Methods of Calling North Korea
Calling North Korea can be tricky, as the country has been isolated from the rest of the world for many years. However, with a bit of research and knowledge, it is possible to make a call to the reclusive nation.
The most common way to call North Korea is with a prepaid international calling card; these cards offer direct access to the country with no connection to a local operator. Most cards are affordable and can be purchased online or in some shops around the world. In addition, most of the calling cards offer competitive rates and allow for multiple calls.
Another way to call North Korea is to use VoIP services such as Skype or WhatsApp. With these services, users can make international calls and messages for free or at a very low cost. In addition, most of the services are available for free on Android, iOS, and Windows devices. Lastly, these services offer a high degree of security and privacy.
Finally, if users have an International Direct Dial (IDD) access number, they can call North Korea directly from any part of the world. The IDD access numbers are country-specific and users need to register with the provider before making the call. Once registered, users can make calls to North Korea indefinitely with the same phone number.
Getting Connected to North Korea
In order to connect to North Korea, users need to ensure that they are using the right code. The country’s calling code is +850, and it should be preceded by a “00” when dialing from abroad. For example, if users want to call a phone in North Korea, they would dial 00-850-####-####. It is important to note that some mobile phone networks may not be accessible or may require additional fees.
Furthermore, it is recommended that users connect to a landline as most mobiles in North Korea are set up for local calls only. International callers should also check the cost of the call before making it as the rates could be high. Lastly, the lines in North Korea may be unreliable, so it is recommended that users make short calls.
Mobile Services in North Korea
Until recently, North Korea did not have access to modern mobile phone networks. The country’s first 3G mobile service, called Koryolink, was introduced in 2008 by the Egyptian telecommunications company Orascom. Currently, the service is used by over two million North Koreans and provides cellular access to most parts of the country.
Koryolink provides access to basic services such as voice and SMS, as well as data access. In addition, the service allows users to access the internet and send and receive emails. However, users should be aware that the service is heavily monitored and censored by the government; most websites and applications are blocked, and only approved content can be accessed.
Accessing the Internet In North Korea
Although North Korea has access to the internet, it is tightly controlled by the government. Most websites and applications are blocked, and only approved content can be accessed. Furthermore, the internet connection is incredibly slow, making it difficult to access most websites.
The majority of North Koreans do not have access to the internet as the majority of people do not own computers. However, those with access to computers can access the approved government websites or the closed intranet, called Kwangmyong. Access to the intranet is limited to university students and the military.
Furthermore, North Korea has had satellite internet access since 2010. The service is provided by the China Unicom company and operates at a fraction of the cost of normal internet access.
Using Social Media to Reach North Koreans
Although North Korea has a small population of internet users, it is possible to reach them through social media. Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are available in the country and are heavily monitored by the government. Furthermore, the use of social media is limited to approved websites and user activities are closely monitored.
Outside of the country, however, it is possible to reach North Koreans using apps like WeChat and Telegram. Although these services are not available in North Korea, people in other countries can communicate with North Koreans through these apps. It is important to note that any message or content shared through these services is heavily monitored by the North Korean government.
Travelling to North Korea
Travelling to North Korea is possible, although it is heavily restricted by the government and tourists must obtain a special visa. Obtaining a visa can be difficult as there are many restrictions on who is allowed to visit and must be done through an approved tour agency. Once in the country, tourists are heavily monitored and must stay within designated areas at all times.
Furthermore, tourists must abide by the country’s laws and regulations. For example, it is illegal to take pictures of military personnel or buildings, access the internet, and bring in any banned items. Violating any of these laws can result in fines or worse.
Accepted Forms of Payment in North Korea
In North Korea, the local currency is the won, and it is illegal to bring foreign currency into the country. Tourists must purchase the currency at the airport or local establishments. Furthermore, only certain forms of payment are accepted in North Korea. For example, most of the establishments accept cash only; however, some hotels accept credit cards and foreign currencies.
In addition, North Korea has its own national debit card system called Chip Yong. This card is linked to a North Korean bank account, and it can be used to purchase goods and services within North Korea. However, the card is only available to locals and some tourists who have received special permission to use it.
Political and Cultural Considerations When Calling North Korea
When calling North Korea, it is important for users to remember the country’s political and cultural considerations. North Korea is ruled by a totalitarian regime, and most of the information related to the country is tightly controlled. Furthermore, it is important to note that many topics are off limits, so it is important to be mindful of the conversation in order to avoid any potential issues.
Similarly, North Korean culture is vastly different from other cultures, and users should be aware of the differences before making a call. For example, North Koreans are much more formal than most cultures, and it is important to show respect to the people that one is speaking to.
Finally, North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world and communication between the two cultures has been limited. However, it is possible to communicate with the North Korean people, and doing so can be a rewarding experience.
Safety Considerations when Calling North Korea
Due to the reclusive nature of North Korea, it is important to consider the safety implications when making a call. First, it is important to note that any communication with North Koreans can be closely monitored by the government, even calls made from outside of the country. Furthermore, it is important to be aware that any inflammatory or critical comments could lead to repercussions.
In addition, it is important to remember that North Korea is a heavily militarized nation, and it is not advisable to travel there without the proper precautions. Tourists must register with the government and adhere to the relevant restrictions and laws. Any violations could lead to detention or other consequences.
Finally, it is important to remember that North Korea has one of the most oppressive governments in the world, and it is important to be respectful when communicating with North Koreans. It is also important to verify that any information shared with North Koreans is accurate and does not contain any sensitive information.
