| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Yesterday
Joined: 15 Aug 2003
Location: Land of the Morning DongChim (Kancho)
|
 Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 5:23 pm Post subject: American?? The North wants you...... |
 |
|
since it was annouced a couple of years ago that China was given the 2008 Olympics - I have seen Seoul change so quickly - with new wider streets, red-bicycle paths and green-paved walking paths going in everywhere - more beautification of basically everywhere I look, etc etc - I figured Korea is expecting a HUGE influx of tourists in 2008 as people from around the world stop-over here on there way to/from the China Olympics -
well now the north must be getting in on the plan.... and they WANT Americans....
| Quote: |
| ...Unfortunately costs for US citizens are higher than for Europeans as reflected in the tour price.... .....but luckily this year you are able to stay longer than last year (3 day limit in 2005) .....and use the train to depart DPRK, a great way to see the country and extend the tour...... |
http://www.koryogroup.com/tours/index-us.html
I notice it is conveniently during the August summer vacation (for all those public school teachers who get a months summer vacation)... and although I would love to go see the north... I guess you would only see what THEY want you to see (which would be all FAKE) and everythings else - the REAL North would be kept off-limits to any visitor... |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
spliff
Joined: 19 Jan 2004
Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 8:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| ...Unfortunately costs for US citizens are higher than for Europeans as reflected in the tour price.... .....but luckily this year you are able to stay longer than last year (3 day limit in 2005) .....and use the train to depart DPRK, a great way to see the country and extend the tour...... |
Don't think they'll find too many Americans, if any, hungering to travel to the country of famine, lies and terror. Especially, since the above piece seems to suggest they're introducing a two-leveled charge for the er..privilege..err *spit* |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
coffeeman
Joined: 24 Nov 2005
Location: Korea
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 8:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Don't worry about the pricing issue. I just cleared up the confusion with a phone call to Mr. Kim. He said that the American tour is a VIP tour. That's why it costs more. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
flotsam
Joined: 28 Mar 2006
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
[quote="spliff"]
| Quote: |
| ...Don't think they'll find too many Americans, if any, hungering to travel to the country of famine, lies and terror. Especially, since the above piece seems to suggest they're introducing a two-leveled charge for the er..privilege..err *spit* |
They've got one American sold if this is legit.
This is the same kind of decision I made when I visited Eastern Germany in 1989(before November) and Myanmar last year: in order to see what goes on, even in the censored fashion, is of so much value(I am also a History teacher, so it is especially rewarding for me and my students) it outweighs extra costs and the money the government receives from tourism. Kim, Jung-Il isn't capping his nukes with the extra bucks from my bill at L'Hotel de Pyeongyang. Besides, the opportunity to show any form of local, from a tour guide to a hotel adjusshi to the rehearsed pedestrians that pass you on the street, a polite, nice, culturally open and curious American face is a tremendous opportunity.
I am so there.
Going and seeing the beautiful aspects of a country and its people will do more to make you aware of what happens there and work actively to change the situation. We shouldn't be shortsighted when it comes to deciding to ostracize peoples as a result of the actions of their leaders.
Besides, if people really did boycott nations based on their records of civil rights or their other political actions, domestic or international, we should all be suggesting that they stay far away from the U.S.A. these days.
Pontificating over.
Propaganda sign hung by the Burmese govt. A bit unclear because I had to take it quickly before the soldiers guarding it saw me snap the photo.
This a sign in front of the old NLD headquarters in Bagan. I had to come back at night because there was a cop standing in front of it all day. I was pretty surprised that they hadn't torn it down.
Uthumana. A monk I met in Yangon who escorted me and helped me apply gold leaf to several of the statues that foreigners aren't normally allowed to touch. Here he is writing his address for me. We have exchanged about three or four letters since then. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Yesterday
Joined: 15 Aug 2003
Location: Land of the Morning DongChim (Kancho)
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 4:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| flotsam wrote: |
They've got one American sold if this is legit.
