01 ·
Sea of Japan/East Coast
Cod and Mackerelrich fishing off Wonsan
Asia · Fishing World Guide
North Korea.
Fishing in North Korea 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
7
target species
Yes
license needed
May–Oct
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Often included as an add-on in state tour packages. Separate tours: From 250-600 USD/day.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- ONLY through state-authorized travel agencies. Individual fishing remains impossible for tourists in 2026.
- Cost
- Often included as an add-on in state tour packages. Separate tours: From 250-600 USD/day.
- Validity
- Only during the officially approved tour duration.
- Available online?
- No
North Korea remains largely closed for international tourism in 2026. Fishing is possible exclusively as part of strictly controlled, state-accompanied excursions. Travel is currently almost exclusively restricted to certain groups.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Coast: May to October. Freshwater: June to September. Ice fishing is very restricted.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Taedong River
Carp and freshwater fish in the Pyongyang city area
03 ·
Paektu Lake
Trout species in the volcanic crater lake on the Chinese border
04 ·
Myohyang Mountain Streams
Wild trout in pristine mountain regions
05 ·
Yellow Sea/West Coast
Flounder and Corvinas in the coastal lowlands
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+1 more species
Squid
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
Strictly defined by state authorities and non-negotiable.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Specified by the responsible state guide and local authorities.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Any method prohibited by the state guide leads to immediate tour exclusion.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Almost unknown; caught fish is almost exclusively used for local supply.
What does it cost?
—
License
Usually included in the expensive, mandatory all-inclusive tour packages.
250-600 USD
Guide per day
State fee structures are approx. 250-600 USD per day including escort.
300-600 USD
Daily budget
Individual travel is not possible in 2026; calculate 300-600 USD daily total budget for guided tours.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·North Korea40.34°, 127.51°
🎣 Live catches in nordkorea
2 verified catches
Not enough data (2 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
ONLY through state-authorized travel agencies. Individual fishing remains impossible for tourists in 2026. — North Korea remains largely closed for international tourism in 2026. Fishing is possible exclusively as part of strictly controlled, state-accompanied excursions. Travel is currently almost exclusively restricted to certain groups.
Rules in detail
Fishing is subject to strict military and security policy requirements. All actions require local permits and constant state supervision.
Freshwater
Numerous mountain lakes and the Taedong River; ecologically intact but difficult for tourists to access.
Saltwater
Extensive coastline of approx. 2,495 km; offers potential but is limited for security policy reasons.
Equipment
Your own high-quality equipment must be brought. No specialized equipment is available on site.
Guides
Mandatory. Every movement and fishing activity is supervised by at least one state guide.
Getting there
Only via exclusive state transport. Entry for private individuals is currently not possible.
Safety
Extreme caution is required. Any rule violations can have criminal consequences. US citizens are strictly excluded from entry.
Customs & fish export
Visa and travel permit only through authorized agencies. Absolute control of private electronics upon entry.
More Countries
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Data not correct?
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: July 2, 2026
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