Korea - North Korea Travel, Experiences and Discussion

Has anyone here done the Beijing tours through North Korea? I'm hoping to do it this August 9th - 17th :)

Do a search in the Trip Reports forum.

If I recall correctly there are at least a couple of them. I believe they used Koryo Tours (http://www.koryogroup.com/).

I am planning a trip to DPRK with a few friends around the same time. We are using Koryo Tours.

I would be concerned that if you go to North Korea, you will forever be tracked by the North Koreans. If some North Korean bigwig psycho wants to do something bad to you, they could. It's possible that you could be on a long list of people and nothing would happen but I wouldn't risk it. North Korea has been known to go to other countries, notably Japan, and kidnap innocent people.

There are plenty of other countries to visit. Ever visit Benin, Lesotho, Bolivia, Tonga, Oman, etc.?

Please follow as the thread moves to the Travel->Asia forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

I traveled to North Korea last year, through Koryo Tours in Beijing, and everything went smoothly. The trip was expensive (North Korea needs convertible currency, after all). In North Korea everyone was pleasant and professional, the hotels were acceptable, and the food was fine. I went on an individual tour, and of course I was shown only what the regime wanted me to see - everything was orderly, and there was no evident poverty or hunger. The guides spoke pretty good English and German (I had two to myself, plus a driver) and were open to talking about almost anything. They followed the regime's line but showed an interest in what was going on in the rest of the world (the German speaker had even worked several years in the North Korean trade mission in West Germany). The grandiose, bombastic aspects of North Korea were all there - the mass games, the Kim Il Sung mausoleum and the museum filled with incredibly kitschy gifts from foreign dignitaries. All expectations were met, and I very much welcomed the opportunity to see at least the propagandized version of North Korea - although I was also aware that with my participation in the tour I was financially supporting the regime. By all means go, keep open your critical eye and engage the guides in discussions.

I would be concerned that if you go to North Korea, you will forever be tracked by the North Koreans. If some North Korean bigwig psycho wants to do something bad to you, they could. It's possible that you could be on a long list of people and nothing would happen but I wouldn't risk it. North Korea has been known to go to other countries, notably Japan, and kidnap innocent people.

But realistically, generally only those who are very high up in the regime even have Internet access, let alone the capability to hunt you down and have you killed/kidnapped. The problems with North Korea and Japan could not happen to any other country, due to the special situation between the two countries. There is a significant community of Zainichi Koreans in Japan, many of whom claim allegiance to North Korea through Chongryon (General Association of Korean Residents in Japan). Through Chongryon North Korea has a huge network of spies and loyalists throughout Japan, some of which are involved in less than noble activities.

To be honest, in my opinion the most genuine North Korean/Hamgyong culture you can find is in Yanbian in China. Actually, I would even argue that it is more authentic than the Korean culture in South Korea as well because it hasn't been corrupted as much by materialism and American influence. If you're interested in North Korean culture (more specifically the traditional culture of the northern provinces of the peninsula) it may be a better idea to visit a part of China that may receive fewer Western visitors than North Korea. You can also get a good look over the border at Tumen, which itself is probably the most Korean city in China. If you're more interested in the North Korean state itself and seeing the country from the inside, obviously you have to actually go to North Korea.

But realistically, generally only those who are very high up in the regime even have Internet access, let alone the capability to hunt you down and have you killed/kidnapped. The problems with North Korea and Japan could not happen to any other country, due to the special situation between the two countries. There is a significant community of Zainichi Koreans in Japan, many of whom claim allegiance to North Korea through Chongryon (General Association of Korean Residents in Japan). Through Chongryon North Korea has a huge network of spies and loyalists throughout Japan, some of which are involved in less than noble activities.

To be honest, in my opinion the most genuine North Korean/Hamgyong culture you can find is in Yanbian in China. Actually, I would even argue that it is more authentic than the Korean culture in South Korea as well because it hasn't been corrupted as much by materialism and American influence. If you're interested in North Korean culture (more specifically the traditional culture of the northern provinces of the peninsula) it may be a better idea to visit a part of China that may receive fewer Western visitors than North Korea. You can also get a good look over the border at Tumen, which itself is probably the most Korean city in China. If you're more interested in the North Korean state itself and seeing the country from the inside, obviously you have to actually go to North Korea.

