Exploring North Korea: A Guided Adventure Unlike Any Other

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As North Korea prepares to welcome Western visitors once again, the leading tour operator to the reclusive state has likened the experience to “a school trip.” Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours, explained that every aspect of the journey is tightly controlled, making independent exploration virtually impossible.

 

“Everything is guided, the itinerary is all planned in advance by us with our partners there,” Cockerell told The Independent daily travel podcast. “You don't really have to do much thinking for yourself. Thinking for yourself is not hugely encouraged in North Korea anyway.”

 

Koryo Tours is finalizing its first trip to the country in five years, with the inaugural departure scheduled for Thursday, 20 February. Due to high demand from adventurous travelers eager to visit the isolated nation, the tour is already fully booked. North Korea initially shut its borders to Western tourists in January 2020, becoming the first country to do so in response to the Covid pandemic. Now, it will be the last to reopen.

 

While a group of Russian tourists was granted access a year ago, largely for publicity purposes, it was only this month that Westerners were given permission to visit. “It's happened really quickly,” Cockerell said. “Just a week-and-a-half ago or so, we were told, ‘Send in some staff for final meetings.’ We scrambled a bit and sent in one of my colleagues.”

 

For now, entry is limited to the Rason Special Economic Area in the northeast of the country, a mountainous region that shares borders with China and Russia. “There are two cities in the area, called Rason and Sombong. There are fishing villages, farming villages, and so on,” Cockerell said. “But by North Korean basic standards, it's actually quite advanced.”

 

According to him, the region enjoys a relatively better economy than much of the north, benefiting from trade—both legal and otherwise—primarily with China. “Most North Koreans would consider it a good place to live,” he noted. “It's an interesting and quirky place, but it is definitively North Korea. The rules and regulations remain the same. The same kind of propaganda stuff you see everywhere is still present.”

 

Since there is no airport in Rason, visitors will cross into the country via bus from the Chinese city of Yanji. “Rason is technically visa-free,” Cockerell explained. “The procedure for an entry permit is the same as applying for a visa, but quicker. So there's no actual document.” However, tourists must attend a mandatory one-hour pre-trip briefing covering regulations, etiquette, and safety.

 

Koryo Tours warns that infractions that might seem minor elsewhere can have severe consequences in North Korea. “Offences that would be considered trivial in other countries can incur very severe penalties in North Korea, particularly actions the authorities deem to be disrespectful towards the North Korean leadership or government, or those involving religion.”

 

Starting in March, Koryo Tours will operate two trips per month to the region, with the longest tour spanning four nights at a cost of €705 (£587). Highlights of the itinerary include a visit to the Three Country Border Viewpoint, Rason Taekwondo School, Ryongyson Brewery, and the Golden Triangle Bank, where, in theory, visitors can open a North Korean bank account.

 

Despite the opportunity to explore this enigmatic country, the UK Foreign Office strongly advises against travel to North Korea, citing the unpredictable security situation. “The security situation in North Korea can change quickly with no advance warning about possible actions by the authorities. This poses significant risks to British visitors and residents.”

 

The Foreign Office further warns that foreign nationals have been detained for allegedly violating local laws, sometimes without access to assistance from their governments. “Support from FCDO is severely limited, especially while there is no British Embassy presence. Remote support is available if you’re able to contact us online or by phone. However, the routine lack of access to internet and mobile networks makes it almost impossible to communicate outside of North Korea.”

 

Based on a report by The Independent  2025-02-18

 

 

[Stiddle Mump]

Wow! Sign me up boss. Where can I get me ticket?

 

All those marching ladies in military uniform. Yea!

[save the frogs]

be sure to visit "propaganda village", a fake town where no one lives. 

 

 

[scottiejohn]

39 minutes ago, Stiddle Mump said:

Wow! Sign me up boss. Where can I get me ticket?

 

All those marching ladies in military uniform. Yea!

Be careful as they might infect you with COVID if you have not had your jabs and wear your masks!

[Stiddle Mump]

46 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Be careful as they might infect you with COVID if you have not had your jabs and wear your masks!

I'll settle for a splash of covid, if they would let me do an inspection.

[scottiejohn]

3 minutes ago, Stiddle Mump said:

I'll settle for a splash of covid, if they would let me do an inspection.

What drugs were you taking before making that dumbass post.

Please re-write in English when the drugs have worn off!

[Stiddle Mump]

1 hour ago, scottiejohn said:

What drugs were you taking before making that dumbass post.

Please re-write in English when the drugs have worn off!

What guy wouldn't be turned on by all those lady soldiers marching in synchronised style. Such elegance!

 

Gonna start saving for me ticket.

[still kicking]

 

[Harrisfan]

Open a bank account yeah they would never steal your money 

[scottiejohn]

39 minutes ago, Stiddle Mump said:

What guy wouldn't be turned on by all those lady soldiers marching in synchronised style. Such elegance!

 

Gonna start saving for me ticket.

For your Covid jab I assume!

[Lacessit]

Run the risk of being made a political hostage on the whim of Kim? Pass.

[Stiddle Mump]

8 hours ago, scottiejohn said:

For your Covid jab I assume!

You are certainly the one-line jokster Scottie.

 

Covid don't respect borders. It didn't exist in China and it don't exist across the border in Nth Korea.

 

Can't wait to see all those lovely ladies marching.