Part 1
North Korea is a reclusive nation, most of the information released has come mainly from the few foreign tourists allowed to leave the country, or from journalists and defectors who managed to make the dangerous journey out of the country. One of the most frequently asked questions about North Korea is ‘who can go to North Korea?’. In principle, there are no restrictions on who can travel to North Korea, but it is worth noting that entry to the country is tightly regulated.
Visitors from some countries face considerable difficulty in obtaining a visa to enter North Korea, as the country does not have diplomatic relations with a number of states. For example, it is almost impossible for citizens of Japan and South Korea to enter North Korea. Citizens of the United States must apply for a special visa, and must also receive approval from the U.S. State Department to be allowed to travel there. It is also important to note that North Korea generally only issues visas to visitors who will be travelling in groups, or with a North Korean approved guide.
Visiting North Korea is an expensive proposition, with the costs of obtaining a visa, flights, and guide fees adding up quickly. Additionally, there are often high security costs associated with a visit to North Korea, as the country does not welcome visitors who are not strictly supervised and supervised. To ensure that visitors are accompanied by a North Korean guide at all times, the country requires a ‘host-tourist’ agreement to be signed before the tourist can enter.
Tourists travelling to North Korea are also subject to several restrictions regarding the activities they can engage in while in the country. Tourists are not allowed to leave the hotel unaccompanied, and the activities they can engage in are limited. Tourists are not allowed to travel outside the capital city without permission, and cannot visit any military sites. Tourists are also not allowed to talk to locals without permission, and should not take any photographs or videos that have not been approved by the authorities.
In conclusion, despite the restrictions associated with visiting North Korea, there are some people who are able to travel there. People from some countries may be able to obtain a visa by working with specialised tour operators, who have access to the necessary permissions and paperwork. For others, it may be a more difficult process, as the country has restrictive policies in place to protect itself from potentially unwelcome visitors.
Part 2: Who Can Benefit from Visiting North Korea?
Despite the challenges and restrictions associated with a visit to North Korea, there are some groups of people who are able to benefit from a trip to the country. Foreign tourists, journalists and academics are able to gain unique insights into life in the unique and reclusive nation, while business people can benefit from exploring opportunities within North Korea’s economy.
For tourists, the opportunity to experience a radically different culture and to learn more about North Korean history and the country’s relationship with the outside world is a major draw. Those who are willing to submit to North Korea’s guidelines for visiting foreign tourists may find the experience of visiting the country rewarding and illuminating.
Journalists can use a visit to North Korea to gain a better understanding of the complex political and economic situation in the country. By speaking to local people and visiting state-run sites, journalists can learn more about the country’s internal dynamics and the tight restrictions placed on its citizens.
Academics can also benefit from a visit to North Korea, as there are many opportunities to observe and study the country’s political and economic systems. By speaking to North Koreans and visiting government-run sites, academics can gain valuable insights into the way the country works.
Finally, potential business opportunities in North Korea are drawing in a growing number of entrepreneurs. Despite the challenges associated with doing business in North Korea, there is potential for profit in areas such as IT, manufacturing, and tourism development.
Part 3: Visiting North Korea: What to Expect
Visiting North Korea is a unique experience, and can be both rewarding and challenging. Before beginning a trip, it is important to understand the rules and restrictions that are in place in the country. Although there is no visa process for tourists, visitors must apply to the North Korean government for permission to enter, and if approved must also submit to various restrictions.
Visitors should expect to be accompanied and supervised by a North Korean guide at all times, and should not attempt to leave their hotel or explore the country unaccompanied. Photography and videography is strictly regulated, and visitors should expect to be monitored and have their movements restricted. Finally, visitors should exercise discretion when discussing their trip upon their return, as the North Korean government is sensitive to how its citizens are represented abroad.
Part 4: Exploring North Korea on Your Own
North Korea is an isolated and secretive nation, and as such there are very few opportunities to explore the country in an independent and unsupervised fashion. It is illegal for visitors to visit North Korea unaccompanied, and those caught doing so are likely to face serious consequences.
However, it is possible for some visitors to explore North Korea more independently. For example, journalists and academics can obtain permission to visit the country without a guide, provided they have the necessary paperwork. Additionally, some entrepreneurs and businesspeople have managed to find ways to conduct business in North Korea without being under constant supervision.
In any case, independent exploration of North Korea is heavily discouraged, and those who do choose to attempt to venture into the country should exercise extreme caution and take care to follow the laws and regulations of the country.
Part 5: Understanding North Korea’s Political System
A visit to North Korea offers an opportunity to learn more about the country’s unique political system. The country is led by its Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-Un, who holds absolute authority over all matters of the state. Under him are various levels of government, including the ruling party and the military, which controls the country.
North Korea is ruled by a single-party system, with the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea having total control over the government and its citizens. The government implements a wide range of oppressive policies, including censorship, restrictions on the press and travel, and the imprisonment of political dissidents. In spite of these policies, the country is slowly opening up to the outside world, and visitors to North Korea can get a glimpse of its unique political system.
Part 6: How Visiting North Korea Can Help Spur Change
In spite of the difficulties associated with visiting North Korea, some people argue that a visit to the country can help spur change and open up the country to the outside world. Advocates of a more open North Korea argue that foreign tourists can help expose the North Korean government’s abuses and help to bring more outside attention and pressure to the state.
Additionally, foreign investment in North Korea has the potential to improve the quality of life for its citizens, and could help to bring about gradual economic and political reforms. Already, the country has seen some small shifts towards openness, such as an increase in foreign investment and the introduction of limited internet access for its citizens.
Finally, visits from foreigners can offer North Koreans a rare glimpse of the outside world, and can help to break down stereotypes and misconceptions about the “evil” West. Already, North Koreans who have interacted with foreigners have begun to develop more positive views of the world outside of their own country.
Part 7: Potential Problems with Visiting North Korea
Despite the potential benefits, it is important to recognise the potential problems associated with visiting North Korea. Visiting North Korea requires visitors to submit to the country’s strict regulations and to follow the orders of its leaders. Furthermore, there are some legitimate concerns surrounding the safety of visitors, as the North Korean government is known to take a harsh stance against perceived enemies of the state.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of the potential for exploitation when travelling to North Korea. It is no secret that the country’s tourism industry is dominated by powerful individuals with close ties to the ruling party, and there have been reports of some tourists being overcharged for services or fees. Furthermore, the government’s tight control over the flow of information into the country means that visitors are unlikely to learn the truth about the situation in North Korea from the government-approved tour guides.
Overall, it is important for visitors to North Korea to be aware of the potential benefits and risks associated with a visit to the reclusive nation. While there is potential for visitors to have a unique and rewarding experience, it is important to be aware of the country’s strict rules and potential pitfalls.
