1. Is visiting North Korea even possible?
Yes! It is not widely known that North Korea has its own tourist industry and welcomes visitors. Over 100,000 people a year visit North Korea (with about 4000 westerners or so). To access the country, you have to book with a guided tour group through a travel company. However, this is uncomplicated and they will be able to get you a North Korean tourist visa.
When in the country you will be accompanied by local guides assigned by the North Korean authorities who will run your trip. The itineraries vary, but are always broad, efficient and extremely well organized!
2. Is visiting North Korea a safe thing to do?
Many people naturally assume that North Korea is a dangerous place to visit, but this isn't true. Contrary to popular belief, North Korea is completely safe. As a tourist you will not be "arrested" in the country save you go massively out of your way to engage in deliberate political and provocative activities (such as planting bibles or distributing literature critical of the regime). This means, if you are to get in trouble in North Korea, you would have brought it on yourself as a consequence of your own actions. North Korea welcomes tourists and is eager to expand this industry, they want to leave a good impression of their country, they don't want you to believe it is a dangerous place. Consequentially, guides treat tourists with full respect, humility, politeness, sincerity and dignity.
Coupled with that though, North Korea is also completely safe in regards to other aspects. Due to the nature of the country, there is absolutely no risk of crime whatsoever and zero risk of terrorism. Absolutely nothing can happen to you whilst you're there!
3. Does North Korea provide adequate facilities for tourists?
Yes! Much has been made of poverty in North Korea and the lack of power in the country. Whilst you will see the evidence of these things around the country whilst visiting, western tourists are not subject to them. North Korea has constructed a number of hotels for westerners, which amount to a 3 star quality on a comparative scale. These hotels are always fully powered, with running hot water, proper toilets and plenty to eat.
4. Is it unethical to visit North Korea?
Many may argue that it is unethical to visit a place like North Korea due to the nature of the politics there, however, there are two sides to every coin. By visiting, tourists bring to North Korea (simply by being there) experience, connection to and influence of the outside world into the country. This has a lasting and positive effect. It helps them understand that foreigners are not to be feared, it builds bridges and bonds. By visiting North Korea, you bring a great good to their country.
Additionally, if North Korea's tourist industry can grow, then this may influence the country's behaviour in the long term. A country more reliant upon foreign tourism may moderate its behaviour to prevent scaring people away.
At the same time, visiting North Korea is a personally eyeopening and strong learning experience. It helps broaden your understanding of the world, nations, cultures, history, people and politics. To summarize, there is no "Black and white" ethical dimension to this; the pros of such a trip far outweigh the cons for all involved.
5. Do you represent the North Korean regime?
We do not represent the North Korean government and its politics, or agree with everything they do. This however, does not mean we won't constructively engage with them or work with them; nor does it mean we will antagonize them. Our cause is independent and impartial. This is a British led organization, designed for the sole purpose of promoting the benefits of visits to North Korea, engagement and better understanding. There is no "propaganda" to be found here, from either side of the argument.
Yes! It is not widely known that North Korea has its own tourist industry and welcomes visitors. Over 100,000 people a year visit North Korea (with about 4000 westerners or so). To access the country, you have to book with a guided tour group through a travel company. However, this is uncomplicated and they will be able to get you a North Korean tourist visa.
When in the country you will be accompanied by local guides assigned by the North Korean authorities who will run your trip. The itineraries vary, but are always broad, efficient and extremely well organized!
2. Is visiting North Korea a safe thing to do?
Many people naturally assume that North Korea is a dangerous place to visit, but this isn't true. Contrary to popular belief, North Korea is completely safe. As a tourist you will not be "arrested" in the country save you go massively out of your way to engage in deliberate political and provocative activities (such as planting bibles or distributing literature critical of the regime). This means, if you are to get in trouble in North Korea, you would have brought it on yourself as a consequence of your own actions. North Korea welcomes tourists and is eager to expand this industry, they want to leave a good impression of their country, they don't want you to believe it is a dangerous place. Consequentially, guides treat tourists with full respect, humility, politeness, sincerity and dignity.
Coupled with that though, North Korea is also completely safe in regards to other aspects. Due to the nature of the country, there is absolutely no risk of crime whatsoever and zero risk of terrorism. Absolutely nothing can happen to you whilst you're there!
3. Does North Korea provide adequate facilities for tourists?
Hotel room in North Korea- tourists here do not go without, in any way.
Yes! Much has been made of poverty in North Korea and the lack of power in the country. Whilst you will see the evidence of these things around the country whilst visiting, western tourists are not subject to them. North Korea has constructed a number of hotels for westerners, which amount to a 3 star quality on a comparative scale. These hotels are always fully powered, with running hot water, proper toilets and plenty to eat.
4. Is it unethical to visit North Korea?
Many may argue that it is unethical to visit a place like North Korea due to the nature of the politics there, however, there are two sides to every coin. By visiting, tourists bring to North Korea (simply by being there) experience, connection to and influence of the outside world into the country. This has a lasting and positive effect. It helps them understand that foreigners are not to be feared, it builds bridges and bonds. By visiting North Korea, you bring a great good to their country.
Additionally, if North Korea's tourist industry can grow, then this may influence the country's behaviour in the long term. A country more reliant upon foreign tourism may moderate its behaviour to prevent scaring people away.
At the same time, visiting North Korea is a personally eyeopening and strong learning experience. It helps broaden your understanding of the world, nations, cultures, history, people and politics. To summarize, there is no "Black and white" ethical dimension to this; the pros of such a trip far outweigh the cons for all involved.
5. Do you represent the North Korean regime?
We do not represent the North Korean government and its politics, or agree with everything they do. This however, does not mean we won't constructively engage with them or work with them; nor does it mean we will antagonize them. Our cause is independent and impartial. This is a British led organization, designed for the sole purpose of promoting the benefits of visits to North Korea, engagement and better understanding. There is no "propaganda" to be found here, from either side of the argument.
