Any Travels

North Korea still is one of the most reclusive countries of the world. Although there is a slight opening and some selected koreans are now allowed to visit their families in the south for a short day stay, visiting the country is still a highly organised operation for limited numbers of group tourists. Since access to North Koreea is mainly via China, most visits are tacked on to China tours. As you can see by this night satellite view of North Korea, it's a happening place after dark. Night vision goggles help.

More than 22 millions inhabitants live in this country. Most of its 120.500 sqkm territory is demilitarized zone, where you are not allowed to enter. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is situated on the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. It shares borders in the south with the demilitarized zone (separating it from the Republic of Korea, see South Korea), in the east with Japan (by sea), in the north with China and in the west with the Yellow Sea.

Following World War II, Korea was split into a northern, communist half and a southern, Western-oriented half. Kim Chong Il has ruled North Korea since his father and the country's founder, president Kim Il Sung, died in 1994. After decades of mismanagement, the North relies heavily on international food aid to feed its population. Most of the land consists of hills and low mountains, separated by deep, narrow valleys. Only a small area is cultivable. The eastern coast is rocky and steep with mountains rising from the water, the western coast is characterized by coastal plains. The average climate is temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer.

North Korea’s population is racially almost homogeneous, there is only a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese. Most of the population is traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, there are some Christian and syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way).

Places of Interest:

Pyongyang
The city's capital owes its tribute to Kim Il Sung on nearly every corner, the main square, the university and the stadium are named after him. His live and sometimes larger-than-life figure haunts your stay in North Korea and especially in Pyongyang. To get an impression of the old Korea try to see the Taedong and the Potong Gate. To relax go to Moranbong Park or to the more disney-like Taesongsan recreation ground with a monorail, a rollercoaster and candy floss.

In Pyongyang you will find the greatest choice of hotels and restaurants of the whole country, but even this is not too large. Eating out has to be arranged by your guide, as well as any other activity or visit. If you want to go out in the evening you should try to see a revolutionary opera at the Mansudae theatre. There are good circuses and musical recitals too.

For accommodation there are three hotels for foreign visitors, but you have to ask the governmental travel bureau where to stay. Normally all rooms have private baths and hotels normally have good laundry facilities.

Kaesong
Kaesong, southeast of Pyongyang near the borderline, has fabulous remains of the Koryo dynasty of Korean emperors. The Koryo Dynasty (918-1392 AD) successfully achieved the unfication of the Latter Three Kingdoms. King T'aejo laid the foundation of the dynasty that would last close to five hundred years. The period went through political, social, and cultural changes. Viewed as the transition period between Silla and the Choson, its importance is sometimes neglected in summary treatments of Korean history.

Haeju
This port city is 130km (80mi) due south of Pyongyang. You can take a boat to numerous offshore islets, or explore the sandy beaches when the tide is out. The mountain of Suyangsan (945m - 368ft) is 8km (5mi) away, and boasts a mountain fort pleasure ground with statues, slogans and other reminders of the Great Leader.

Kuwolsan
Just across the mouth of the Taedong River from Namp'o stand the Nine Moon Mountains, the most spectacular peaks on the west coast. Several roads and hiking trails provide access to two of the main peaks and valleys, waterfalls, hot springs, old fortress walls and former shrines and hermitages.

South of the main peak lies the Samsong Pleasure Ground, a favoured summer resort of North Koreans. Further south through beautiful scenery is Woljongsa, a reconstructed temple, unfortunately only a shadow of its former glory. You can explore the main attractions in a day of driving and hiking.

Culture

Cultural activity is aided and encouraged by the government. Korean culture, including many traditional aspects such as food, dress, art, architecture, and folkways, is motivated in part by the historical experience of cultural domination by both the Chinese and the Japanese.

Don't Go
Don't Go.