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sandinista445 · Joined: 30 Oct 2004 Posts: 136 Location: 世界

Will be in Beijing when my residency permit expires in a month. I was told by those who process visas in HongKong that I can't get a 3 month tourist visa until it expires, and if I wait until it expires I won't be anywhere near HongKong, so....

has anyone here done this before? Flown to one of these places to process your visa?

I thought I would take advantage of the situation to see another country, and maybe stay a week or two. I was more leaning towards either KOREA: either Busan or Seoul, or VLADIVOSTOK (you can take the train back to Beijing, right?).

Anyone been to these cities? Are they worth a visit?

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

This sorta came up before-Russia's visa system itself is draconian,so exclude that.Mongolia's can be a bit tricky,but lot's of cool treks, but the trekking prices are much higher than you'd think.

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

You could say go Busan from where you can get a ferry to VLADIVOSTOK then overland to Mongolia and back to Beijing

Millerlong · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 147 Location: Shanghai, China

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

All depends on your level of interest. He might be able to do it on a transit visa.

Busan has lots of Russians living in the city near the post area. The ferry used to be used a lot to take second hand Korean cars to VLADIVOSTOK to sell there.

http://www.hansrossel.com/english/russiaVISA.html
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Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in BusanConsulate Information ... A Brief Introduction to Chinese Visa � A schedule of visa rates � Contact the Consular Section ...

http://busan.china-consulate.org/eng/
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Ferry to Japan

http://pusanweb.com/guides/transportation/ferryguide.htm

Busan International Ferry Terminal is Korea's first passenger boat seaport with routes to China, Japan and Russia. It also accommodates the largest amount of passengers with approximately 53,000 passengers per year. Currently, Busan International Ferry Terminal offer 4 routes from Japan-Shimonoseki, Fukuoka, Tsushima, and Kobe-and two routes from China: Shanghai and Yantai. The ferry terminal is nearby Jungang Subway Station with easy access to downtown Busan

jamesmollo · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 276 Location: jilin china

damn anda you really know your s##t Shocked

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

Optimal option: Pyongyang. Good rail connections, always empty seats on trains, and probably open to any cash-carrying laowai who promises to return as soon as possible.

There is an English-owned travel agency that organises trips across the border to the DRK.

And really, Vladivostok is unlikely to be feasible unless you have patience and money. And both might run out before your current Chinese visa does...

sandinista445 · Joined: 30 Oct 2004 Posts: 136 Location: 世界

Wow, can you really take a train from China to the DPRK? I thought North Korea was closed to foreigners unless you wanted to pay for an expensive and limited tour of the capital under heavy guard.

Anyone here been to the DPRK?

I like the idea of flying to Busan and then taking a ferry. Thanks for the links Anda.

mr_cshaw · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 9 Location: Travelling

I wasn't really thinking of this until I saw this thread. Is it possible to satisfy my need to renew my duel entry 6-month (max 90 day stay) visa for China by hopping over the North Korean border for a few hours. It is very close to Changchun. I have many doubts but thought I would ask. Thanks

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

I very much doubt it! There are a few English teacher there, who work for the British Embassy but that�s about it. Flying in without a visa and trying to find somewhere to stay is out, unless you are happy with a cell somewhere.

Some info on getting a visa for North Korea

http://hasbrouck.org/articles/DPRK.html
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Some info on tours for North Korea:

http://www.stat.ualberta.ca/people/schmu/nk.html
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Yes they have a Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang

General Secretary Kim Jong Il visited Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang on July 2 at the invitation of Chinese Ambassador to Korea for a party in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Communist Party of China.
Accompanied by high-ranking officials of the party, state organs and armed forces, Kim Jong Il attended a banquet given by Wang Guozhang, Chinese Ambassador to Korea, and had a cordial and friendly talks with leading officials of the embassy.