Can an Indian Go to North Korea?
It’s only natural to be curious about North Korea and its many secrets. India, being the seventh-largest country in the world and its diplomatic ties with the North Korean government, has oftentimes been a subject of debate regarding whether Indian citizens can travel to North Korea or not. In many ways, this conundrum is an important question given the oddly close relationship between the two countries.
Due to the tense geopolitical climate between North Korea and India’s close allies, namely the USA and its neighbour China, travelling to North Korea is an arduous process. International organizations like Amnesty International have deemed North Korea to be a closed country, prohibiting students and business travelers from visiting. In fact, the United Nations Security Council has imposed resolutions condemning the Kim Jong-Un government for human rights violations and its nuclear weapons program.
However, for Indian citizens, the answer is still a bit murky. While there isn’t an outright ban on Indian citizens travelling to North Korea, there are many steps to be followed. Indian citizens visiting North Korea must obtain an official visa from the North Korean Embassy in New Delhi or from another North Korean diplomatic mission in India. Though it may take up to two months for the visa application to be approved and processed, once granted, it is valid for up to 2 years, making multiple visits to North Korea permissible.
Despite the visa requirements, few Indians have chosen to visit North Korea and those who do so often do it as part of a guided tour due to the language barrier and the country’s isolation. This is because Indian tourists are not allowed to stay outside of their tour group, meaning that they must return to their guides once they are done touring the country. Furthermore, Indian citizens travelling to North Korea must bring their own local currency as North Korean won are not accepted and must obtain a local currency exchange, which must be done with the help of a guide.
The downside of travelling to North Korea, aside from the rigards bureaucracy, is the fact that Indian tourists are at the whim of their guides. Generally, these guides are government officials who will only show them “approved” tourist sites and will restrict the amount of time that an Indian citizen can spend at a location. It’s also worth mentioning that due to the tense relations between the two countries, communication between Indian citizens and locals can be uncomfortable at times.
Nonetheless, if someone from India is adamant on visiting North Korea, they can make their way there under certain limitations. For Indians wanting to visit North Korea, they must make sure that they have an up-to-date visa and the necessary documentation, along with devices like smart phones and cameras, have been checked and approved by the North Korean government. International credit cards, cash and other forms of currency cannot be brought in to the country, and in general, communication with the outside world is restricted. Though it may not be recommended by INTERPOL or other international authorities, visiting North Korea as an Indian is possible, if they follow the regulations and act responsibly.
The North Korean Economy
The most important factor that has to be taken into account when visiting North Korea is its unstable economy. According to a report from 2018, the economic production in North Korea has increased by 5.4% despite the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council. This is largely attributed to the growing number of tourists that have been visiting the country in recent years.
The main source of income for North Korea is tourism, as it is the most accessible way to bring in money. The North Korean government still struggles with a lack of foreign currency, meaning that these outside sources are essential for their survival. In spite of this, the government is able to provide basic services such as public health and education. It is also able to maintain a relatively stable currency as well as defensive infrastructure.
Though the economy of North Korea is still struggling to make ends meet, there are some signs that it is improving. This is largely due to the increased access to foreign currencies, which is largely due to the influx of visitors from other countries, including India. This has the potential to create more stability in the country, as well as creating jobs for its citizens.
The economic production of North Korea still remains low compared to its neighbours, but it is still an important factor to consider when deciding to visit the country. This is because in order to maintain a strong and stable economy, the North Korean government must be able to make use of the money that is coming in from other countries. In turn, this can help them create jobs and provide better services, which can then lead to a healthier and happier nation.
The North Korean Culture
Indian citizens have to be aware of the cultural restrictions and taboos when visiting North Korea. The North Korean culture and lifestyle has been shaped by the authoritarian regime that has been ruling the country for decades. As such, there are certain practices that are expected of tourists in order for them to avoid offending locals.
For instance, most public displays of affection, such as hand-holding and kissing, are not allowed. Tourists are also expected to follow local laws and regulations without fail and respect the privacy of the locals. Respecting the nation’s flag, monuments, and leaders is also required. Certain topics like religion, politics, and the country’s relationship with India must also be avoided.
The North Koreans are also known to be a very proud and highly independent people, and are sensitive when it comes to being judged or viewed as inferior to other countries. As a result, they can be very defensive and wary of outsiders. As such, it is important for Indian travellers to be respectful of the North Koreans and their culture while they are visiting, in order to maintain peace and harmony while they are there.
Though it may seem like an intimidating culture to navigate, the North Koreans are actually a friendly people. They are quick to welcome visitors and show them around, provided that the laws and regulations are abided by. It is important for Indian citizens to recognize that this is a country that is largely misunderstood, and for that reason, it is important for them to be able to maintain a level of respect when visiting, as it can make a major difference in their experience.
Indian-North Korea Relations
India and North Korea have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1973, though economic and political ties remained minimal until recently. In 2018, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in a bid to strengthen both countries’ relationships. Following the meeting, the two countries established a range of joint projects, including an infrastructure development project worth $200 million and the establishment of an India–North Korea Joint Taskforce on Economic Cooperation.
Furthermore, North Korea has also expressed interest in Indian firms investing in the country as well as in the expanded trade links between the two nations. The two countries have also discussed the potential to join forces in the areas of sustainable development, renewable energy, and nuclear disarmament.
India and North Korea have also discussed the idea of forming a trilateral partnership with China, in order to make use of their respective resources in order to work towards regional stability. This would be beneficial for both countries and could lead to a stronger India–North Korea relationship in the future.
In general, India and North Korea are two countries that are actively working to strengthen their ties. This could prove to be beneficial for both countries in the long run, as it could lead to increased trade and economic opportunities for the two countries. This could be the beginning of a strong partnership between the two nations and could open a new era of mutually beneficial cooperation between them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are certain limitations and restrictions, it is safe to say that Indian citizens are indeed allowed to visit North Korea. However, they must be mindful of the country’s culture, economy, and relationship with India in order to stay out of trouble. Taking all of this into consideration, as well as obtaining a valid visa and the necessary documents, Indian citizens can safely travel to North Korea and explore its various wonders.
