Context and Implications
Joy had long since been looking forward to visiting North Korea, an opportunity she was eager to take. The country had been an enigmatic mystery to her and the idea of walking among its streets and experiencing its culture was a prospect that she simply couldn’t ignore. Her experiences in South Korea had only stoked her enthusiasm for the trip, and so when the offers seemed to being pouring in, her resolve only grew stronger. And yet, despite her best efforts, Joy never made it to North Korea, for reasons both known and unknown.
The Legal Framework
While there are a number of reasons why Joy was unable to visit North Korea, the most immediate obstacle was the legal framework that surrounds this communist nation. North Korea is among the most reclusive countries in the world and has very few official ties with the foreign nations. It restricts entry of foreign citizens, including tourists, and those who make it past the numerous check points must remain within the country for the duration of their stay. Moreover, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has historically been hostile to those who defy or critique its regime, making it difficult for Joy to successfully make the trip intact.
Turning Points
For Joy, the turning point came when the North Korean government began to relax its restrictions on foreign nationals in 2018. This was seen as a major sign of progress and a potential opening for Joy to make her long awaited trip. She began to prepare, yet soon found out that the entry restrictions remain extremely tight, and nobody could guarantee her safe return. As a result, Joy had to abandon her plan, despite the promises of a wonderful experience in North Korea.
Economic Considerations
Besides the legal framework, Joy was also facing economic considerations. Traveling to North Korea is an expensive endeavor, due to the nature of the country’s economy. Foreigners must bring their own currency, as there is currently no international trading with North Korea, and the cost of obtaining a Visa, as well as meeting the numerous other travel requirements, is prohibitive for most people, including Joy. Furthermore, the lack of consistent information about the living conditions in the country is a major obstacle for travelers, as it is almost impossible to determine in advance what could be ultimately encountered in North Korea.
The Perception of North Korean Regime
While the legal restrictions and economic considerations were the primary obstacles to Joy’s trip, there is also the perception of North Korea as a country. The regime has earned itself a dubious reputation among western nations, due to its numerous human rights abuses and its oppressive political system. This has resulted in the nation being largely ignored by the international community and the general public, creating an air of distrust and caginess around North Korea that did not bode well for Joy’s potential journey.
The Role of the U.S.
The other main factor in determining whether Joy would go to North Korea, was the attitude of the United States. Despite appearing to have a more open approach to North Korea, the U.S. government remains highly suspicious of the regime’s intentions, and is loathe to encourage tourism to the nation. As such, even those who have managed to obtain the necessary visas and funding necessary for their proposed visits have often found themselves the subject of increased scrutiny, forcing them to back out of their plans.
Expert Opinion
Experts and analysts suggest that the lack of an official diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and North Korea is one of the factors that contribute to the constraints Joy experienced in visiting the nation. Without a normalized diplomatic arrangement, citizens of the U.S. and North Korea remain largely separated and distrustful of one another. Additionally, North Korea still holds strong suspicions of the West, making it unlikely that any foreign tourists will be given permission to visit the nation in the near future. As such, Joy’s North Korea plans were effectively dashed.
Alternatives
Although Joy was unable to take her trip, there are still other options for those who remain determined to experience the country’s culture and mystique. Work trips, study visits and special licenses are all possibilities – as long as the individual obtains the necessary authorization. Additionally, there are a number of tourist-friendly locations in Pyongyang and its surrounding area, all of which provide insight into life in North Korea and offer glimpses into its history.
Cultural Enrichment
By visiting North Korea, Joy would have been afforded a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate a different set of cultural norms and traditions. As the country is cut off from the rest of the world, much of the traditional ways of living remain entirely undiluted, providing curious travelers with a rare glimpse at an important part of global culture. In addition, the country remains largely untouched by modern technology, meaning that many aspects of life in North Korea are still as they were centuries ago.
Government Responses
In recent years, North Korean leaders have made a series of indications that they are open to dialogue with the foreign powers. This includes a more relaxed stance on tourism, with certain restrictions on the activities allowed to foreign nationals now being eased. However, the government’s stance on the matter is still far from concrete and opinion remains divided on whether or not the country will ever become tourist friendly since there is still significant risk associated with traveling to North Korea.
The Tourism Industry
Despite the various obstacles and restrictions, the tourism industry in North Korea is steadily growing, with more people being allowed to visit the country each year. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of travelers visit North Korea each year. This includes academics, foreign investors and curious travelers eager to experience what the mystic country has to offer. However, these travelers are still subject to heavy government scrutiny and reporting requirements, making it difficult for many people, including Joy, to make the journey.
Military Tensions
Unfortunately, military tensions between North Korea and the outside world remain high, creating another obstacle for Joy’s dream trip. This is likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future, meaning that any foreign nationals visiting North Korea must take extra precautions to ensure their safety and security. It is likely that Joy wants to play it safe and would rather wait until the situation has cooled before attempting to reach North Korea’s shores.
Safety Concerns
Safety is also a major factor in determining why Joy was unable to visit North Korea. As a foreign traveler, she would have to make sure that she is able to access medical care in the event of an emergency, and the lack of international ties between North Korea and many other countries is a limiting factor in this regard. Additionally, North Korea’s extreme shortage of resources makes it difficult to guarantee a comfortable, safe and secure stay, as the country is known to suffer from many of the same issues faced by other third-world nations.
Knowledge and Perspective
Though Joy was ultimately unable to take the trip to North Korea, the experience has nonetheless provided her with a greater appreciation for the country and its people. Through her research, she has gained insight into the history and culture of the nation and its citizens. She has discovered both the challenges faced by the North Korean people, as well as their resilience in the face of adversity. Her knowledge of the country has helped her better understand both its goals and motivations, and she has come away with a great deal of respect for the nation and its people.
