Wonsan

Introduction

Cooperative farm near Wonsan

© Utrecht

Wonsan is a sea port in North Korea with a population of about 350,000. Although it's hard for foreigners to ever visit Wonsan, that does not mean the you shouldn't try. Visiting independent is not possible, but some tours include a trip to Wonsan. Wonsan is infamous for its fish processing plants and shipyards throught North Korea.

Sights and Activities

• Songdowon Beach - Famous for its clear waters.
• Songdowon Pleasure Grounds - A Park and home to Songdowon International Children's Union Camp (A cultural exchange program). It recives up to 1,200 kids from around the world every year.

Weather

North Korean beachlife at the Japanse Sea near Wonsan

© Utrecht

Generally Wonsan has cold winters and warm summers, typical for a continental climate. Conditions are mostly dry and sunny, with rain concentrating in the hot summer months. In winter, frost and snow is common, though its location along the coast means that it's generally less extreme compared to more inland cities like Pyongyang.

Getting There

Wonsan is connected to the rest of North Korea by road, rail and flights.

By Plane

The shiny new International Airport at Wonsan is yet to see a single international flight - or indeed a domestic one, other than tourist charters. Some tours are starting to include a visit here, using this airport as a launching point for some sightseeing along this coast.

Sleep

• Kaeson Hotel - 164 rooms, €60-85.
• Tongmyon Hotel - Songdowong Beach, Has a Billards table and a Bookstore, €60-85.
• Songdowon Tourist Hotel - Songdowon Pleasure Grounds, 83 rooms, €45-60.

Learn

Wonsan is home to eight different universities and colleges:

• Songdowon University
• Kumgang University
• Tonghae University
• Jong Jun Thaek University of Economics
• Wŏnsan University of Medicine
• Jo Gun Sil University of Engineering
• Wŏnsan First University of Education
• Ri Su Dok University

Keep Connected

Internet

In February of 2013, Koryolink announced that mobile 3G internet will be accessible by foreigners. It is currently possible to access 3G internet in North Korea by purchasing a SIM card in Pyongyang, but the rates can be hefty and some higher data plans require monthly plans for frequent travelers or foreign residents. Through the 3G internet, you can access most websites including Facebook, Twitter and all other social media sites. It's not recommended to access banking information from North Korea, as financial institutions can track your IP address and will block your account.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

In January 2013, Koryolink announced that foreigners can now bring their cell phones into the country and can purchase mobile SIM cards, which allow you to make international phone calls straight from your phone. The rates are expensive (about $5 per minute to call overseas). SIM cards can usually be purchased at the Koryolink counter found in the Sunan International Airport, but there are days where the counter is not staffed.

In Yanggakdao Hotel in Pyongyang you can make international call but it will cost around €1-3 per minute, depending on where you are calling.

Post

You can post international postcards or letters from the Yanggakdao Hotel in Pyongyang. It takes about 10-15 days to reach your destination.
You can purchase postage and postcards in several souvenir shops. The best place for postcards is at the Korea Stamp Shop in Pyongyang next to the Koryo Hotel or at the Koryo Stamp Shop in Kaesong. International postage is about €1 Euro and postcards are usually €1.20.