+1

If I might add. If you ever choose Yanbian as your destination, try to squeeze in tour to Baekdusan mountain, which is located inside North Korea.

Went with Young Pioneers (http://dprk.youngpioneertours.com/) last month. No issues.

Two things, if you go make sure to have a western guide who can fight for the things you want to do if things come up as well as whisper to you side details. worth the extra money I think. Also, if you think there's a chance of going by a statue of the Great Leader make sure to buy some flowers, fake is fine, from the gift shop or ask to buy some to lay there. We were denied close access because we didnt have any. PM me if you have any questions, I literally did the RoK DMZ 8 hours ago as well.

Already thinking pondering going back. If you have the time and ~1.5k do it. Plus flying the crazy old IL 62 vs the new Tu204 is quite fun. And you won't have to worry about deicing in the summer! If you're not American take the train one way, i was told by guides and passengers it gets a bit slow/old the second time.

The tour was only $1.5k? I might have to jump on this.

Where did you fly into NK from?

T
Where did you fly into NK from?

As a western tourist, pretty much your only option by air is via Beijing.

Flew out of PEK. They're are also flights out of a Chinese city closer to the boarder that can be a little cheaper, can't recall the name. Air China, or Southern also fly the days that the national carrier does not. 1.5k is PEK-DPRK I was already in China. Spending money and tips was like $100-300 maybe. Depends on how much you tip and what kind of "gifts" you bring them. Also what kind of stuff you bring back. Avg book/poster was ~$20

Clarifying: Only Americans are required to fly in. Everyone else has the option of train or flight. Other note, no GPS cameras, so keep in mind when packing if you've got the label on the body.

Flew out of PEK. They're are also flights out of a Chinese city closer to the boarder that can be a little cheaper, can't recall the name.
JS flies to FNJ from SHE and DLC, both closer than PEK. But as a Western tourist you're pretty much going to be flying in from PEK. (If you've been to SHE or DLC you wouldn't even want to fly out of there)

As a western tourist, pretty much your only option by air is via Beijing.

Interesting. I'll keep that in mind when I plan my trip to Best Korea.

To get there, you will definitely need a visa. Does anyone have info on N Korean embassies?

To get there, you will definitely need a visa. Does anyone have info on N Korean embassies?

Unless you hold a passport from one of NK's very few allied countries, this is a moot point because your tour operator needs to get your visa for you.

To get there, you will definitely need a visa. Does anyone have info on N Korean embassies?

The tour company sorts out visas. Iirc, when I visited back in '06 they could sort our visas in your home country if NK had an embassy there. Those visas were a bit of PITA (but at least you got the stamp etc in your passport) so I just went with the group visa issued in Beijing.

I would be concerned that if you go to North Korea, you will forever be tracked by the North Koreans. If some North Korean bigwig psycho wants to do something bad to you, they could.

And yet I only get fingerprinted when I enter the US of A.

And yet I only get fingerprinted when I enter the US of A.

Guess you haven't been to Japan in a while, (or South Korea as of this year)

I understand, there are not too many N Korea tour operators. Looks like only one. A government -run Korea International Travel Company (KITC). Is this true?

I understand, there are not too many N Korea tour operators. Looks like only one. A government -run Korea International Travel Company (KITC). Is this true?

Start with the following, all experienced in DPRK travel for westerners, and working through KITC as required:
www.koryogroup.com
www.koreakonsult.com
http://dprk.youngpioneertours.com

There are other agencies catering to Chinese tour groups, but not adviseable for the non-Mandarin speaker not used to these sorts of setups.

Start with the following, all experienced in DPRK travel for westerners, and working through KITC as required:
www.koryogroup.com
www.koreakonsult.com
http://dprk.youngpioneertours.com

There are other agencies catering to Chinese tour groups, but not adviseable for the non-Mandarin speaker not used to these sorts of setups.

I think he was referring to tours run by the DPRK itself.

