Historical Context
North Korea has had a tumultuous history, with a long history of conflict and political turmoil. In the early 20th century, the Korean Peninsula was divided into North and South by the Cold War powers, ushering in decades of political instability for the Korean people. After a shocking series of events, Kim Il-sung took control of North Korea and installed a highly oppressive regime that remains in power to this day. Since then, North Korea has been in a quasi-state of isolation and the country has erect numerous barriers and restrictions to prevent citizens and tourists from leaving.
Travel Restrictions
Due to these restrictions and the security afforded them by their authoritarian regime, North Korea is one of the most difficult places to visit. North Korea requires all foreign tourists to obtain a visa before they can enter the country, and even then, tourists are kept under close guard and monitored throughout their stay. Tourists are, in most cases, only allowed to travel within the pre-approved tourist sites and activities, and they are not permitted to travel off the beaten path or explore the country in any meaningful way. Moreover, visitors are not allowed to take photographs or videos of important landmarks, sites or areas of the country that could be seen as sensitive.
Departure Regulations
Leaving the nation is equally, if not more, complex. Tourists are required to report to their handlers upon arrival, and all communication is carefully monitored. Moreover, getting permission to leave the nation is not an easy process, and tourists are subject to numerous other restrictions. Tourists must also obtain an exit visa before they can leave, and this process can be arduous and time-consuming. Moreover, due to the restrictions on security and surveillance, tourists are often accompanied by officials when they do make it to the airport, and it is not uncommon for them to be subjected to further security checks or interrogations at the airport.
Sanctions
The international sanctions placed upon North Korea have had a devastating effect on the nation, and they have also had a profound impact on the ability of tourists to leave. The US and other countries have imposed numerous economic sanctions on the country, including restrictions on travel, banking and investment. These restrictions have made it virtually impossible for tourists to exchange their currency for local currency or to transfer money out of the country.
Furthermore, these sanctions have had a significant impact on the availability of international flights from the country. This means that, even if a tourist was able to obtain an exit visa, the lack of flights and closure of certain airports in the region could mean that it is virtually impossible for them to leave the country.
Risk of War
Given the volatile state of the Korean Peninsula, there is always the risk that a conflict could break out between North Korea and its neighbours. This could mean that tourists visiting the country are at risk of being trapped in the country during a military conflict. Even if the risk of war is low, it is a good idea for tourists to evaluate the risk before they travel to North Korea, as they could be trapped in the country during a period of violent conflict.
Conclusion
Overall, the question of whether tourists can leave North Korea is an open one. The country imposes numerous restrictions and regulations on visitors and these combine to make it difficult to enter and exit the nation. Moreover, due to the sanctions and continual risk of war, leaving North Korea is a much more difficult process than it may appear. However, for those with the determination and the means, it is possible to safely leave this fascinating country.
