Things To Do
in Korea, North

North Korea's nightlife is starkly different from what one might experience in other countries. The capital city, Pyongyang, has limited nightlife activities due to the restrictive nature of the regime. Options for entertainment are usually state-sanctioned and highly controlled. 1. **Restaurants and Bars**: There are a few restaurants and bars that are open to foreigners and the local elite. These establishments often serve traditional Korean food and offer limited alcoholic beverages. The choices of venues are quite limited, and they typically close early compared to Western standards. 2. **Karaoke Bars**: Known locally as "noraebang," karaoke bars are a popular form of nighttime entertainment. These venues allow guests to sing along to a selection of songs, including both North Korean and international tracks. However, the atmosphere is much more subdued compared to the lively karaoke bars found in other parts of Asia. 3. **Cultural Performances**: Nighttime entertainment can also include attending state-sponsored cultural performances. These may comprise traditional Korean music, dance, and theatrical performances, often held at places like the Pyongyang Grand Theatre or the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre. Such events are designed to showcase the country’s cultural heritage and often carry propagandistic themes. 4. **Special Events**: Occasionally, the regime organizes special nighttime events, such as mass games or military parades, which are grandiose and meticulously coordinated displays of patriotism involving thousands of performers. These events are rare and often involve a significant amount of preparation and rehearsal. 5. **Hotel Entertainment**: Foreign visitors often find themselves limited to the confines of their hotels, where some basic nightlife activities are available. Hotel bars, billiards, and bowling alleys can be found in establishments that cater to tourists and diplomats. The Yanggakdo International Hotel and the Koryo Hotel are examples of places where such amenities might be available. 6. **Curfews and Restrictions**: It’s important to note that movement around the cities, especially at night, is highly restricted for both locals and foreigners. Citizens are often subject to curfews, and unauthorized travel is forbidden. Foreign tourists are almost always accompanied by government minders, further limiting their ability to explore freely. Overall, North Korea's nightlife is a controlled, subdued experience that serves more as a venue for state propaganda than for leisure and socializing.