Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ScottyG]

All this missile talk has re-sparked my ongoing interest in North Korea. When you get right down to it, this country, and its political situation, is probably one of the most interesting in the world. If I had a choice between a one week vacation on a beach on Thailand, or a government approved tour through Pyongyang, I would definetely take the NK "vacation." You probably couldn't find a more bizarre travel experience.

Anyways, I recently read "Aquariums of Pyongyang" and found it fascinating. I wouldn't hesitate to reccommend it to anyone, and it would make one hell of a movie. If anyone knows of any other good books (preferrably not a bunch of political diatribe and facts, but some actual stories or info re. the "dear leader") I would like to know. As for movies, I am aware of JSA and Taeguki, but would like to know of any others and where to download them.

As for websites, I checked out the NK official website, and the videos come in too slowly, but if you do a search on Youtube.com with "north korea" you get a ton of interesting and sad stuff. Including Shinhwa performing in front of NK's elite (not a smile in the crowd), an amazing gymnastic performance for the "dear leader's" birthday, a hidden camera look at destitute children living on the street, and NK workers in Russia working in logging camps. Very surreal stuff in any case, and really makes you reconsider the whole "Korean experience" and how we, along with the majority of Koreans, forget about this complete mystery that sadly remains just 50 km's north.

Any sources of info greatly appreciated.

[Captain Corea]

The most definitive book I have ever read on North korea was "Under the loving care of the Fatherly Leader" by Bradley K. Martin.

Some sites you may or may not know about:

http://www.nkzone.org/nkzone/

http://www.korealiberator.org/

http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm

http://www.dailynk.com/english/index.php

http://www.kimsoft.com/dprk.htm

[crazylemongirl]

[Milwaukiedave]

I think there are many of us who have a curiousity about North Korea. I've become more and more interested, especially after marrying my wife. Her father is from Kaesong in North Korea. He was one of the people tragically seperated by the war. My wife and I have talked about trying to help him find his sister, but he won't tell us enough information to find her.

I agree with the OP, the trip to North Korea would be very interesting.

[Captain Corea]

I'm planning on going in May actually. I'm trying to find out though if my residence in ROK will affect my chances of getting a VISA.

[ScottyG]

I know some Russian people who have been, and they said they didn't even pay tons like I've heard other people have to. But it was the organised tour.


Thanks for the sites and the book title. I'm googling it now.

[RACETRAITOR]

[ed4444]

A Chinese travel agent told me it was possible to go to the DPRK cheaply as part of a Chinese tour group if you don't mind not being able to understand the explanations (unless you speak Mandarin)

I didn't get to follow up on it though.

[crazylemongirl]