North Korea (DPRK): Hidden Countries

Tuesday 14 April 2009

Welcome to Hidden Countries, a new series from Skyscanner which explores the less well known, off the beaten path destinations of the world. This week, we look at North Korea - the 'Hermit State'.


Why? Probably the biggest allure of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (what most of the world refers to as North Korea) is the very fact that it’s so cut off from the outside world. Nicknamed the Hermit State, it’s an isolated country, almost entirely untouched by tourists (fewer than 2000 foreign visitors are admitted each year).

North Korea was formed in 1948, when the Korean Peninsula was divided into north and south following the Korean War and has been off limits to outsiders ever since. Considered the last true outpost of communism, North Korea makes a very unique travel experience to a place which in some ways resembles George Orwell’s vision of the state controlled future in his book 1984.

What is there to see? Most visitors will spend the majority of their time in Pyongyang, a somewhat eerie, mysterious and grey city, hailed by the Lonely Planet as one of the world’s strangest capitals.

Here there are several vast architectural wonders, including statues, towers and buildings that were created to showcase the achievements of the Kim rule, offering a fascinating insight into the products of a totalitarian dictatorship. BBC Radio broadcaster, Andy Kershaw, describes North Korea as “the greatest possible adventure” and “mind-blowingly wonderful”. (Listen to his fascinating radio documentary about North Korea here).

Some itineraries can be extended to also include a visit to Paekdusan, the highest mountain in the country at 2744m and one of the most impressive sites on the Korean Peninsula, with a vast crater lake in the centre. There are also chances to visit the incredible spectacle of the Mass Games (which involves 100,000 performers) and the hot springs resort of Nampo.

Danger and Difficulty: independent travel in North Korea is currently not possible. All visitors must be accompanied by official guides or drivers at almost all times, and contact with everyday North Koreans is extremely limited. However, there are several companies offering tours to North Korea who can help arrange a visa as well as accommodation, food and transport.

In terms of crime, North Korea is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world to visit, and it’s highly unlikely that you would have any problems with pick-pockets, muggings ect .

However, you will need to watch your tongue and where you point your camera; insulting or criticising the “great leader” or the government is illegal and could get you and your guide into serious trouble (think fines, prison or even death) so keep your thoughts on North Korea’s political system to yourself.

Should I visit North Korea? There are some who believe North Korea should be boycotted by visitors due to suspected human rights abuses. However, although contact with locals is limited, meeting North Koreans is likely to help dispell preconceived stereotypes, and therefore benefit their understanding of the West and vice versa – which in our opinion, can only be good thing.

More information on visiting North Korea