Journalists without a special permit are prohibited from entry. Regardless of who the journalist is by citizenship and what the goals of his visit are, he will not be allowed to enter the territory of North Korea in any case, unless he applies for a special visa. A journalist cannot go as part of a group organized by a tour operator, or on an individual tour.

Is it legal to work in North Korea?

According to the law, foreigners can work in North Korea. For citizens of countries with which North Korea has difficult foreign policy relations (e.g., USA, Israel, South Korea), a visit to the DPRK (depending on such goals) is either more difficult or impossible.

The registration procedure is simple, to work in the DPRK you need a special visa, different from a tourist visa.

• If the purpose of the trip is a business visit, an invitation from the partner company is required.
• If the reason for coming to the DPRK is employment, it is necessary to obtain approval from the company that needs the specialist.

Moreover, this applies to specialists who go for the position of top managers, or who have some unique knowledge and skills that are especially in demand in Korea.

To obtain a visa, you must contact the DPRK consulate and receive an invitation from the employer. If the purpose of the visit will be scientific research work, then it is easier to get a visa, but in any case, you must be ready for a clear statement of the goals and the procedure for carrying out such work.

Is it possible to open a small business in North Korea?

Small businesses in the DPRK do not function properly, due to the economy's focus on large, mostly industrial business.

But any foreign business can do business in North Korea only through the creation of a joint venture (JV), with one of the parties – North Korea on behalf of any state-owned enterprise.

JV can be of two types:

1. Stock joint ventures. Management of these is carried out jointly with the consent of the shareholders, the profit is distributed depending on the share of participation.
2. JV under a contract. The JV under a contact is managed by a North Korean resident, and the non-resident investor receives payments according to the terms of the contract.

The DPRK has a "Technology in exchange for resources" program. Foreign companies provide the DPRK with the equipment and technology needed for mining, and in return receive a stipulated volume of minerals or rights to a certain share of the raw materials mined for a set period of time. At the same time, according to the law, the share of a foreign investor in a mineral extraction joint venture cannot exceed 70%.

How does the North Korean legislate treat foreign investments in local business?

Foreign investments are greatly supported by the DPRK, due to a huge need of the economy in currency resources, even though the Korean legislate on business regulation is very arguable because of the long-standing strict attitude of the state towards entrepreneurs and private initiative in general.

To support foreign investment, the Korean government has created free economic zones (FEZ), and the local government must draw up a plan for the development of this zone.

• The main condition is to share half the profit with the state.
• The main direction of investments - transport, communications, tourism, minerals.

The vulnerability of North Korea's investment climate is the absence of real guarantees (not even legal, but political) for foreign investors in case of changes in laws or in case of controversial situations.

If you are considering employment in Korea, seek for private business at the farmers' markets exclusively, but definitely not for hire at the local factory.

Notable details:

• There are almost no large production facilities (except ones with the participation of foreign investors). The main specialization of the business is services (massage, pharmacies, hairdressers, clandestine trade in Chinese gasoline, trucking).
• Transport and communications have a lot of room for growth. Unlike the auto business, private cars in Korea is still a wonder and mass demand is not being met.
• The same with the circulation of residential premises. The entertainment industry, such as water parks, is not bad. Construction is almost entirely in the hands of the Chinese.
• More serious business (mining of raw materials, minerals and gold) must be coordinated at the highest level. The government strictly monitors currency values ​​and everything that can bring them.
• Large plants and factories are almost idle, and the most successful and oldest ones are those that have connections with China and currency control bodies in Europe, after which imports of goods from neighbors cannot be dispensed with.

What can you do in North Korea as a volunteer?

1. Teach students about tourism

North Korea is increasingly dependent on its tourism industry as UN sanctions cut off other areas of its economy. This is why the North Korean government has called on English-speaking foreigners to teach their people how to build a tourism business and serve foreigners better.

But you must have qualifications and experience in building a tourism business. As with all volunteer opportunities in North Korea, you must obtain prior approval from the government through a lengthy application process.

2. Show the North Koreans how to establish a business

Business is alive and well in this country, even if it is tightly controlled. There is a growing need for foreigners who know how to build a business.

Similar programs include Western businessmen coming to North Korea to give presentations and workshops on things like building lean startups. In other words, you will help the local people create their own jobs and use their creativity.

This position can be obtained without formal qualifications, but you must be a successful businessman to have a chance of convincing the North Korean authorities that you are the right person for the job.

3. Support North Korean refugees

The support of North Korean refugees include provision of necessary skills needed for adaptation to the lifestyle outside the toughly protected borders of their native country. In exchange, you will gain a unique idea of how the life looks like behind the dark curtain of the North Korea.