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An overview of North Korea -

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a highly secretive, authoritarian state led by Kim Jong-un. Located in East Asia, it operates under strict government control, with limited outside access and a heavily restricted and censored society.

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Can you travel to North Korea? -

Tourism to North Korea is technically possible, though it's highly controlled, and independent travel is forbidden. The country closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but nearly five years later, in December 2024, limited international tourism is set to resume.

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Who can travel to North Korea? -

Citizens of most countries, including those from Europe and parts of Asia, can apply for tourist visas. However, US, South Korean, and Japanese citizens face more restrictions or outright bans.

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US travel ban -

In 2017, the US government announced that American citizens would no longer be allowed to visit North Korea as tourists due to the risk of arrest and long-term detention. This ban is set to remain in place until August 2025, when it will be reviewed.

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Organized tours -

Tourists must join a government-approved tour if they wish to visit North Korea. Every movement is monitored by guides, and you're only allowed to visit specific locations, avoiding unauthorized contact with locals.

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Strict regulations -

Visitors are subject to strict rules. Taking unauthorized photos, straying from the group, or disrespecting portraits of Kim Jong-un can lead to serious consequences, including detention.

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Cultural sensitivities -

Respect for North Korean customs and leadership is mandatory. Even small actions, like folding a newspaper with a picture of a leader, can be seen as disrespectful, with potential legal ramifications.

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What to avoid -

Avoid discussing politics, religion, or any critique of North Korea's government. Carrying books or media that may be seen as critical of the regime is illegal and can lead to detention.

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Safety -

North Korea and South Korea are technically still at war, and tensions have increased in recent times with North Korea frequently conducting missile tests or other provocations. Crime against travelers is rare, however, some tourists have reported petty crimes.

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Restricted information -

The North Korean government tightly controls information, especially about domestic politics and international relations. While some tourist hotels offer international TV channels, the government may shut them down during a crisis, leaving you unaware of events. 

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Cash-only economy -

Tourists are unable to use foreign credit cards in North Korea. All purchases are done using cash transactions in euros, US dollars, Chinese yuan, or the North Korean Won, also known as the Korean People's Won.

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Phone calls -

International phone calls can generally only be made from designated hotel telephones, but these calls are closely monitored. The ability to make international calls is also not widely available to the North Korean general public.

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Internet access -

The Masik Ski Resort hotel is the only hotel in North Korea that offers Wi-Fi services. However, the internet can be accessed through data plans from SIM card providers.

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Cell phones -

Since 2013, North Korea has allowed tourists to bring cell phones. However, a local SIM card is required for international calls, as foreign SIM cards don’t work in the country. Visitors also cannot make calls to local numbers.

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Your cell phone may be inspected -

Your cell phone, camera, and laptop may be inspected upon entry and exit to and from North Korea. It's best to ensure your phone or laptop does not contain any religious or politically sensitive content.

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Showing respect to statues -

Local residents are required to show respect to statues of North Korean leaders, and foreign visitors are also expected to bow when approaching these statues. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, your tour guide can avoid locations where you may find statues of North Korean leaders.

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No spontaneous travel -

Spontaneous travel is forbidden in North Korea. Visitors must stay with their guides at all times, and leaving the hotel without permission is not allowed. Movement outside designated areas is also prohibited.

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Risk of detention -

Foreigners, especially Americans, have been detained for activities North Korea deems as "anti-state." These activities include distributing religious materials, unauthorized interactions, or taking restricted photos. 

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Otto Warmbier -

Otto Warmbier was an American college student who was arrested while visiting North Korea as part of a tour group in January 2016. He was accused of stealing a poster from his hotel and was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. 

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Otto Warmbier -

In June 2017, after 17 months of imprisonment, Warmbier returned to the US in a comatose state. North Korean officials claimed he had suffered from botulism, but US doctors found no evidence of this. Warmbier died shortly after his return home.

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What to expect initially -

If detained, you'll likely be questioned immediately. North Korean officials typically accuse detainees of espionage or hostile acts, even for minor infractions. The legal process can be vague and arbitrary.

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Lengthy detentions -

Detentions in North Korea can last for months or even years. Some detainees have been held for years before release, typically following extensive negotiations between governments.

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Lack of legal representation -

North Korea doesn't allow foreign detainees access to independent legal counsel. You will be subject to North Korean law, and trials often result in harsh sentences with no possibility of appeal. 

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Forced confessions -

Detainees are often pressured into making confessions for alleged crimes. These confessions are sometimes broadcast on state television, regardless of their truthfulness, to justify the detention.

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US citizens face more risk -

North Korea has historically detained US citizens for longer periods. This is most likely due to the political tension between the two nations and makes travel for US citizens particularly risky.

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Health risks -

Conditions in North Korean prisons are harsh, with limited access to medical care. Past detainees have reported physical and psychological abuse, contributing to long-term health problems. 

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International intervention - In cases of detention, international organizations like the United Nations may intervene, but their ability to secure release is often limited due to North Korea's isolation from the global community.

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Kenneth Bae -

Kenneth Bae is an American Christian missionary of South Korean descent who was detained in North Korea in 2012. He was accused of plotting to overthrow the North Korean government and was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor.

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Can you travel to North Korea? (And what happens if you're detained?) -

Bae was reportedly subjected to harsh conditions during his imprisonment and his health deteriorated. After extensive negotiations and diplomatic efforts by the US government, he was released in November 2014 after serving two years of his sentence.

Sources: (Smart Traveller) (The Jakarta Post) (The Guardian) (World Nomads) (Grunge)

See also: The strange laws of North Korea

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