I think he was referring to tours run by the DPRK itself.

I do not think this is how it happens. AFAIK, KITC doesn't organize or retail tours directly to end users--they deal through authorized tour agents only. And set policy and provide the guides/minders.

I do not think this is how it happens. AFAIK, KITC doesn't organize or retail tours directly to end users--they deal through authorized tour agents only. And set policy and provide the guides/minders.

In that case, I feel compelled to plug Young Pioneers because they went above and beyond the bar to help my cousin last year.

very frustrating that as an american, I cannot visit. however, as an avid miniature building collector, I would be VERY interested in acquiring any replicas (do they even have souvenir shops at hotels-[do they even have hotels?]) from north korea, especially the Ryugyong Hotel. thanks.

Hello

I would love to visit North Korea, but I am feeling a little overwhellmed. I am a single 65 year old traveller. Can anyone give me some sugggestions as to how to approach this country, some good recommendations concerning accomodation and some great places to visit? Thank you so much.

Hello

I would love to visit North Korea, but I am feeling a little overwhellmed. I am a single 65 year old traveller. Can anyone give me some sugggestions as to how to approach this country, some good recommendations concerning accomodation and some great places to visit? Thank you so much.

Read here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/korea/1137298-north-korea-still-exotic-destination.html).
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/korea/1137298-north-korea-still-exotic-destination.html

very frustrating that as an american, I cannot visit. however, as an avid miniature building collector, I would be VERY interested in acquiring any replicas (do they even have souvenir shops at hotels-[do they even have hotels?]) from north korea, especially the Ryugyong Hotel. thanks.

Who told you Americans can't visit? That is simply not true.

A group tour with Koryo Tours.

Who told you Americans can't visit? That is simply not true.

We (Americans) have been banned for large stretches at a time during the past, though even then, the NK powers that be provided small pockets for us to visit during the Mass Games.

Yep it's a no-brainer joslater, Koryo Tours are the experts in this market and they have a range of tours to suit your availability and taste (http://www.koryogroup.com/travel_groupTours.php) - they'll also guide you through all the travel and visa issues.

For the avoidance of doubt, I can assure you that I don't work for Koryo Tours, i'm going purely on their reputation and anecdotal reports from friends who have travelled with them.

Good luck, FD

The only way to vacation in North Korea is to take a tour, which can be as small as one person. Remember that each tour is accompanied by a guide, a driver and a minder. Obviously, you spend less if the cost is shared by other members in a group. I fully endorse the previous posts: Koryo Tours, a British-run company based in Beijing, provides excellent service. I have used Koryo Tours twice for visits to the DPRK.

If you travel with Koryo Tours, the company arranges a group visa. Nothing is stamped in each traveller's passport and the separate visa is retained by the North Korea authorities when you leave the country.

It must also be said that the DPRK is probably the safest of the 100+ countries I have visited. The tour group is accompanied at all times by a guide, a driver and a minder. Tourists are not allowed to leave their hotel unless accompanied. Conversations with ordinary North Koreans are discouraged. Nevertheless, a visit to North Korea is a memorable experience. I have been twice and hope to go again, as more places become accessible to tourists.

I just got back from a trip to North Korea with Koryo Tours. I know I certainly had a lot of questions prior to my trip, so I'm glad to answer any questions for other travelers who may be going.

I went there with Koryo Tours two weeks ago. It was all very easy. Cost me about $2K total but it's pretty much all-inclusive (not a lot of big-time shopping in the DPRK!)

I found it fascinating, maddening, mind-boggling, and frustrating, but I'm very glad I did it.

I have started a blog about my recent experience in North Korea: www.humanitybesideus.net. I will be going back soon, and probably next year too... It is truly a fascinating place.

At the current pace my blog will be complete in 10 years, but there is already a fair amount of practical information which may be of interest to some.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience.

Three threads regarding the same topic and established within the same time frame have been merged for member convenience.

JDiver, Senior Moderator

I did the tour with Young Pioneer Tours last October and would highly recommend them. I got quotes from several tour operators and they were by far the cheapest. They're groups are also smaller than Koryo tours. We had 8 people in our group and we saw much larger tour groups.

