Visiting North Korea is a rather unique experience. As compared to other countries, the level of control and regulation is much tighter here and restrictions apply with regards to what you can see and do. Still, every year tourists from all around the world are drawn to the mysterious ‘hermit kingdom’, as North Korea is often known. So which countries can visit North Korea?
To enter North Korea, citizens of most countries require a special visa. However, this visa is not obtainable by applying through a traditional travel agency. Instead, visitors must be part of a tour group organised by a North Korean travel company and accompanied by one of their staff members throughout their stay. Additionally, special permits may be required to visit certain areas of the country, including the military zone near the DMZ.
Currently, nine countries are allowed to visit North Korea without a visa. Among these are China, the United Kingdom, France, Egypt, Russia and Malaysia. Moreover, citizens of these countries can be almost certain that their application for an entry visa will be approved, provided that the necessary documents are in order. Other countries, such as the USA and Canada, are no longer allowed to enter North Korea.
The only way for travellers from these countries to visit North Korea is to do so with a special ‘youth passport’, which grants holders a visa-free entry into the country for up to three months. A youth passport can be obtained from the foreign ministry of the relevant country, although the conditions of this vary greatly. In some cases, individuals could be asked to provide proof of the purpose of their visit to North Korea and supporting documentation.
Experts believe that the North Korean government is relatively open to foreign visitors, which is why they have created special regulations for the countries that can visit. A country’s relationship with North Korea is ultimately the deciding factor when it comes to allowing or denying entry. For example, countries with strong diplomatic ties, such as China and Russia, are generally more likely to be granted a visa and relaxed entry regulations, compared to those with more distant relationship with the government.
China Is The Largest Source Of Tourists To North Korea
China is the largest source of tourists to North Korea, with Chinese tourists reportedly accounting for 80% of all foreign visitors to the country. This is mainly due to the close proximity, the ease of travel and the fact that China has had a particularly strong relationship with North Korea since the Korean War. Special regulations, such as visa-free entry, have been established to enable more tourists to come in to North Korea.
Recently, the number of Chinese tourists visiting North Korea has been on the decline due to the escalating tensions between the two countries. As a result, the number of other foreign visitors in North Korea has also decreased. This has been seen as a particularly negative development, since tourism accounts for an important source of much-needed foreign currency for North Korea.
It is also believed that tourism can contribute to positive change in the country by providing a unique opportunity for citizens to learn more about the world outside of the ‘hermit kingdom’. One measure of success from the tourists’ point of view is when they are allowed to interact with North Korean people. This is said to be an invaluable experience, as it provides travellers with a better understanding of the country’s culture and allows them to form meaningful connections with locals.
Gapyeong Tour Is Popular Among Japanese Travellers
Japanese tourists are also able to visit North Korea without a visa, if they meet certain requirements. The most popular tour that Japanese tourists usually join is the Gapyeong Tour, which takes them to sites such as the North Korean capital Pyongyang and the Diamond Mountains.
The popularity of the tour is due to the relatively relaxed regulations for Japanese visitors. Tourists from Japan are also allowed to visit certain areas not open to other foreign visitors such as Panmunjom in the demilitarized zone as well as the Mount Kumgang resort. This is also likely due to the strong ties between the two countries, as Japan has a long history with North Korea.
Japanese visitors must also submit to a three-step entrance procedure, which includes submitting their passport, photographs and other documents to the relevant North Korean travel agency. This is to ensure that all visitors have the necessary permissions from their local government to enter North Korea. The travel agency also verifies the documentation of each traveller and approves their visit.
The Gapyeong Tour is said to be very safe and beneficial to both parties as it allows Japanese visitors to understand more of North Korean culture and also provides the North Korean government with a vital source of income. However, it is important to note that it is still subject to the tight regulations that apply to all other foreign tourists in North Korea.
