North Korea Travel, Experiences and Discussion
Apr 11, 2012, 7:46 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Southern California, USA
Posts: 1,393
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.
If I recall correctly there are at least a couple of them. I believe they used Koryo Tours.
Apr 12, 2012, 9:12 am
#4
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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.?
There are plenty of other countries to visit. Ever visit Benin, Lesotho, Bolivia, Tonga, Oman, etc.?
Apr 12, 2012, 10:29 am
#5
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Please follow as the thread moves to the Travel->Asia forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.
Apr 12, 2012, 5:45 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: New York
Posts: 1,255
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.
Apr 13, 2012, 12:41 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: CHI
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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.
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.
Apr 13, 2012, 8:20 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Posts: 5,759
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.
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.
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.
Apr 17, 2012, 9:27 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SLC / SCL
Programs: Delta - Plat
Posts: 38
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.
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.
Apr 18, 2012, 10:51 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SLC / SCL
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Posts: 38
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.
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.
Apr 18, 2012, 12:38 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2011
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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)