It's a very unique experience and is not cheap, but it was certainly worthwhile.

I believe that KITC now operates their own tours, however you do not get a western guide, which I would highly recommend. All tours are through KITC, however you typically get a western guide as well which is helpful as they can give you some additional info and also act as a liaison between you and the Korean guides to get the group into additional sites that others may not ordinarily see.

I did the tour with Young Pioneer Tours last October and would highly recommend them.

Was Gareth (the owner) your guide? My cousin (he did Ulan Bator to Russia++ with Gareth; they even got to visit Chernobyl!) has great things to say about him, and they have the train option to NK, which gives people a chance to see more of the countryside.

I just got back from a trip to North Korea with Koryo Tours. I know I certainly had a lot of questions prior to my trip, so I'm glad to answer any questions for other travelers who may be going.

I went there with Koryo Tours two weeks ago. It was all very easy. Cost me about $2K total but it's pretty much all-inclusive (not a lot of big-time shopping in the DPRK!)

I found it fascinating, maddening, mind-boggling, and frustrating, but I'm very glad I did it.

I went with Koryo Tours two.5 years ago, and although we certainly couldn't walk onto the street (...or could we? There was NO ONE around), we did get to check out the driving range and other (bizarre) floors at the Sosan Hotel: https://buildingmybento.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/dprk-part-4/ .

Do you know if the Ryugyong Hotel is accepting guests anytime soon? Even if they were, the first ones wouldn't be from the US...or Japan, for that matter)

Flew out of PEK. They're are also flights out of a Chinese city closer to the boarder that can be a little cheaper, can't recall the name. Air China, or Southern also fly the days that the national carrier does not. 1.5k is PEK-DPRK I was already in China. Spending money and tips was like $100-300 maybe. Depends on how much you tip and what kind of "gifts" you bring them. Also what kind of stuff you bring back. Avg book/poster was ~$20

Clarifying: Only Americans are required to fly in. Everyone else has the option of train or flight. Other note, no GPS cameras, so keep in mind when packing if you've got the label on the body.

In March 2010, at least for USA citizens (the three on the trip), we were required to fly (as opposed to take the train) from FNJ to SHE (Shenyang). I was fine with that--tried a different Soviet-era aircraft, and did I mention the plane had windows?...To see all that the northern part of the DPRK (didn't) had to offer, save for their economic zone on the Chinese border. For the last day in Pyongyang, we first dropped off the rest of the travelers at the train station, and then carried on to the airport and all of its empty glory.

Do you know if the Ryugyong Hotel is accepting guests anytime soon? Even if they were, the first ones wouldn't be from the US...or Japan, for that matter)

It won't. The exterior was completed to improve the building's appearance and save the face. However, the building is structurally unsound and I understand that elevator cores are distorted. There's been talks of opening a handful of floors for limited purposes, but to the best of my knowledge the project will never be completed and will always remain an empty shell.

In March 2010, at least for USA citizens (the three on the trip), we were required to fly (as opposed to take the train) from FNJ to SHE (Shenyang).

That is still the case indeed for US citizens...

That is still the case indeed for US citizens...

Ah, it was more of a reply for obiwan9, because that poster couldn't remember which northeastern Chinese airport the JS flight from FNJ went to. Thanks for the update anyhow.

It won't. The exterior was completed to improve the building's appearance and save the face. However, the building is structurally unsound and I understand that elevator cores are distorted. There's been talks of opening a handful of floors for limited purposes, but to the best of my knowledge the project will never be completed and will always remain an empty shell.

Save face how many years later? Well, thanks for your observations...wasn't an Egyptian telecoms company involved in the exterior completion? Are they pursuing other fluff projects in the DPRK too?

I believe I have heard that this year, Americans can arrange to exit North Korea via train, but only on specific tours or departures. Check with Koryo.

I can only add to the Chorus of props for Koryo Tours. I went in October 2005; it was said to be the largest group of Americans in DPRK since the Korean War (~100 of us).

I am planning a trip to North Korea. Which company is the best of the best? Koryo Tours or Young Pioneers?