Democratic Republic Of Korea

North Korea is nothing if not a fascinating and totally unique country. You may be curious to experience it for yourself, you’ve just got to follow all the rules to the letter.

Tourism in North Korea is unlike anything you will have experienced anywhere else in the world. Your every movement is controlled, watched and carefully planned by the Government. Most if not all tours are ultimately run by the Korean International Travel Company and it will be their guides who show you around.

“there are some breathtakingly beautiful natural areas in the country”

Forget any notions of independent, adventure or solo travel, it just doesn’t work that way in North Korea. If you are not prepared to accept severe limitations on your movements and behaviour, you should not go to North Korea. Independent travel is not permitted, you must not leave your hotel without a guide, you will not be allowed to travel on the public transport system at all and both you and your guide will be punished if you infringe the rules.

When you arrive in North Korea, your guide will take your passport and keep it for “security reasons”. Make sure your passport looks decent and doesn’t differ from the most common passports from your country. Also, DPRK border officials routinely confiscate visitors’ cell phones upon arrival, returning the phone only upon departure. You will not have access to anyone or anything that is not part of your authorised tour. Your tour will be highly choreographed to visit only authorised sites, shop in approved stores, and speak only to official guides.

The Ryugyong Hotel

North Korea is communist state; it’s safe to assume that you will be under surveillance at all times. North Korean government security personnel closely monitor the activities and conversations of foreigners. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

The capital city of North Korea, Pyongyang, is located on the Taedong River and is roughly 30 miles (48 km) from the Yellow Sea. Although North Korea is very mountainous, Pyongyang is situated on a flat, open plain. Because it receives no protection from mountains or hills, Pyongyang Temperatures during the winter are generally very cold, averaging 17°F (-8°C) in January. The temperature in Pyongyang is rather pleasant during the summer with highs around 70°F (21°C).

Although Pyongyang has many of the trappings of a modern, vibrant city, it is often described by visitors as drab and lifeless. The streets of Pyongyang are often devoid of cars, bicycles, pets, and people. Those who are on the streets go about their business without smiling or making eye contact. Apartments are often very cramped, some with only one toilet for every two floors. The lives of Pyongyang residents are tightly regimented.

Restaurants open at noon and generally do not remain open late in the evening. Only a simple meal is offered by restaurants. Diners may choose between a rice meal, rice mixed with another grain, or a noodle dish. Very few restaurants offer meat or eggs, as these are scarce and very expensive.

Most people think a trip to North Korea is nothing but monuments and propaganda, but there are some breathtakingly beautiful natural areas in the country. Mount Kumgang is one of them, and I went on a really nice hike to a waterfall.

If only more national parks were like this. You feel perfectly alone and in the wilds of the country and you see practically no body. However there must be people around because nature alone doesn’t do such a good job of looking immaculate. A really pleasant hiking destination. The pathway is well maintained and very safe. Not a scrap of litter anywhere. Hike up to the Kowloon waterfall and then do the further loop to the top of that.

Mt Kumgang National Park

There are a couple of strategically placed springs spouting fresh mountain water out of the rocks. It is very tempting to strip off and dive into one of the mountain pools. Our guide advised against this. Make sure you return before dark because at night, the trail really is treacherous. Whilst in the area, be sure to visit Lake Samilpo. The lake is a short drive from Mount Kumgang. It is stunningly beautiful and great hiking territory.

The Arirang Festival has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the biggest choreographic event in the world. Some 100,000 athletes perform rhythmic gymnastics and dances while another 40,000 participants create a vast animated screen in the background. The event is an artistic representation of the country’s history and pays homage to Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, the largest stadium in the world with its capacity of 150,000, hosts the Festival.

Arirang Mass Games

It may be strict, but provided you follow the guides and their rules, you will no doubt enjoy a trip to this intriguing nation that we percieve as dangerous, secluded and impenetrable. It’s natural beauty, statues and historical monuments can only be witnessed in person. To satisfy your curiosity, have a look at the Koryo Tours website. ◀