Pyongyang and elsewhere in N.Korea?
#16
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,298
I am certainly in sympathy with the point raised above by ridefar but this is not the FT forum for political discussions.
However, it's also pretty clear that North Korea doesn't have any luxury hotels as we define them in the luxury hotel forum. So I am going to move this thread to the Korea forum where there are other threads on various topics related to North Korea.
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels
However, it's also pretty clear that North Korea doesn't have any luxury hotels as we define them in the luxury hotel forum. So I am going to move this thread to the Korea forum where there are other threads on various topics related to North Korea.
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels
Open or not opened it still appears in ghm hotels.com
Until proven otherwise , we should assume its open and it's a luxury hotel.
#18
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Amsterdam
Programs: A3, BA, OZ,
Posts: 1,090
And how much you pay. Apparently, I can go for a very decent price with my fianc in a Chinese tour group, but I would rather go with an English speaking guide. Another toughie is whether to take Air Koryo and experience the DPRK Airline, or Air China, and experience the Pyongyang VIP lounge. (And get miles) [And the PEK lounge which I really love to use]
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,805
bearbrick, i know its not open... as i said, north korean government seized control of entire area. (all developments) a while ago. even though there was south korean equity. there is plenty of (old) news coverage.
GHM site also has a golf club in seoul, with no lodging even for members.
correcting the wording in my earlier post, i think there is only one..?
but then you can pay for guides and other comforts/services with western companies. on top of the package.
chinese nationals have more options i think, train and maybe even self drive. think i saw both mentioned, dont recall if either or both are currently offered or not.
changes are fairly constant, especially related to military actions (therefore diplomatic incidents, which are what were involved, IIRC several, leading up to seizure of GHM hotel etc)
GHM site also has a golf club in seoul, with no lodging even for members.
but then you can pay for guides and other comforts/services with western companies. on top of the package.
chinese nationals have more options i think, train and maybe even self drive. think i saw both mentioned, dont recall if either or both are currently offered or not.
changes are fairly constant, especially related to military actions (therefore diplomatic incidents, which are what were involved, IIRC several, leading up to seizure of GHM hotel etc)
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Feb 25, 2013 at 8:37 pm
#20
bearbrick, i know its not open... as i said, north korean government seized control of entire area. (all developments) a while ago. even though there was south korean equity. there is plenty of (old) news coverage.
GHM site also has a golf club in seoul, with no lodging even for members.
correcting the wording in my earlier post, i think there is only one..?
but then you can pay for guides and other comforts/services with western companies. on top of the package.
chinese nationals have more options i think, train and maybe even self drive. think i saw both mentioned, dont recall if either or both are currently offered or not.
changes are fairly constant, especially related to military actions (therefore diplomatic incidents, which are what were involved, IIRC several, leading up to seizure of GHM hotel etc)
GHM site also has a golf club in seoul, with no lodging even for members.
correcting the wording in my earlier post, i think there is only one..?
but then you can pay for guides and other comforts/services with western companies. on top of the package.
chinese nationals have more options i think, train and maybe even self drive. think i saw both mentioned, dont recall if either or both are currently offered or not.
changes are fairly constant, especially related to military actions (therefore diplomatic incidents, which are what were involved, IIRC several, leading up to seizure of GHM hotel etc)
#22
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: AA, Aeroplan, CX Gold, MR PLat
Posts: 209
What costs are involved?
#23
To "say" that you've been in DPRK territory, the easiest way was to walk into one of the blue huts at the DMZ. Canadians could do this, but I didn't think RoK citizens can. This diversion may also not be possible these days.
Not too sure about a 1-2 day trip to the DPRK with any tour company (there's a chance it's not too difficult for Chinese citizens to do), but you'd probably have to get to Beijing to do it. I went with Koryo Tours on a 5-day visit, and the orientation happened at their Beijing office. In that case, it would be recommended that you get a Chinese visa beforehand, hopefully one with at least two entries.
#24
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: AA, Aeroplan, CX Gold, MR PLat
Posts: 209
Thanks
Thanks for your input......perhaps a foolish thought on my part. I have been known to have a few of these - probably not my last either.
Thought that, at least from the RoK (South Korea), if you wanted to visit the DPRK, you'd have to be a Korean citizen. Not to mention, you were restricted to family visits to specific parts of the country...don't think these are happening at the present time.
To "say" that you've been in DPRK territory, the easiest way was to walk into one of the blue huts at the DMZ. Canadians could do this, but I didn't think RoK citizens can. This diversion may also not be possible these days.
Not too sure about a 1-2 day trip to the DPRK with any tour company (there's a chance it's not too difficult for Chinese citizens to do), but you'd probably have to get to Beijing to do it. I went with Koryo Tours on a 5-day visit, and the orientation happened at their Beijing office. In that case, it would be recommended that you get a Chinese visa beforehand, hopefully one with at least two entries.
To "say" that you've been in DPRK territory, the easiest way was to walk into one of the blue huts at the DMZ. Canadians could do this, but I didn't think RoK citizens can. This diversion may also not be possible these days.
Not too sure about a 1-2 day trip to the DPRK with any tour company (there's a chance it's not too difficult for Chinese citizens to do), but you'd probably have to get to Beijing to do it. I went with Koryo Tours on a 5-day visit, and the orientation happened at their Beijing office. In that case, it would be recommended that you get a Chinese visa beforehand, hopefully one with at least two entries.
#25
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA 1K, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 982
And how much you pay. Apparently, I can go for a very decent price with my fianc in a Chinese tour group, but I would rather go with an English speaking guide. Another toughie is whether to take Air Koryo and experience the DPRK Airline, or Air China, and experience the Pyongyang VIP lounge. (And get miles) [And the PEK lounge which I really love to use]
Go with Air Koryo for the experience, plus you'll get a hot meal from Beijing unlike on Air China. The Air China flight is just like any other domestic flight.
#26
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA 1K, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 982
Not too sure about a 1-2 day trip to the DPRK with any tour company (there's a chance it's not too difficult for Chinese citizens to do), but you'd probably have to get to Beijing to do it. I went with Koryo Tours on a 5-day visit, and the orientation happened at their Beijing office. In that case, it would be recommended that you get a Chinese visa beforehand, hopefully one with at least two entries.
http://humanitybesideus.net/2012/07/...-stuff-part-1/
http://humanitybesideus.net/2012/07/...-stuff-part-2/