I am so there.
|
I agree with you - the most unusual, mysterious, misunderstood, scary, strange places are the most fun to visit - and the most rewarding - I would go myself - it would give me a few days in China and the North - but I don't have the time - and I already have another destination booked for my August vacation -
and there is one other big factor -
I have heard that if you DO GO to the north - you will not be allowed back into South Korea (so once you go) then forget coming back here to teach... (somebody show me if this is true) I have also heard that some people get around that problem by having their travel agent put a special page into their passport that can be removed when coming back to the south - so all traces of your going to the North can be removed from your passport.... don't know how this works - maybe someone has had some experience with this? if its possible maybe I will go in 2007... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
flotsam
Joined: 28 Mar 2006
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 4:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I did some searching to see how legit this is, and I think it's kosher.
Also, I am pretty sure that lots of people, journalists, media types, what have you, have visited the North and then returned to the South. I think it is standard practice for the removable visa. Definitely something to make sure of though...
Last edited by flotsam on Mon Apr 17, 2006 4:51 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
flotsam
Joined: 28 Mar 2006
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 4:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
Entry Inspection for a Foreigner Who Visited North Korea
The division of Korea into South and North has restricted South Korean from visiting North Korea for a long time. However, steadfast endeavors of South Korea made North Korea slightly open a curtain for a sightseeing tour of Mt. Kumgang, one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, which is located in North Korea. Three 18,000 ton tourist ships cruise everyday between Donghae Port in South Korea and Jangjeon Port in North Korea. It has also been permitted for a foreigner to travel to North Korea for the sightseeing tour of Mt. Kumgang since the 23rd of Oct, 1999. It is prescribed that North Korea is in the territory of Korea by the Korean Constitution Law. Unfortunately, however, North Korea is now not under actual Korean sovereignty. Therefore, entry into and departure from North Korea is being treated specially.
�� In the case of foreigner's re-entry after visiting North Korea
When a short-term visitor or unregistered foreigner who visited North Korea re-enters South Korea, an immigration officer shall issue the same visa which was granted but the period of stay in North Korea will be subtracted. In this case, to a foreigner whose period of stay on the visa is expired during his/her stay in North Korea or remaining period of stay is less than 30 days, a new visa status(tourist/transit (B-2)) for 30 days may be granted. There is no need to get a re-entry permit for a registered foreigner who desires to re-enter Korea after visiting North Korea.
�� A foreigner who enters South Korea via North Korea
A foreigner who desires to enter South Korea via North Korea shall carry a valid passport and a visa. As mentioned before, a foreigner whose country has a visa waiver agreement with the Republic of Korea is permitted to enter Korea with no visa. In this case, a foreigner shall present his/her passport, a written paper of the reason for visiting North Korea and an E/D Card(Immigration Card) to the Immigration officer at an inspection counter. A foreigner who desires to visit South Korea for diplomatic, official or agreement purposes, etc. may be exempted to present a written paper for the reason of visiting North Korea.
|
http://www.moj.go.kr/HP/ENG/eng_03/eng_306040.jsp
Seems to be a go. Besides, with all the public displays of cooperation, I doubt the South wants to rain on anybody's sunshine. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
krats1976
Joined: 14 May 2003
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 5:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I'm definately going to be looking into this. My curiosity will overcome any qualms I have about helping fund Kim Jung Il's regime. Yes, it will be polished and sanitized and the epitome of communist bliss... but that's what makes it so interesting. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
laogaiguk
Joined: 06 Dec 2005
Location: somewhere in Korea
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 5:20 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| krats1976 wrote: |
| I'm definately going to be looking into this. My curiosity will overcome any qualms I have about helping fund Kim Jung Il's regime. Yes, it will be polished and sanitized and the epitome of communist bliss... but that's what makes it so interesting. |
Like he said, our 750 to 1000 euros aren't really going to do that much for Kim. Ignoring something is never the right thing to do anyways. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jaganath69
Joined: 17 Jul 2003
|
| Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:10 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I for one would be lothe to pump money into KJI's gulag system. Remember that your hard currency goes to buying more XO cognac, more delicacies and more platform shoes for Il Duce whilst the masses starve. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
