Explore the enigmatic North Korea and its hidden treasures.
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North Korea: wanneer te gaan?
North Korea offers varied and fascinating weather! In spring, the temperatures are mild and the landscapes light up with colorful flowers. It's the ideal season to explore nature and enjoy sunny days.
Summer brings pleasant warmth, perfect for discovering green mountains and the beaches of the east coast. Winters, although cold, transform the country into a magical winter landscape, ideal for outdoor activities and adventure.
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Exploring the Pyongyang Metro - Immerse yourself in the unique world of the Pyongyang metro, between impressive murals and grand architecture.
Discovery of emblematic monuments - Explore the historical sites of North Korea and admire striking statues and monuments while discovering the fascinating history of this mysterious country.
Traditional Dance Performance - Let yourself be amazed by traditional Korean dances, a true festival of colors and elegance, where each movement tells an ancient story.
Hike on Mount Paektu - Climb the majestic slopes of Mount Paektu and admire spectacular views of the Heavenly Lake, surrounded by wild and mysterious landscapes.
Watching a grand military parade - Feel the impressive rhythm of a military parade, where synchronized marches and spectacular demonstrations reflect North Korean national pride.
Authentic Korean Cuisine Tasting - Taste the unique flavors of North Korea during a friendly meal, combining local specialties and age-old traditions.
Stroll on Kim Il-sung Square - Stroll on Kim Il-sung Square and feel the authentic energy of Pyongyang, at the heart of local life and major events.
Discovery of traditional villages - Wander through preserved hamlets where time seems to stand still and discover the traditional North Korean way of life through warm encounters with the locals.
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North Korea: A Journey to the Heart of the Unexpected
Meet the inhabitants of the "hermit kingdom":
Visiting North Korea is, of course, an act of curiosity towards a regime without equivalent in the 21st century. It is also, and perhaps more importantly, an opportunity to meet the North Korean people, far from clichés and preconceived ideas. It would be a shame to reduce this country to its regime alone. North Korea offers a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly and curious inhabitants. Thus, one visits the showcase of the regime and returns having become acquainted with North Korea and its people.
Dominique Auzias, co-founder of Petit Futé, who had decided when creating the publishing house to visit every country in the world, declared upon his return from a three-week trip to North Korea, without further comment, that he was happy twice when visiting this country: at the moment he entered and when he left.
A Mysterious and Captivating Adventure
North Korea piques the curiosity of adventurers seeking thrills and the unexpected. One thinks they know what they are looking for: the survival of a totalitarian communist state, excessive surveillance, or a unique experience. However, it is difficult to predict what one will actually take away from it. Once there, our views and preconceptions change, for better or worse. This country, although largely unknown to the general public, is a media star. Negative reports fuel travelers' desire to go there to form their own opinions. Thus, the North Korean regime is an attractive destination for some.
This is the case for Andrew Swearingen, a Danish student at Oxford, who visited North Korea in 2005 out of "morbid curiosity." He justifies his trip by the totalitarian nature of the regime and the desire to see it with his own eyes. North Korea offers a mix of heightened security for tourists and total disorientation, sometimes giving the impression of being a goldfish in a gilded bowl.
Exploring a Mysterious Territory
Traveling to the place means comparing what we are told in our daily media with reality. It is about verifying the information about this country, which is abundant but often clouded by preconceived ideas. While one can criticize North Korea in many respects, there are also some pleasant surprises. Who knows that many apartments in Pyongyang are equipped with solar panels, or that you can see beautiful German sedans and American SUVs on the streets? We only hear about the economic sanctions, but not how some countries, which initiated the sanctions, continue to indirectly sell their goods to North Korea. The majority of the current population was born under this regime, knowing only what they are told and nothing else. Visiting North Korea is thus worth all the documentaries and books dedicated to this country, provided one knows how to open their eyes.
Travel to North Korea: A Unique Experience
Finally, the real advantage of a trip to North Korea is that when you return to Europe, you appreciate the freedom you have much more after having lacked it there. This is incomparable to what the North Korean population obviously goes through. It is quite strange to realize that you cannot leave the hotel in the evening or take the bus with the local population. Having the freedom to move freely in your own country is something obvious for us, but not for them. North Koreans need permits to travel.
The ideal duration for a trip to North Korea is generally 5 to 10 days. This allows you to discover Pyongyang, the Mount Myohyang site, and the demilitarized zone, while respecting the constraints of organized tours.
Organizing a honeymoon trip to North Korea requires going through a specialized agency, as individual travel is not permitted. You must obtain a visa, follow a supervised itinerary, and comply with strict local rules during your stay.
Traveling to North Korea with a baby requires careful preparation. It is essential to book through a specialized agency, bring everything necessary for the child, and respect local rules to ensure a calm and safe stay.
For a family hiking trip in North Korea, prioritize Mount Paektu, famous for its volcanic landscapes, Mount Myohyang with its wooded trails, and Kumgangsan National Park, known for its spectacular rock formations.
Ecotourism in North Korea is very limited and strictly regulated. It is possible to visit certain nature parks with approved agencies, but you must follow local rules and be accompanied by an official guide at all times.
The budget for a trip to North Korea varies depending on the duration and type of stay. Generally, expect to spend between 1,500 and 3,000 euros per person for an organized tour, including visa, accommodation, meals, and mandatory guided tours.
To travel to North Korea, you must go through an authorized travel agency, usually via China. Direct flights mainly depart from Beijing. A visa is mandatory and movements are strictly controlled.
To travel to North Korea, it is essential to have a valid passport and a visa issued by the North Korean authorities. The procedures are generally carried out through a specialized agency.
To travel safely in North Korea, it is essential to go through a specialized agency, strictly follow local rules, and be accompanied by an official guide. Check with your embassy before departure.
To travel to North Korea, no vaccines are officially required for travelers coming from Europe. However, it is strongly recommended to be up to date with universal vaccines such as diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and hepatitis A.