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Five rules for traveling to North Korea
I'm told that travel to North Korea is quite safe, as long as you follow the rules (and don't do anything stupid). You have to realize that, politics aside, you're entering a country that just does things differently. Of course, the consequences that come with straying can be severe. The trip will be scripted, but you know that going in. Follow the bouncing ball, and you'll be just fine.Again, travel to North Korea is safe, I'm told, as long as you stick to an established tour group, preferably one that specializes in excursions for westerners. Nonetheless, it's still a good idea to be hyper-conscious of your environment. Here are five ways to make sure you don't extend the "Ugly American" stereotype to Pyongyang.
Gallery: Welcome to the DMZ
1. Stay on the beaten path
Every travel writer in the world seems intent on delivering super-local, "insidery" insights, encouraging you to really blend. In North Korea, that's the worst advice you could possibly receive. Want to see something strange? The beaten path will give you plenty.
2. Bring cigarettes
Fuck the Surgeon General! Everything I've read suggests that North Korean cigarettes suck. Use packs of Marlboros as tips, and you'll be treated very well throughout your vacation. Pick up a few cartons at home, preferably in a state that doesn't tax the hell out of them.
3. Be careful with your camera
There is no shortage of rules about what you can photograph (and how). When in doubt, ask your tour guide. First, you don't want to run afoul of the regs. More important, though, is that you don't want to ruin someone else's day ... which could end in a damaged career or worse. This is especially the case if you want to take pictures of North Korean people (which is almost always forbidden).
4. Don't go political
Be open to having a good time. The official guides are actually quite personable and seem to realize, if subconsciously, that they are in the service industry. Your North Korean tour guides will probably be more accommodating than the flight attendants you encountered en route from the United States. Interact with your guide as guides -- not as politicians. These people aren't setting North Korean policy any more than you're setting U.S. policy.
5. Interview the tour company
The people taking you into North Korea will make a difference. Stick with a reputable company that has a track record of running tours for westerners. Before you make a purchase, talk to the people who run the company. Get comfortable with them. Don't be afraid to ask even the strangest questions. The right tour company will not only be open to them, it will answer you from a position of expertise and experience.
Every travel writer in the world seems intent on delivering super-local, "insidery" insights, encouraging you to really blend. In North Korea, that's the worst advice you could possibly receive. Want to see something strange? The beaten path will give you plenty.
2. Bring cigarettes
Fuck the Surgeon General! Everything I've read suggests that North Korean cigarettes suck. Use packs of Marlboros as tips, and you'll be treated very well throughout your vacation. Pick up a few cartons at home, preferably in a state that doesn't tax the hell out of them.
3. Be careful with your camera
There is no shortage of rules about what you can photograph (and how). When in doubt, ask your tour guide. First, you don't want to run afoul of the regs. More important, though, is that you don't want to ruin someone else's day ... which could end in a damaged career or worse. This is especially the case if you want to take pictures of North Korean people (which is almost always forbidden).
4. Don't go political
Be open to having a good time. The official guides are actually quite personable and seem to realize, if subconsciously, that they are in the service industry. Your North Korean tour guides will probably be more accommodating than the flight attendants you encountered en route from the United States. Interact with your guide as guides -- not as politicians. These people aren't setting North Korean policy any more than you're setting U.S. policy.
5. Interview the tour company
The people taking you into North Korea will make a difference. Stick with a reputable company that has a track record of running tours for westerners. Before you make a purchase, talk to the people who run the company. Get comfortable with them. Don't be afraid to ask even the strangest questions. The right tour company will not only be open to them, it will answer you from a position of expertise and experience.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Asia, North Korea
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zach Jan 25th 2010 2:16PM
6. Have Bill Clinton on speed dial.
missy Jan 25th 2010 2:55PM
I traveled to N. Korea last year during the Arirang Festival (which is reason enough to go) and had a wonderful time and never felt unsafe. As long as you listen to your guides (they are the ones who will get in trouble if you do something stupid) you will have an amazing experience and get a glimpse into a country which is vastly different from any other. The only other suggestion I would add to your list is to bring more cash than you think you will need. There are very few souvenir items to purchase (I recommend the stamps), and as a visitor you will only be allowed to visit select shops where the prices are the same as you would expect to pay in the US.
Nick Jan 25th 2010 4:05PM
Although no one in the western world misses an opportunity to take pot shots at the North Korean regime (travel bloggers also often are no exception at being overtly political), I really like the way Gadling articles on that country have an overall positive tone. Even more importantly, I like how you always try and differentiate between the Korean regime and its general public. Westerners sometime need to remind themselves not to paint an entire society with the same color.
And remember - when it is easy for someone to get stereotyped just by wearing a beard/turban/having a particular last name or get thrown into a jail for harmlessly (though foolishly!) joking about explosives near an airplane - all this in a country that prides itself for being a beacon of freedom and diversity, it shouldn't really come as a surprise that a much smaller & poorer country that is (perhaps unreasonably!) too suspicious of outsiders regulates its tourism industry as a means to assuage its sense of extreme insecurity.
Tom Johansmeyer Jan 25th 2010 4:07PM
Thanks, Nick. This is actually something I take very seriously, and I appreciate your noticing. There are so many factors at play in any story about North Korea that you have to be careful, otherwise, you risk both pandering and being accurate.
sabrina Mar 22nd 2010 4:47AM
Before as American passport holders can go traveling to North Korea only during Arirang Festival. But right now for American tourists can to traveling to North Korea any time. Some agencies allow American tourists go traveling by air. But if you find some agencies in Dandong of China where is just next to North Korea. You can go traveling to North Korea by train. And you can experience diffrent view on the train. But it has been said you could not take photos when you are on the train. And Dandong is also a good place to travel as well. There is a broken bridge still there left by the war during 1950. and also you can visit the War to Resist American Aggression and Aid Korea Museum which is very interesting. also can tast spicy korean food.
recommend web:http://www.explorenorthkorea.com