Rice said she would not participate in any talks with North Korean officials during her visit, saying such actions are not "useful at this time," the Yonhap news agency reported.

Rice's comments at a Friday news conference ahead of her Saturday departure came as the international community awaits signs the Asian country would honor its obligation to provide all required information regarding its nuclear program.

"Everybody knows what needs to happen," Rice said of the tense waiting game.

The secretary of state also downplayed a planned performance by the New York Philharmonic in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, yet labeled the event a "good thing."

Rice's latest diplomatic mission includes stops in South Korea, China and Japan.