North Korea is one of the most secretive countries in the world. It operates under an incredibly closed regime, which closely controls the human rights of its citizens and also limits the number of people allowed to enter the country. As such, understanding which countries North Korea allow is a difficult task. This article explores the important question of which countries do North Korea allow and what kind of access the citizens of these countries have to the secretive nation.
In short, North Korea only allows a small number of countries to enter, mostly for diplomatic purposes. It does have some healthy relationships with other nations, but the vast majority of them are restrictive and provide limited access, even to its citizens. China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates are among the few countries with official diplomatic relationships with North Korea. Other countries, such as Japan and the United States, have an indirect relationship, often through extradition treaties. This means that it is more difficult to get access to North Korea through these two countries.
Despite its isolationism, North Korea has opened up to some tourists since 2017. However, the government still imposes strict rules to those who want to visit the mysterious nation. Most visitors are only allowed to stay for a few days, and they must be part of an organised tour. Upon entering the country, a lot of surveillance is imposed on the tourist, as they are closely watched by the North Korean Army. Tourists also have to be very careful when taking photographs as some places are deemed as off-limits.
Despite the restrictions and North Korea’s carefully monitored entry policy, citizens of certain countries are able to access North Korea easier than other nations. Countries located in close proximity to North Korea, such as China, South Korea, and Russia, are more easily able to gain access to North Korea than other distant countries. Tourists from these countries are allowed to stay for longer periods of time and are given more freedom to explore the country. Similarly, North Korean citizens are also able to gain entry to certain fortunate countries with less restrictions than others.
Analysts believe that North Korea’s willingness to open up to tourists and ease restrictions on international relations could be an indication that it may be willing to open up more in the future. The country’s growing relationship with countries like China, South Korea, and Japan, as well as its moves to improve the lives of its citizens, could be signs of a more open North Korea in the future. However, improved relations with the countries mentioned will depend on the government of North Korea and the country’s continued relationship with the United Nations.
Impact on Trade and Commerce
International ties with North Korea can have significant economic effects as well. The economic sanctions placed on North Korean exports by the United Nations significantly constrict its economy, meaning that North Korea needs to look for other trading partners. China, in particular, is a major trading partner, providing the country with food and other essential goods and services. This relationship could be strengthened in the future, providing the North Korean economy with much needed foreign currency.
Furthermore, North Korea’s relations with countries such as Japan have also improved. This offers greater opportunities for exports from North Korea and a greater degree of investment from Japan. An increase in exports means a greater influx of foreign currency vital to North Korea, which can help spur its internal economic growth.
Impact on Humanitarian Aid
Improved relations with countries also brings with it access to much needed humanitarian aid. North Korea has suffered significant economic hardship, with many of its people living in poverty and in need of assistance. The United Nations, through its various aid programmes, has provided assistance but access to these programmes has been limited due to North Korea’s closed off international relations.
However, with new relationships with countries such as China, South Korea and Japan developing, access to much needed aid and relief is becoming more available. In addition, the United Nations has become more active in providing supplies and distribution efficiency inside the country. The hope is that the improved relationships will open up North Korea even more to outside aid.
Impact On People-to-People Ties
The most significant effect of North Korea’s improved foreign relations comes in the form of people-to-people ties. North Korea has long been a secretive nation, with very limited interaction between its citizens and people from other nations. This can be extremely isolating and damaging to the development of North Korean citizens as individuals.
Improved relations with countries such as South Korea and China have provided more opportunities for North Korea to foster deeper cultural and human ties. North Koreans are now able to visit these countries much more easily, giving them more exposure to new cultures, ideas and opportunities. This opens up possibilities for North Koreans to share their own experiences and to learn more about the world around them.
Evaluating North Korea’s International Ties
In short, understanding which countries North Korea allow is a difficult task as the government still imposes strict rules and regulations when it comes to international ties. However, as its relationships with countries such as China, Russia and Japan are developing, more access is being granted to citizens in these countries.
This could have far-reaching economic, humanitarian and societal impacts, opening up new opportunities for North Korean citizens and providing much needed aid to those in need. This, in turn, could lead to development of a more open and global mindset in North Korea, deepening the country’s connections to the international community and paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
Impact On North Korean Citizens
The effects of more open international ties have already been seen in North Korean citizens. Tourists from all over the world are visiting North Korea more frequently, broadening horizons and raising awareness of the country. Similarly, greater access to foreign aid has allowed more North Koreans to access basic necessities, including food, healthcare and education services.
Furthermore, North Korean citizens have been provided with more opportunities for employment abroad, providing them with valuable international experience and insight. This can help the country develop both its economy and the skill sets of its citizens, furthering the growth and development of North Korea as a whole.
Increased Concerns Over Human Rights
However, with greater access to the country, increased concern over the human rights abuse taking place in North Korea has become prevalent. Citizens of other countries have voiced their concerns, citing the oppression of North Korean citizens and the limited access to basic human rights.
International pressure has somewhat increased, with various countries pushing for greater protections and access to basic human rights. However, much of this concern has yet to be addressed directly by the North Korean government, and progress has been slow.
North Korea’s Relationship With It’s Neighbours
North Korea’s relationships with its closest neighbours have been an important part of the country’s international ties. Economic sanctions and trade embargoes have restricted business relations with much of the region for decades, particularly with South Korea.
However, recent talks between North Korean and South Korean leaders have been promising, suggesting a stronger, more open relationship between the two nations. A stronger partnership with South Korea would also likely mean increased access and bilateral trade with other countries in the region, providing new opportunities and economic incentives to both countries.
The Future Of North Korea’s International Relations
Overall, North Korea’s relations with the international community are yet to be fully understood and analyzed. While increased access and improved diplomatic ties with certain countries is encouraging, much more needs to be done to secure a more open future for the secretive nation.
Leaders and citizens of other countries must continue to push to secure basic human rights and open diplomatic dialogue, with the hope that this will lead to more prosperous and humane conditions for North Koreans. Only then will North Korea be able to succeed and attain the level of peace, understanding and stability that all countries strive for.
