Korean Job Discussion Forums

[spyro25]

Hey gang.

I was thinking about going on a trip to Pyeongyang, organised by Koryo Tours

(http://www.koryogroup.com/tours/individualtours.html) (copy and paste into your browzer)

given the terrible exchange rate these days, the total cost would be about 3 million won (the tour + connecting flight to beijing from pusan + spending money) for the 3 night tour if I can get two more people to come with me, and cheaper with more.

I guess the offer is only open to non-US citizens. I'm a brit.

i would be looking to go in February from Pusan.

I'm just putting the feelers out there to see if anyone else would fancy giving it a shot. I'm sure it will be an unforgettable experience.

post on here or send me a PM if you think you might be up for the trip.

[soviet_man]

Fantastic trip. Fantastic place. Absolutely go for it, if you have the money.

I recall that Koryo Tours had trips priced at around 900-950 Euro about a year or so ago.

They have gone up big time since then - but I mean you don't go on a trip like this to get value for money.

My two recommendations would be to select the shortest trip available. The condensed/express version is enough for most people and it will keep the cost down.

Also the train from Beijing (in and out) is far better than the plane. You will have more freedom to see the countryside and it does stop at north Korean stations en-route, whereas the plane you see nothing.

[cruisemonkey]

Let's see....
W3,000,000 for three days (W1,000,000/day) in freezing Peyongyang at a government hotel with no electricity 16 hrs/day, being fed shit, K-food, watched and listened to 24 hrs./day; and can't take my camera because the lens goes to 200mm....

Or...
W2,000,000 for fifteen days (133,333/day) in tropical Bali at a beach resort with 24 hr. electricty (and hot water), eating delicious Indonesian and international cuisine, not being spied on; and can take pictures of anything I want...

Hmmm... tough choice.

[hugekebab]

Don't you feel a bit wrong about financially supporting a state that starves and brutalities its own people?

[spyro25]

i do, but its a once in a lifetime opportunity. i'll be sure to give the korean people the same i gave to the tour company when reunification happens.

[Beeyee]

I'm going on the tour at the end of July. Total cost is over 3 million won. I can't wait

[spyro25]

well if i haven't been by then, do you think i could get in on your trip?

the more people you have, the cheaper it will be for everyone.....

PM if you are serious about going and wouldnt mind another person along. i went to the geumgangsan tour in jan and loved it. my korean is also pretty good so i might be able to help translate stuff for your group.....

[Beeyee]

[spyro25]

that sounds brilliant! i'll PM you my details.......

[hugekebab]

I didn't mean to sound self righteous, by the way; I wouldn't normally question a decision to travel to a state, but NK just seems so ******* evil; the purest of evil. I wouldn't really feel good about going there and seeing a bunch of people whose lives are a constant battle against hunger and misery, and then hand over a few million to the government that is actively and purposefully doing that to them. And to top it off then go to the hotel and stuff my face (with shit food I've heard) when right at that moment someone is probably dropping dead or dying from starvation in the same city, or in the country outside at least.

It just all seems so immoral.

[matt!!!]

I'd join you, but I'm considering going during the summer. I'm a Canadian and I think it'd be a fascinating experience. There is an ethical dilemma. I approach it from the sense of active engagement. Sure, we could turn our backs on North Korea and not go there but who would it really be helping? We might be able to pat ourselves on the backs for it but that's about it.

With that said it's a real tough call, but I'm absolutely fascinated by the situation there and I can't get over how lucky I am to witness it from so close.

[D.D.]

3 million? 3 days? wow wtf.

[Beeyee]

[D.D.]

3million for 7 days, cold , grey, wtf

[cruisemonkey]