Since 2012, the U.S. government has sanctioned North Korea, which prohibits American citizens from sending money or gifts to the hermit kingdom. That includes letters and cards. So if you want to jot a few words to Leader Kim Jong Un, you’re out of luck — unless you have a friend in South Korea who can act as your go-between.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to send mail to Kim Jong Un.
Can you mail a letter to North Korea?
Due to the economic sanctions against North Korea, the United States has very limited mail options when sending letters or postcards. Only first-class letters and matter for the blind are allowed. The Office of Foreign Assets Control regulates all mail going to North Korea to ensure that nothing illegal is being sent.
Before mailing any items to North Korea, mailers should check with the US Census Bureau to see if there are any special requirements. They may need to file information with the bureau, and they should also refer to IMM 510, 520, and 530 and Publication 699, Special Requirements for Shipping Internationally, for additional information.
What happens if an American visits North Korea
The U.S. Department of State continues to warn American citizens not to travel to North Korea due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention. U.S. citizens have been detained in North Korea for actions that would not give rise to arrest or detention in the United States or other countries. The North Korean government continues to detain U.S. citizens without due process, and denies them access to basic humanitarian needs. The State Department urges American citizens to exercise increased caution if they choose to travel to North Korea.
In order to make an overseas call to North Korea, you will need to go through the international operator service on +850 2 18111. Only a select few numbers (mostly fax numbers) can be dialled directly, without operator assistance.
Can Americans send mail to North Korea?
The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) prohibit the exportation or reexportation, from the United States, or by a United States person, of any goods, services, or technology to North Korea. This regulation implements the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016.
However, since the Trump administration took office, travel to North Korea by Americans has been banned. The administration cites concerns about the safety of American citizens in the country, given the volatile political situation.
Does USPS deliver to Korea?
The USPS flat rate shipping option is a great way to send packages to South Korea from the United States. The service is very affordable and quick, with most packages arriving within 6-10 business days. The only downside is that packages cannot weigh more than 20 pounds.
Even though North Korea has banned all sorts of birth control measures, getting a condom is still next to impossible. Sanitary pads and tampons are also not available in the North Korean market, which makes it even more difficult for women to find contraception.
Can UPS ship to North Korea
The US government does allow first-class letters, first-class postcards and materials for blind people to be mailed to North Korea, despite the US sanctions. However, shipping giant UPS doesn’t make deliveries to or from North Korea.
The North Korean government strictly controls the movement of its citizens both within the country and abroad. North Koreans are not allowed to freely travel around the country, and emigration and immigration are both tightly controlled. This makes it very difficult for North Koreans to leave the country or to travel to other countries.
Who is not allowed into North Korea?
In principle, any person is allowed to travel to North Korea; however, South Koreans and journalists are routinely denied entry. There have been some exceptions for journalists in the past, but it is not guaranteed that they will be able to enter the country.
As a foreigner living in Pyongyang, you are usually allowed to travel freely within the city. However, you will need to get permission from the authorities if you want to travel outside of Pyongyang. The border between North and South Korea is heavily guarded and you will not be able to cross it without special permission.
Can you use a cell phone in North Korea
Data from recent interviews with North Korean escapees indicate that cellphone usage is now ubiquitous in North Korea. Not only is it used for communication with friends and family, but it underpins North Korea’s private economy—a vital tool for communicating with suppliers, buyers and distributors. Cellphone usage has helped to offset the economic decline in North Korea, and has allowed many North Koreans to maintain a degree of normality in their lives.
Koryolink is the official name of the 3G mobile phone service in North Korea. The service is now effectively under the control of the state-owned Korea Post and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC). There has been a large demand for the service since it was launched.
Can you legally go to North Korea?
As of right now, individuals cannot use a US passport to travel to, in, or through North Korea without a special validation from the Department of State. Special Validations are granted only if it is in the US national interest to do so. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk.
Many countries are not accepting shipments from USPS due to the ongoing pandemic or other factors. This includes Afghanistan, Belarus, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Chad, Cuba, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, and more.
Final Words
Yes, you can send mail to Kim Jong Un, but it may not reach him due to the restrictions in place on communications with North Korea.
There is no conclusive answer to this question. Some people believe that you can send mail to Kim Jong Un, while others believe that you cannot.
