Korean Job Discussion Forums

nev · Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Location: ch7t

I'm interested in visiting North Korea in the summer as I believe it's possible if arranged through a tour guide agency in Beijing. Presuming my passport will be stamped in North Korea, does this pose a problem returning to the south? Or any other country. I've a UK passport.

Also, has anyone else gone to the north? Any advice?

steve_r · Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Location: Shanghai (Malu Town)

danieltudor · Joined: 26 Sep 2003

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

I'm looking at this tour as well. i know where my money is going but it would be a once-in-a-lifetime thing I suppose.

Juggertha · Joined: 27 May 2003 Location: Anyang, Korea

no joke, i'd love to see it but refuse to support/give money to that bugger.

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

yeah, i know the conundrum. My money is supporting him but maybe in the long run it could be good as they may initiate market reforms and transform their economy which would be beneficial way of making money instead of nuclear weapons.

Seoultrader · Joined: 18 Jun 2003 Location: Ali's Insurgent Inn, Fallujah

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Seoultrader...all class, all the time Very Happy

. Sounds like a good trip as well speaking politically incorrectly.

nev · Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Location: ch7t

Cheers for the website Steve R.

On a personal level, I think North Korea is a once in a lifetime opportunity at a fascinating regime and nation, that can't be around for much longer. On a political level, while my money is undeniably contributing to a messed up autocracy, the more North Korea opens up the better. For 50 years it's been closed off without any sign of regime change or improvement for the people. Gradually opening it up would seem to be a route to progress, and promoting tourism definitely opens a country up.

Yesterday · Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:54 am Post subject: Be warned...

Also be warned - there are many things you cannot do - photo's are very, very restircted....

Even sitting down in a public place (if you are tired) or using water (other than what you are allocated in your hotel room) is classified as stealing - carries the death penalty.

It kinda reminds me of when I spent 2 months in Papua New Guinea - I was almost killed - because I took a few photographs of the highland people (those who live in the mountains) - there - people believe if you take a photograph - it captures the soul of the person onto the paper (print) therefore meaning death to the person (of course they can no longer live without a seoul) - and also JUST sitting down somewehere - outside of your hotel room can mean instant punishment.....

I had been walking around in the hot sun all day - and decided to sit down for 5 minutes - when I was surrounded by police 3 minutes after sitting down who gave me a choice (my punishment for sitting down in a public place) either receive a severe beating or pay a large fine - seeing the bats they held in their hands - I chose to pay the fine...

PNG is a democratic country - N.K. is a dictatorship/socialist country - but I would never return to P.N.G. either - the smallest mistake whilst there cold cost you your life......

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

Its no different to visiting Myanmar. i haven't been personally but have spoken to a few people who did. they were restricted and monitored in their movements, and had to apply for formal permission to enter certain zones.Plus, there is the knowledge that your tourist money is going into the tyrant governments pocket...

HardyandTiny · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

The restricted movement would drive me nuts but I still think it's worth it.

logan · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Seoul

Tourism is a great way to inform the North Korean people that despite all the brain washing that goes on in NK, Westerners are not the terrible people that they are made out to be by political propaganda. In a recent conversation with a Russian doctor, he informed me that tourism and general knowledge of the outside world was what led to the fall of the Soviet Union. He and many others used to listen to Radio Free America broadcasts to learn what was going on in the rest of the world.
Currently it is virtually impossible to go to NK if you are American or if you are in any way associated as a journalist. They have also cracked down on picture taking by tourists. Many of the guides are punished sometimes severly if it is found out that someone in thier group had taken unauthorized pictures especialy if those pictures are then published somewhere. They also do internet checks on the people going, if you have said something derogatory about NK and it has been printed watch out.
It is definitely worth going if for no other reason than just as goodwill ambassadors of the West.