Scam in North KoreaTheft
Theft at Tonghil Market in North Korea
How it works
A small amount of theft occurs at the market. No specific theft method is described.
Warning signs
- A bag is open or left unattended.
- Cash or a phone is visible in an easy-to-reach pocket.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
- Keep cash and your phone out of easy reach.
- Take out only the money needed for a purchase.
- Stay with your guide and visit only with permission.
If it happens to you
Tell your guide immediately. Check what is missing and ask for help reporting the theft. Do not chase or confront anyone.
- Stay calm. Do not argue, threaten anyone or pursue a suspected thief.
- Tell your guide immediately and stay within approved areas.
- Check what is missing or how much you were overcharged. Write down the place, time, currency and amount.
- Keep receipts and other payment records. Follow local restrictions when gathering evidence; photography is prohibited at Tonghil Market.
- If a bank card or device is missing, contact its issuer or service provider when possible to block access.
- Ask your guide to help report theft to police. Contact an embassy that can assist you if documents are missing or the incident is serious.
Questions
What is the theft at Tonghil Market scam in North Korea?
A small amount of theft occurs at the market. No specific theft method is described.
How can I spot it early?
A bag is open or left unattended. Cash or a phone is visible in an easy-to-reach pocket.
How do I avoid theft at Tonghil Market in North Korea?
Keep your bag closed and in front of you. Keep cash and your phone out of easy reach. Take out only the money needed for a purchase. Stay with your guide and visit only with permission.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Tell your guide immediately. Check what is missing and ask for help reporting the theft. Do not chase or confront anyone.
Where in North Korea does this happen?
Tonghil Market, also called Tongil Market It has been reported in Pyongyang.
How common is this scam in North Korea?
Occasional. Tourist scams appear limited in North Korea, where visitors are closely supervised. The main money problem is overcharging when sellers lack change or use rough currency conversions; a small amount of theft is also reported at Tonghil Market in Pyongyang. Low scam risk does not mean low overall travel risk: restrictions are strict, and breaking rules can have serious consequences.
Who can I report it to?
Your guide and tour company: tell your guide as soon as a payment dispute or theft occurs. Ask for help speaking with the seller, arranging a report or contacting assistance. Police: for theft or a serious incident, ask your guide to help contact police and make a report. Request a copy or reference if one is available. An embassy able to assist you: identify the relevant embassy before travel. Contact it for a serious incident, lost travel documents or a police matter. Sweden serves as protecting power for American, Australian and Canadian travellers, though consular help may be limited. The British embassy offers assistance to Commonwealth citizens without other representation, except Singaporeans and Tanzanians. Your card issuer: if a bank card is lost or you find an unauthorised transaction, contact the issuer through its official app or contact details. Ask it to block the card and explain any dispute options.
What number do I call in an emergency in North Korea?
Emergency assistance from a fixed-line phone: 119, Emergency assistance from a mobile phone: 112, Medical emergencies in Pyongyang: 02 382-7688 locally; +850 2 382-7688 in international format.
Reviewed by @snuck