The mysterious North Korea always makes people yearn for it. As a neighbor, North Korea feels close and out of reach. Online descriptions of North Korea are full of words such as poverty, backwardness, and isolation, but this may not be the whole truth. Many people dream of setting foot on Korean soil and exploring this mysterious country. In 2018, I had the privilege of being part of a five-day, four-night tour of North Korea, strolling through Pyongyang, Kaesong, Myohyangsan, Nampo, Kumgangsan and other places, experiencing the surprises and touches brought by this high-profile country.
Before I set foot on my trip to North Korea, the whole tour seemed to be well organized. The registration stage is simple and convenient, you only need to complete the order on the Internet, prepare the first page of your personal passport and the electronic version of your ** in advance and submit it to the travel agency, and you can apply for a visa to North Korea. The mainstream tourist routes basically include the important scenic spots of North Korea, such as Pyongyang, Kaesong, Panmunjom, Nampo, Mount Kumgang, etc. The cost of the trip is about 5,000 yuan per person, but there are also options such as single-day and short-distance tours, ranging from 400-500 yuan. At each location, your guide will give you an insight into the local culture and history, making you feel like you're in the middle of it.
When it comes to applying for a visa, Chinese tourists don't need to worry too much about the cost, which is already included in the tour price. There are many ways to get to Pyongyang, such as by plane from Beijing or Shenyang, by train from Dandong, or even by bus from a border city. Different modes of transportation bring different travel experiences, but they all give a sense of the difference in this country.
Almost every day in North Korea, you can step into new attractions and immerse yourself in a strong historical and cultural atmosphere. North Korean tour guides take tourists to visit Kim Il Sung Square, the DPRK-China Friendship Tower, Pyongyang Subway, and 69 Key High School in Pyongyang, each of which is full of North Korean characteristics and charm. During the trip, we also visited the International Friendship Exhibition Hall of Myoxiang Mountain, Fuxian Temple, and the West Sea Locks in Nampo City. Each place seems to tell the story of Korea's unique history and customs.
The food and drink in North Korea also impresses tourists. The group meal is full of various delicacies, such as cold noodles, bibimbap, hot pot, etc., which have a moderate taste and make people appetite. Shopping at souvenir shops in North Korea is also a major pleasure of the trip, with everything from maps and magazines to ginseng products. Shopping for souvenirs has also become a way to take a commemorative trip.
Although the hotel accommodation conditions in North Korea are different from those of domestic star-rated hotels, the facilities in foreign guest hotels are also very complete. The tour guide will arrange for tourists to stay in hotels at all levels, although there is a sense of age, but it is warm and comfortable. In addition to basic accommodation and dining services, the hotel also offers a variety of recreational facilities such as a song hall and a gym to add a touch of fun to the stay experience.
When night fell, there was a scene of a unified power outage outside the North Korean hotel. The problem of power shortage is exposed, but it also gives people a sense of life that is unique to this country. In the dark night, the quiet mood seems to make people feel more peaceful.
The trip to North Korea gave me many indescribable feelings. In this mysterious country, it is as if the line between reality and reality has become blurred. North Korea's picture to the world may be just the tip of the iceberg, and there are more complex stories and emotions behind it. The country's transformation and development, as tourists can see, is also taking place step by step, trying to become more open and democratic.
Looking back on my trip to North Korea, I seem to have reviewed China's development process. In the face of the eyes and doubts of the outside world, we have also experienced twists and turns, and we have also been misread and blocked. Although the road to change in the DPRK is tortuous, it also deserves our blessings. In the future, how the DPRK will develop and how it will move towards the international community are all directions worth looking forward to and striving to explore. I hope that the beauty of North Korea can bloom under a broader sky, and I look forward to meeting again in the future to witness the changes and transformations of this country. Thanks for reading!