North Korea’s Crypto & Blockchain Summit Set
According to the official website of the DPRK, the Pyongyang Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference is set for April 18–25, 2019, when, as the site indicates:north korea crypto
“International experts in the blockchain and crypto industry will gather for the first time in Pyongyang to share their knowledge and vision, establish connections, and discuss business opportunities.”
The conference will be open to the international community with a few exceptions, notably South Korean nationals and those from Japan and Israel. The event will last 8 days and lectures will be given at North Korea’s Science and Technology Complex.
The FAQ section says that the DPRK is the safest nation on earth. If you maintain basic common sense and show respect for the beliefs and cultures of the nations, it is safe.
In North Korea, there is no roaming service. However, you can buy a SIM card that is used to make and receive international calls. However, for such a short stay, it is not necessary. You can simply use the communications room inside the hotel. This is used to make international calls.
Internet access is offered at $5 per hour.
The entrance fee is 3300 euros per person and includes flights from China-North Korea, accommodation, transportation, and food. The event will begin on April 18, 2019, and end on April 25, 2019.
But, be careful: no journalists or distribution of “any mass printed propaganda or digital or printed material against the dignity of the Republic” is permitted.
North Korea & crypto
North Korea has become increasingly sophisticated in using cryptocurrency as a method to evade international sanctions and fund its programs, including weapon development. The country’s cyber activities in this sector largely revolve around hacking and theft from crypto exchanges and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. Over recent years, North Korean hacker groups, especially the Lazarus Group, have stolen billions of dollars through a mix of phishing, malware, and social engineering schemes that exploit cryptocurrency firms and wallets. The United Nations estimates that North Korea-linked cyberattacks on crypto companies have generated around $3 billion between 2017 and 2023 alone, supporting its weapons programs.
In 2024, the FBI and other agencies warned of an increase in these activities, noting that North Korean hackers have shifted towards advanced social engineering tactics. They often impersonate crypto or DeFi firms, engage in elaborate dialogues with their targets, and eventually deliver malware under the guise of professional interactions. This strategic targeting allows them to compromise even well-defended organizations, with attacks on crypto ETFs and smart contracts becoming more frequent.
North Korea’s success in these cyber efforts is attributed to the increasing sophistication of its attack methods, pushing cybersecurity agencies globally to develop better defenses and increase collaboration to counter these threats.
