Tourism in North Korea
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Tourism in North Korea is highly controlled by the government, and as such it is not a frequently visited destination — roughly 1,500 Western tourists visit North Korea each year, along with larger numbers of Chinese and other Asians. Tourists must go on guided tours and must have their tour guides with them at all times. Photography is strictly controlled as is interaction with the local population.[1] The country treats tourists well and most of them stay at luxury hotels.
In principle, any person is allowed to travel to North Korea, and among those who actually go through the complex application process, almost no one is refused entry. Special travel agents like Koryo Tours or Regent Holidays can help visitors through the bureaucratic process. Visitors are not, however, allowed to travel outside designated tour areas without their Korean guides.[1]
Tourists holding passports from the United States are typically not granted visas, although exceptions have been made in 1995, 2002, and 2005. US citizens are typically permitted to enter North Korea during the Mass Games.[citation needed] Citizens of South Korea require special government permission from both governments to enter North Korea. In 2002, the area around Mount Kŭmgang, a scenic mountain close to the South Korea border, has been designated as a special tourist destination (Kŭmgangsan Tourist Region, commonly known as "the Diamond Mountains" in English), where South Korean citizens do not need special permissions. Tours run by private companies bring thousands of South Koreans to Mount Kŭmgang every year.[citation needed]
In July 2005, the South Korean company, Hyundai Group, came to an agreement with the North Korean government to open up more areas to tourism, including Baekdu Mountain and Kaesong.[citation needed] Kaesong was finally opened to daily tours for South Korean and foreign tourists in December 2007; North Korea reportedly charged $180 for a one-day trip. The city now receives several hundred tourists each week, largely South Korean.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b McGeown, Kate. "On holiday in North Korea", BBC News, 2003-09-17. Retrieved on 2008-01-04.
- ^ Onishi, Norimitsu. "Eager South Koreans Tour a Semi-Open City in the North", The New York Times, 2008-01-04. Retrieved on 2008-01-04.
[edit] External links
- Lonely Planet guide
- Links to travelogues
- Tours to North Korea/Travel information
- Tours / Tourism page of North Korea
- Group and Individual Tours to North Korea
- Korean Tourist Map
- North Korea Uncovered, (North Korea Google Earth) see most of North Korea's tourist, economic, political and industrial infrastructure on Google Earth.
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