2026 data
North Korea vs South Korea
South Korea is stronger · +126 visa-free destinations
Comparing the two in 2026: the North Korea passport gives access to 40 destinations without a prior visa (#187 worldwide), while South Korea reaches 166 (#2). In practice, South Korea gets you visa-free to 126 more destinations.
Side-by-side comparison
North Korea
South Korea
Visa-free destinations
40
166
Voyspark Index rank
#187
#2
Visa-free
9
116
Visa on arrival
29
41
Electronic auth (eTA)
2
9
e-Visa
47
17
Visa required
#109
#15
Popular destinations visa-free for one but visa-required for the other.
Where South Korea reaches further
Access by region, side by side
Visa-free for both: destinations open to both passports.
Africa18 · 32 / 54
Europe0 · 46 / 46
Americas6 · 33 / 35
Asia9 · 29 / 33
Oceania4 · 13 / 14
Middle East3 · 13 / 15
Frequently asked questions
Which is stronger, North Korea or South Korea?
South Korea is stronger. North Korea reaches 40 destinations visa-free; South Korea, 166.
How many destinations can both enter visa-free?
40 destinations are open without a prior visa to both passports in 2026.
Where does each passport reach further?
North Korea wins in 0 and South Korea in 25 among popular destinations. The full list is above.