When it comes to travel destinations, North Korea probably isn’t at the top of your list. After all, it’s been the subject of numerous troubling headlines, and years of scrutiny from the international community. That said, there’s no denying the mystique of a nation that’s largely closed off from the rest of the world. And note that we say largely, rather than totally; if you’re dead-set on visiting the island nation, there are ways of doing so. To know more, all you have to do is read on.
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How Does it Work?
Unsurprisingly, a trip to North Korea comes with a few caveats. For one, you might be denied entry entirely if you’re swinging in from South Korea, Malaysia, or the United States. As for tourists from elsewhere, there’s still the matter of registering for a state-approved tour. Visitation is strictly controlled by North Korea’s tourism bureaus—KITC, KISTC, KITTC, and KIYTC—and solo exploration of the country is forbidden. Moreover, getting a North Korean Visa means filling out forms, agreeing to the terms of a travel agreement, and providing copies of both your passport and passport photo. Once that’s all done and dusted, though, you should be good to go.
What is There to See?
Don’t let the government’s questionable reputation color your perception of the entire nation. In a lot of places, North Korea is a genuinely breathtaking experience. For starters, it’s home to two World Heritage Sites: the Complex of Koguryo Tombs, and the Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong. Additionally, you can take in a spectacular view of Pyongyang from atop Juche Tower, or be awed by the looming visage of Ryugyong Hotel. And those are just the manmade wonders; the natural beauty of Mount Kumgang and Mount Myohang is nothing to sniff at either. Just make sure you check with your tour guide before snapping some commemorative photos.
Anything Else to Bear in Mind?
If you wind up touring the Democratic People’s Republic, make sure you remember your manners, else be subject to dirty looks from the locals. A basic grasp of Korean is crucial, not only to return pleasantries from passing citizens, but understand the directions of your tour guide as well. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid doing things that are frowned upon. Don’t refer to political leaders, either past or present, by name; instead, identify them by their title, such as “General.” It’s considered disrespectful to point at monuments of leaders, so don’t do that, either. Bringing media from outside the country is another no-no, as is trying to smuggle out politically sensitive material on the way out. Of course, none of this is relevant information at the moment; at the time of writing, North Korea is closed to all travel thanks to COVID-19. It’s anyone’s guess when that restriction will ease up.
