Unlike many growing Asian countries, congestion and crowded streets are rare. Private vehicles are not generally available. Roads outside of cities are often in disrepair and are hazardous, particularly at night and in bad weather. North Korea is dependent on rail transportation and delays are frequent. Transportation to cover short distances in the countryside is not generally available.
Bicycles are rare.
Foreigners are only permitted to enter the country by air or rail. Foreigners may not enter North Korea by road from China or the Russian Federation. Persons seeking to enter North Korea with religious materials in a quantity deemed to be greater than that needed for personal use, can be detained, fined and expelled. Information concerning laws governing items that may be brought into North Korea may be available from the North Korean Mission to the United Nations or from a North Korean embassy or consulate in a third country. These laws may impose special obligations upon North Korean nationals, e.g., military service or taxes.