Ongjin, North Korea

With a population of just 152,878, Ongjin County offers little in the way of modern amenities or economic opportunity. The area is dominated by rice farming and fishing, with only a smattering of industry like gold and marble mining. And while the climate may be mild, the region's isolation and proximity to the border means navigating a persistent bureaucratic headache.

Ongjin's remoteness also poses risks, as the county was the site of some of the earliest fighting in the Korean War. The Armistice Line left the area firmly in North Korean control, further complicating access and stability.

In short, Ongjin is best suited for the most hardy and self-sufficient expats, those willing to forgo creature comforts in exchange for an authentic - if challenging - taste of rural North Korean life.