{"id":8400,"date":"2023-11-13T01:25:11","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T00:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/?p=8400"},"modified":"2023-11-13T01:25:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T00:25:11","slug":"why-didnt-joy-go-to-north-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/why-didnt-joy-go-to-north-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Didn’t Joy Go To North Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Context and Implications<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Legal Framework<\/h2>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Turning Points<\/h2>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Economic Considerations<\/h2>\n

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. <\/p>\n

The Perception of North Korean Regime<\/h2>\n