North Korea

Quick Facts

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Capital

Pyongyang

Population

22,466,000

Government

Communist state

Religions

Buddhism, Confucianism

Languages

Korean

Calling Code

+850

Nationality

Local name

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Introduction

North Korean farmers

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The American President considers North Korea in a less than favourable light, to say the least; North Korean claims of nuclear weapon capability doesn't help circumstances; and the difficulty of getting there makes North Korea something of an impossibility for your next family holiday.

But if you're determined (and don't carry a passport of either South Korea or the U.S.), you may be able to venture into North Korea's borders without joining the army. Inside, you'll discover a government propping its national pride up as high as possible, be it through idolizing former president Kim II-sung with stadiums, monuments and a title of Eternal President, even though the fellow died in 1994, or through the progressively developed modern capital of P'yongyang. For something a little less government-manufactured, head to Nine Moon Mountains for North Korea's most spectacular scenery and best hiking opportunities.

Brief History

Geography

North Korea is the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and is a mountainous country bordered by China and Russia in the north, South Korea in the south, the Yellow Sea in the west and the Japanse Sea in the east. Borders with China and Russia (only 19 kilometer by the way) are natural, with the Amnok and Tuman Rivers respectively. The border with South Korea surely is not natural and it is a heavily guarded 4 kilometer wide area full with mines, a thich conrete wall and electric fences. The holy Mount Paektu stretches the border with China and on this mountain a volcanic lake marks the border. This is also the highest point in North Korea, which consists of 80% mountains. The northeast is the most mountainous part, the most fertile areas are in the southwest and along the east coast and farmers live in cooperative farms working the land. Many areas see heavy deforestation and as a result floods have become worse lately.

North Korea shares international borders with Russia, China and South Korea. The only overland option at the current time is with China. For more information read the article: Overland Border Crossings In China.

Regions

• Central north and northeast: contains the provinces of North Hamgyong (borders Russia), South Hamgyong, Ryanggang and Jagang. This part of North Korea is not visited often by travellers, except for Mount Paektu along the border with China, which is the holy mountain where Kim Il Sung is supposed to be born according to the legend.

• Northwest and central: containing the provinces of North Phyongan, South Phyongan and the capital province of Pyongyang. Apart from Pyongyang the main points of interest here are the harbor city of Nampo, Mount Myohyang and trains to China travel towards the border at Sinuiju in North Phyongan.

• Southwest, containing the provinces of North and South Hwanghae, with Mount Kuwol and Sariwon being the main places to visit.

• South and souteast, containing the provinces of Kangwon and Kaesong, stretching the border with South Korea. Wonsan, Kaesong and the Demilitarised Zone are the main sights.

Cities

Pyongyang
Kaesong
Wonsan
Nampo
Sinuiju

Sights and Activities

De-Militarised Zone (DMZ)

The DMZ is probably one of the best known sights in the whole of Korea. It is a 4 kilometer wide area on both sides of the actual border of North and South Korea, called the Military Demarcation Line. Unlike its name, it is not demilitarised at all and acutally is one of the most heavily guarded zones in the world with loads of mines as well. The DMZ is south of Kaesong, near the town of Panmunjom. The actual border is in the Joint Security Area, where soldiers from both nations keep a close watch on every move. As a visitor you will visit one of the huts in this area, called the Military Armistice Commission Conference Hall. In the middle of this hut, the actual border is drawn on the floor and across the table, and technically you can cross into South Korea in this hut but don't cross the border outside on the concrete line or leave the hut on the South Korean side or you will be in big problem...or worse!

Paekdusan

Paekdusan (Mount Paektu) is located in the northeast of the country on the border with China (you can also approach the mountain from the Chinese side) and is an extinct volcano with a crater lake (called Chonji) at its centre. It is the country's highest mountain at 2744 meters above sea level.
Paekdusan is sacred to all Koreans, because according to Korean mythology it is where the 'Son of the Lord of Heaven' descended to earth and the first Korean kingdom began. More recently, according to the legend, Kim Il Sung is supposed to be born here as well.

Myohyangsan

This is a mountain range several hours north of the capital Pyongyang and is a good place for trekking. Most people who visit this place on guided tours though go to the International Friendship Exhibition where thousands and thousands of presents by many international leaders for both Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are to be admired, including cars and expensive jewelry and vases.

Kumgangsan

This is the best place in the country for walking in the beautiful mountains and along rocky landscapes and waterfalls. The are is located in the southeast of the country, south of Wonsan towards the border with South Korea.

Other sights and activities

Special north korean cartoon

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Several other places which are on the list of guided tours are:

• Nampo - port city in the west. There is a huge 10 lane highway between Pyongyang and this place which is almost empty!
• Anti American Museum - you won't believe it till you see it.
• Cooperative Farms, beaches and lakes near Wonsan.
• Pyongyang - the capital Pyongyang itself is an attraction of its own.

Events and Festivals

• Mass Games, like the Arirang Festival in Pyongyang

• Different activities in parks in Pyongyang on the first of May (Labour Day)

Weather

North Korea has a land climate, meaning cold but usually dry winters and hot summers. In summer most of the rain falls and it's often rather humid. Temperatures can reach 35 °C for days on end and in winter temperatures can plummet way below zero. Therefore, autumn but especially spring (when it's usually dry), are the most pleasant times to visit North Korea.

Getting There

By Plane

Air Koryo has several flights a week in old but well maintained Iljushins which take about an hour. Sunan International Airport (FNJ) near Pyongyang is the country's primary international airport.

By Train

Trains leave Pyongyang for Beijing at Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays around 10am. From Beijing trains leave on the same days at around 5.30 pm. It takes 24 hours in both directions, including formalities at the border towns of Sinuiju (North Korea) and Dandong (China). Trains travel via Shenyang and Tianjin to reach Beijing.
Although recently there have been some trains between North and South Korea, this was only possible for Koreans to see their family since a very long time.

By Bus

In the east, there is one road between South and North Korea which is open, both for locals to visit families (very occasionally) and for tourists visiting North Korea from the south for several days. There is no public transport though!

Travel Agents

In order to visit North Korea you must use a travel agent. It is better to use a travel agency owned by a western company because if the trip gets cancelled for random reasons, which is common, you can still get a refund. Here is a list of travel agents that arrange North Korea trips:

• http://www.koryogroup.com/Koryo Tours leads great trips to North Korea. They specialize in arranging tours for the Mass Games held every fall. The owners are British and have their headquarters in Beijing.

Getting Around

Getting around North Korea by yourself is not allowed. You are most likely to be part of an organised tour so you will travel around by car/bus.

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