North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is one of the most isolated and secretive countries in the world. It is also a fascinating and unique destination for adventurous travelers who want to experience a different culture and witness a slice of history. However, traveling to North Korea is not easy or straightforward. There are many rules and restrictions that visitors must follow, and there are also potential risks and challenges that they should be aware of. In this article, we will provide some essential travel tips and information for anyone who is planning to visit North Korea.
How to Travel to North Korea
The first thing to know is that you cannot travel to North Korea independently. You must book a tour with an authorized travel agency that has a license from the North Korean government. You also need to obtain a visa from the North Korean embassy or consulate in your country, or through your tour operator. The visa process can take several weeks or months, depending on your nationality and the availability of diplomatic relations. You also need to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages for the entry stamp.
The second thing to know is that you cannot fly directly to North Korea from most countries. The only regular flights to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, are from Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Dandong in China, and Vladivostok in Russia. Alternatively, you can take a train from Beijing or Dandong to Pyongyang, which takes about 14 hours. However, you need to have a double-entry Chinese visa if you plan to return to China by train after your trip.
The third thing to know is that you cannot travel freely within North Korea. You will be accompanied by two official guides at all times, who will control your itinerary and activities. You will also have a driver and a bus or car at your disposal. You cannot wander around on your own, talk to locals without permission, or take photos of anything that is not approved by your guides. You will also have limited access to the internet, phone calls, and international media while in North Korea.
What to See and Do in North Korea
Despite the restrictions and limitations, there are many interesting and impressive sights and attractions in North Korea that you can visit with your tour group. Some of the most popular ones are:
- The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun: This is the mausoleum of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, the founder and the second leader of North Korea respectively. You can see their embalmed bodies lying in glass coffins, as well as their personal belongings and awards. You need to dress formally and respectfully for this visit, and follow strict rules of conduct.
- The Juche Tower: This is a 170-meter-high monument that symbolizes the Juche ideology, which is the official political philosophy of North Korea. It consists of a stone tower topped by a red flame sculpture. You can take an elevator to the top for a panoramic view of Pyongyang.
- The DMZ: This is the demilitarized zone that separates North Korea from South Korea. It is one of the most tense and heavily guarded borders in the world. You can visit the Panmunjom village, where the armistice agreement was signed in 1953, and see the blue huts that straddle the border line. You can also visit the Kaesong city, which was once part of South Korea but now belongs to North Korea.
- The Mass Games: This is a spectacular performance that involves thousands of dancers, gymnasts, acrobats, singers, musicians, and children who create synchronized movements and formations with props and backgrounds. It is held in the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, which is the largest stadium in the world by capacity. The Mass Games are usually held from August to October every year.
