Can You Travel To North Korea?

It is indeed possible for foreigners to visit North Korea but the number of visitors to the country is limited and regulated. Around 5000 western tourists are able to travel to North Korea annually. Unfotunately, tourists can only visit the island if they have been recommended by their travel agencies to take a guided tour.

Who Is Allowed to Visit North Korea?

North Korea is open for visitors from almost all countries except South Korea and United States. Currently, citizens of the Republic of South Korea are not allowed to visit the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at all, while American citizens are allowed to do so but only to a limited extent and only during particular periods of the year.

Other nationalities require a tourist visa to gain entry into North Korea. This visa permits the holder to live in the country for up to 30 days. International visitors have to enter North Korea either by air through Beijing or via the train from Beijing. For instance, one cannot travel through the border of the demilitarized zone from the South Korea side.

Booking a Guided Tour

It is forbidden to travel to North Korea independently – all citizens of other states have to visit this country with a guide and only through an organization that has a special permit for this. These state-owned agencies are responsible for all the documentation processing for your tourist visa and arrange for Korean guides and drivers for the entire trip.

An average guided tour package entails transport within North Korea, accommodation in a hotel, food three meals a day and two Korean guides. The size of the tour groups will always be small, with the maximum number of people being about 20.

Itineraries tend to include such places as the Pyongyang capital, the DMZ or other monuments. Several of the escorted and thematic tours include hiking, biking, or even golfing; however, genuine interactions with North Koreans are extremely limited.

Tourists are allowed to take photos during the tour but they are prohibited from taking pictures of construction sites, uncompleted structures, or any military installation. Your photos will be checked by your guides from time to time.

Restrictions On U.S. Travelers

Although North Korea does admit American citizens, there are prescribed conditions that should be followed. Americans are allowed to visit the country in August when Mass Games are held or on some holidays, e.g., the birthday of Kim Il Sung on the 15th of April. Americans also have to arrange for a private tour exclusively for their group and not a joint one.

The US State Department currently advises against any travel to North Korea because of the high risk of arbitrary arrest and detention of American citizens. Over the past few years, at least 16 Americans have been held captive in North Korea while on a trip or working for humanitarian purposes.

Is North Korea safe for tourists?

Contrary to what people think, North Korea has one of the lowest rates of street crime and acts of violence in the world. Still, the risks exist; for instance, foreign guests can be arrested on baseless charges of offending the current political leadership or issues with their documents.

In recent years, several tourists including Otto Warmbier, an American citizen have been arrested and put to long term imprisonment. Warmbier died shortly after he was released back to the United States in a coma after spending 17 months in North Korea. After six months detention, Miller was released.

The authorities may also try to put detained tourists to political pressure during the conflict with the global society due to the nuclear program of North Korea.

Safety Measures When Touring

To minimize problems while visiting North Korea, travelers are advised:To minimize problems while visiting North Korea, travelers are advised:

• Obey all the regulations of your group and follow instructions of guides.
  
• It is also unlawful to talk to the natives without their permission.
  
• It is not permitted to take a picture of anyone or anything without prior permission.
  
• It is forbidden to bring items such as Bibles into the country.
  
• Do not insult or disrespect the ruling Kim family

Due to the adherence to the strict rules of visiting, the overwhelming majority of tourists leave without any accidents. However, the very controlled way of getting around creates an extraordinary vacation experience that is unlike any other destination in the world.

However, the possibility of traveling to North Korea implies certain moral questions regarding the support for the oppressive regime and certain dangers arising from the tense relations between the DPRK and the rest of the world. But for some tourists, such issues are not a problem, as it is always exciting to visit the country that is surrounded by a veil of mystery and curiosity and called ‘the hermit kingdom.’

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