vary wildly. Postcards and other small trinkets you can expect to be 1-5 Euro. Short texts could be 10 Euro, while photographic hardbacks can often fetch 40-100 Euro. Hand-painted socialist-realist posters are about 30 Euro for a small, 45 Euro for a large. Other paintings can easily fetch 100+ Euro. Embroidery is similarly priced. Stamps are collectible and individually can be quite cheap, but some larger stamps can be 1-6 Euro individually and as a set can get very expensive, eg. a stamp card commemorating a special event could be 15 Euro and stamp collections can easily fetch 40 Euro+. Local alcohol can be found very cheap (soju could be just a couple Euro) or quite expensive (ginseng liquor could be 50 Euro). DVD’s and CD’s are around the 10-15 Euro range. You can pay in Euro, USD or Chinese RMB (they will convert from what it’s ticketed as). Bring clean and recent notes, no old or manky USD. They are often unable to break large notes or give appropriate change, so bring large notes only with the intention of buying large items, eg. 100 Euro+ paintings and keep a lot of lower denomination like 10 USD, 10 Euro or 50/100 RMB notes for smaller items, and then smaller notes/coins for snacks/drinks/postcards. It’ll make the transactions easier! I hope this helps.
Ryan, how are you getting there? I was under the impression tours were not offered anymore. Well, at least not for Americans. I would love to get my hands on some souvenir monuments and buildings. I am an avid collector
Hi Gus, I actually work at North Korea tour operator Uri Tours. Tours are still operating as per normal for all nationalities except Americans, Malaysians and South Koreans. As of September 1, 2017 a geographical travel ban was imposed on U.S passport holders by the U.S Department of State. As of now there is no word on how long this restriction will last. If you are not traveling on a passport from these three nations, feel free to email me at [email protected] and organizing a customized trip to North Korea for you won’t be a problem.
I’ve stayed up way too late reading your North Korea posts… Looks like I may need a healthy injection of the ginseng wonder drug to get me through my day tomorrow. According to the website, there is nothing it cannot cure. 😉😂 http://kumdang2.com.
Haha, I’m not too keen on the idea of injecting ‘rare earth metals’ myself, but please report back Amber! 🙂 On another note, isn’t it crazy that the North Korean pharma company is exporting it internationally!
Hi Elliott, Thanks for your response. I am a US passport holder, so I am part of the ban. How often do you go to North Korea? Would it be possible for you to buy me several replica souvenirs of the monuments/buildings on your next visit and send to me? I assume you have a paypal account?
Hi Gus, I travel to Pyongyang quite regularly, drop me an email at [email protected] and I’ll see what I can do.
From my visit, I have mostly the same items as you with a few extras, namely:
– The Yanggakdo Hotel ‘how to cope with a potential disaster’ booklet
– DPRK Toothbrush and Toothpaste set along with slippers and various toiletries.
– Several booklets in English written by the Dear Leader, advising on how best to live
– Some amazing sets of stamps
– Couple of Pyongyang metro tickets
and lastly, a couple of sheets of genuine DRRK loo paper, collected at the airport.
Got a DPRK banner and several books about the country without ever visiting. Years ago I picked their national station broadcasting on shortwave (“Songs of the People as They Build Dams,” etc.) and sent a reception report (QSL card). Got a card back plus a nice package of memorabilia, all mailed from Germany. Incidentally for amateur radio North Korea is the hardest place to get–only a couple of foreigners have ever been briefly allowed to operate, which I guess is no surprise. Would like to visit the DMZ someday, but think I’ll take the USO tour…from Seoul!
Elliot, this was incredible. Hard to believe how much you were able to see. Another interesting look at North Korea is the Vice Guide to Film episode that travels to the North. Shane Smith finds some interesting things about the film industry. Thanks again for posting!