Holidays with a very big difference … Welcome to North Korea!

IT has a notorious reputation as one the most oppressive states on the planet, but leisure trips to see the isolated, Communist North Korea are being promoted.

If you want to run in the Pyongyang Marathon next April, ski on North Korea’s uncrowded mountain slopes, or visit ancient temples, then Experience North Korea has the holiday for you. 

Founded three years ago, Experience North Korea works with travel agencies and tour operators around the world to offer North Korean tours.

The company’s North Korea’s holidays begin and end in Beijing, where customers obtain their visas, and flights to Pyongyang are with Air Koryo or Air China. Other travellers can arrive on flights from Vladivostok.

Experience North Korea’s website has a helpful list of do’s and don’ts – mostly the latter – for intrepid visitors about to visit the country which, says Human Rights Watch, has one of the world’s worst human rights records.

• Do prepare for your journey by appropriately educating yourself about North Korea, so that you understand what kind of country you are going to visit. 
• Do behave with respect to the regime and more importantly to its leaders … don’t insult the leaders publicly… this is crucial for good relations with the tour guides.
• Do win the trust of your guides during the first few days by being friendly, respectful, and always asking what you can take pictures of and what you cannot. In return the guides will give you more flexibility during your trip.
• Don’t go to North Korea if you are a journalist or a photographer … this can seriously mean trouble for you and your guides.
• Don’t insult the leaders publicly, this might not only get you in trouble but it will for sure ruin your relationship with the guides who are the gatekeepers of your visit.
• Don’t travel unescorted or try to sneak out of the hotel at night without authorization.
• Don’t abuse or constantly question the rules that are explained to you. The rules are fixed and are not at the tour guide’s decisions.

If you’re tempted, go to http://experiencenorthkorea.com

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Picture Credit: 'Pyongyang Arch of Triumph' by Kok Leng Yeo from Singapore via Wikimedia Commons