Tourism
North Korea offers an opportunity for tourists to have an unforgettable experience. North Korea has always been shrouded in mystery and therefore, visiting it provides an opportunity for tourists to see a unique place which has been rarely seen by outsiders. While travelling to North Korea may seem intimidating and uninviting, the potential rewards can be far greater than the risk.
North Korea offers tours to many fascinating sites, like the picturesque Mount Paektu, and the Chonji Longevity Hill in Pyongyang. Tourists can also visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North Korea and South Korea, Kaeson Youth Park in Pyongyang, Phny Open Air Ice Rink in winter and the Kwangbok Supermarket, which offers a rare glimpse of the North Korean’s economic market.
The government of North Korea requires all tourists to be thoroughly briefed by their tour guides who accompany tourists throughout their stay in the country. This helps to ensure the safety of all tourists and keeps things running smoothly. Tourists must also abide by a number of regulations which includes no photography of military personnel or facilities, staying within designated tourist areas and generally not wandering away from their tour group.
Cross-Cultural Exchange
Travelling to North Korea is an incredible opportunity to experience a different culture and broaden one’s understanding of the world. It provides a chance to gain insight into a culture that is rarely seen by outsiders.
Visitors to North Korea are able to meet with locals and observe a culture vastly different from their own. It is important to remember that North Korea is a place unlike any other, and that it is essential to respect their customs and traditions.
Due to North Korea’s seclusion from the world, there is a great amount of curiosity about the country and what lies beyond the restrictions of the North Korean government. For those who have the opportunity to visit North Korea, it can be an eye-opening experience and for many, a rewarding one.
Cultural Education
In addition to being a unique tourist destination, North Korea is an incredibly interesting place for those interested in learning more about its culture and history. North Korea offers a chance to visit various memorials and monuments, including the Tower of the Juche Idea located in the capital city Pyongyang. Tourists can also visit the Kumsusan Memorial Palace to pay homage to the late leaders of North Korea, the Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
For those with an appetite for knowledge, North Korea offers various educational and cultural activities. Visitors can attend classes on the history and culture of the country, as well as observe and take part in traditional activities such as cooking demonstrations and workshops on local crafts.
Economic Benefits
North Korea is not a booming economy by any standard, however the few tourists who visit are able to provide some much needed income for the country. Tourism in North Korea is managed by the government, and the money from tourism provides much needed funds for infrastructure and other areas.
As of 2013, the number of foreign visitors to North Korea was estimated to be around 200,000 per year, with the majority of them being soldiers and students from South Korea and China. The North Korean government is keen to increase the number of tourists in the coming years, and for this reason, the government has been taking steps to ease the process of getting a tourist visa.
Political Symbolism
North Korea is one of the most enigmatic, secluded and notorious countries in the world. A visit to North Korea is seen as a significant political statement, especially in regard to the relations between North Korea and the rest of the world.
Visitors are viewed as a symbol of goodwill and a sign that there is room for dialogue between North Korea and other nations. In recent years, there have been various diplomatic initiatives to reach out to North Korea, and visitors to the country act as ambassadors, seen by many outside the nation as a gesture to promote peace and understanding.
A Chance to Make a Difference
Visitors to North Korea have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of North Korean people by bringing much needed items such as educational books, clothing, toys and medical supplies.
Tourists are able to partake in charity initiatives, distributing these items to those in need or simply engaging in conversation with locals to learn more about their lives. Although these contributions may seem small, they can make a huge difference in the lives of North Koreans.
Advocacy and Awareness
Tourists visiting North Korea often find themselves in a unique position, as they are able to act as unofficial ambassadors to the outside world and act as advocates for human rights and justice.
It is important to remember that in the eyes of the North Korean government, citizens of South Korea, Japan, the United States and other countries are all viewed as a threat, and therefore tourists to the country need to be aware that they are seen as representatives of their respective countries. This can be used to promote and highlight to the North Korean people the freedom of speech, religion and liberties that many take for granted in other countries.
Environmental Impact
The North Korean government has recently taken steps to address the ongoing environmental issues in the country. Limited resources from other nations mean that North Korea has to rely on its own resources, encouraging initiatives such as recycling, preservation of natural resources, afforestation and other activities to conserve the environment.
Tourists visiting North Korea have the special opportunity to witness and be a part of initiatives to reduce waste and conserve resources. Tourists can take part in clean-up operations and participate in public events to educate the North Korean people about environmental issues. Seeing the effects of pollution firsthand can encourage visitors to take part in activities to help mitigate them.
Conclusion
A visit to North Korea provides an opportunity not only to experience an unfamiliar and mysterious culture, but also a chance to make a difference in the lives of North Koreans and create real change in the country. Although the risks of visiting North Korea are real, the potential rewards are far greater, making it an unforgettable experience for any traveler.
