North Korean Tourism
North Korea is not a country many people think about when it comes to vacationing. Despite popular belief, however, the country does actually accept visitors, though on a limited basis. For those curious about what country’s North Korea permits, the answer might surprise you.
North Korean citizens are not permitted to leave the country unless they are granted a special permit or are part of the diplomatic corps. Tourists, however, do not have the same restrictions. Tourists can visit North Korea as part of an organized group or on a self-guided tour.
Requirements for Visitors
Despite being a relatively unrestricted country for visitors, there are still a few rules for those wishing to enter North Korea. Potential visitors must gain approval from the North Korean government before visiting, regardless of whether they are travelling with a tour company or not.
Before approval is granted, all potential visitors must fill out an application form, provide their passport details and submit photographs of themselves. This application process is mandatory and if any bit of information is inaccurate, North Korea will not grant approval.
Potential visitors should also be aware of certain restrictions related to travelling to North Korea. Although North Korea is not particularly strict when it comes to travel to the country, certain activities and items are not permitted. Visitors found taking photos of unauthorized governmental or military facilities, or activities which could be deemed subversive, may face harsh penalties or even expulsion.
North Korea also restricts the use of certain modern technology, such as wireless devices and computers, in the country. Working mobile phones must be left with authorities upon arrival and any devises that have a wireless connection, such as tablets and laptops, will be confiscated for the duration of the trip.
Countries Permitted to Visit
In terms of what country’s North Korea allows entry from, anyone from any nationality is permitted as long as they go through the necessary application process and submit the required information. Over the last decade, the number of countries that visit North Korea has increased and now it is estimated that over 100 countries travel to North Korea on an annual basis.
North Korea has a specific list of countries which they deem as friendly nations and they tend to accepting tourists from these nations more readily. Most notably, North Korea has close ties with China, Russia and a few European countries, so citizens from these areas usually find it simpler to receive approval for travel to the country. Visitors from other countries may still receive approval, but it is far less likely.
Safety in North Korea
That said, those who do receive approval for travel to North Korea often find themselves amazed and awed by the culture of the country and its people. Despite misconceptions, travelling to North Korea is considered safe and most visitors report having enjoyable visits.
Although the country’s rules and regulations may be strict, they are never unreasonable and they usually do not cause unnecessary worry. In most cases, visitors to North Korea are automatically granted 15-day visas on arrival, meaning they will no longer need to worry about the application paperwork once they’ve arrived.
One thing that does need to be made clear, however, is that North Korea is not just a tourist destination. It is a real country with real people and real culture that needs to be treated with respect in order for a trip to go smoothly. Visitors who remain respectful of the people and the culture of the country can be rewarded with great experiences and lasting memories.
Accommodations
Finally, when it comes to where visitors stay on their trip to North Korea, there are several options. All organized tours will provide arrangements for their visitors, meaning all visitors will have to find a place to stay during their visit. Those who are travelling independently, however, will need to be prepared with a place to stay.
North Korea has two hotels that usually accept foreign visitors, the Yanggakdo International Hotel and the Koryo Hotel in Pyongyang. These hotels are designed specifically for foreign visitors, so they are usually the most accommodating. Other hotels exist, but they can often be less accommodating, due to the restrictions placed on them by the North Korean government.
Food in North Korea
The food served in North Korean restaurants varies from region to region but there are some dishes that remain quite popular throughout the country. For example, kimchi is a staple dish that is served with every meal, regardless of where one is eating. Other dishes such as bibimbap, which is a rice dish mixed with a variety of vegetables and protein, and jjamppong, a spicy seafood soup, are also quite popular.
Although the cuisine may be different from what is served in other countries, most visitors to North Korea report having an enjoyable experience with the food. It the dishes may be quite different from what they were used to, they usually found the food quite delicious.
When it comes to drinks, North Korea also has a few options. North Korean beer is a popular choice and is relatively inexpensive. North Korean beer is usually served on-tap and can be quite enjoyable. Non-alcoholic drinks such as coca-ola, coffee and tea are also available at most restaurants.
Locality & Landscape
North Korea is largely mountainous and typified by it’s rolling hills and dales. The landscape is dominated by mountain ranges, national reserves, valleys and tributaries. Coasts and lakes have formed a network of shorelines which have become vibrant with industry.
The biggest city in North Korea is Pyongyang located in the northern region of the country and home to the largest population of any city. In addition to this, Nampo and Kaesong are both popular city destinations for tourists. Nature destinations such as Baekdu Mountain, the Diamond Mountains and the East Sea are also popular visitor attractions.
Geographical Proximity
North Korea is located in East Asia, wedged between the borders of China and Russia to the north, and joined to South Korea to the south. Although North and South Korea are mostly separated, North Korea still shares some of its borders with Japan and certain provinces in eastern China.
North Korea is isolated in many ways, particularly with its relationship with other nations, but the hospitality of its people, the country’s geography, and its adherence to a set of restrictions render North Korea an interesting and largely safe place to visit.
Points of Interest
North Korea may not be known for its grand tourism destinations, but there are still some must-see attractions for visitors. Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is a popular destination, with a variety of attractions ranging from the Monument to Party Founding to the Gaseong Fortress, a national treasure and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition, the cities of Nampo and Kaesong are becoming more popular as tourist attractions, offering visitors stunning views of their respective harbor and the city of Seoul in the distance. The DMZ, or Demilitarized Zone, between North and South Korea is also often visited by tourists, though, depending on the relations between the two countries, it may be off-limits.
Although much of North Korea is closed off to visitors, there are still a few places of interest, which may surprise and delight visitors. These destinations include the Korean Central History Museum, a popular spot for those looking to learn more about North Korean history, the Ancient Koguryo Tombs, located in the northeastern part of the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, North Korea is surprisingly open when it comes to allowing visitors to the country, though the application process to gain entry can be somewhat tedious. Visiting North Korea can be a rewarding, if somewhat challenging experience, ultimately offering visitors the chance to explore a country and culture they may not have otherwise had the chance to experience.