Economic Sanctions Imposed By The United Nations Have Limited International Tourism
International tourism to North Korea has been affected by several economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations. This has resulted in a decrease in the number of foreign visitors over the years as fewer nations are willing to travel to the country due to fear of these sanctions.
For instance, US citizens have been completely prohibited from travelling to the “hermit kingdom” since the US imposed economic sanctions on North Korea in 2017. As a result, the US State Department does not allow US citizens to travel to, or even transit through, the country. This has had a major impact on the number of foreign tourists, as the US is home to one of the world’s largest populations of potential travellers.
In addition, the UN has imposed restrictions on North Korea’s ability to access certain currencies and conduct certain activities, such as trading, foreign investments and access to capital markets. As a result, North Korea has been facing a shortage of hard currency and finds it increasingly difficult to attract foreign investors and visitors.
Experts believe that although the sanctions have a negative effect, they are necessary in order to ensure that North Korea does not use funds to support its nuclear development program. As such, the UN sanctions must be respected and obeyed by all countries who wish to visit North Korea.
Negative Perceptions Of North Korea Are Misguided And Unhelpful
Unfortunately, due to the recent focus on North Korea in the media, the country has been surrounded by a certain level of negativity. This is particularly noticeable when it comes to the perceptions of North Korea. Many people believe that the country is hostile, dangerous and oppressive, and thus deem it unsafe to travel there.
However, experts and experienced travellers suggest that this perception is misguided and unhelpful. They explain that North Korea, like any other country, has its own unique culture and history, and the key to unravelling this is through travel. Touring North Korea provides individuals with a whole new perspective on the country and allows them to form their own opinion of the place, rather than relying on what they hear from the media or other sources.
Moreover, there are numerous opportunities for tourists to participate in various activities and experience different aspects of the culture. Activities such as mountain climbing, cycling, skiing, surfing and various other outdoor sports can be enjoyed in North Korea, in addition to more traditional sightseeing.
For these reasons, travel to North Korea is actually not as dangerous or hostile as people think. In fact, there are many people who actually find touring North Korea to be a very rewarding and interesting experience.
Visiting North Korea Can Lead To Better Global Understanding
Ultimately, visiting North Korea provides tourists with a much-needed insight into North Korean culture and daily life. For instance, citizens of North Korea are often not exposed to a variety of people and cultures due to their isolation from the rest of the world.
However, by allowing visitors from other countries to come to their country, North Korea has the potential to become more open-minded and to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for different cultures. This, in turn, could lead to an improved relationship between North Korea and the rest of the world, which would be beneficial for everyone.
Therefore, by visiting North Korea and forming meaningful connections with local people, foreigners have the opportunity to help bridge the gap between the ‘hermit kingdom’ and the rest of the world. This could potentially lead to greater global understanding and world peace in the future.
Although North Korea Is A Regulated Country, Rules Are Followed For The Safety Of Visitors
Despite the stringent regulations and restrictions that apply when touring North Korea, it is important to remember that these measures are in place for the safety of the visitors. As long as these are followed, visiting North Korea can be a safe and memorable experience.
For instance, visitors are expected to follow a strict dress code when entering civilian areas or places of worship in North Korea, such as churches and museums. Additionally, travellers should not take photos of military sites, as this can be considered a form of espionage. Similarly, they should avoid conversations on politico-social issues, as this can be considered a form of propaganda.
Although these regulations may seem burdensome at first, they are ultimately in place so as to ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience when visiting North Korea.
Travelling To North Korea Is Beneficial For Both Tourists And North Koreans
In conclusion, travelling to North Korea is an important opportunity for visitors to gain a better understanding of the culture and customs of the country, as well as to form meaningful connections with the locals. In addition, it is also beneficial for North Koreans, as it provides them with a source of foreign currency, which is much needed in a country that is desperately in need of financial aid.
Therefore, although there are a number of restrictions and regulations, travelling to North Korea is possible for citizens of many countries. The only thing that is required is for visitors to familiarise themselves with the relevant regulations and policies so that their experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
