- "Be ready!"
- "Grand" excursions in North Korea
- Walking North Korean cities and towns
- On the border
Many territories of the planet, in addition to official names, have beautiful definitions, for example, the Country of morning freshness, as they say about Korea. Excursions in North Korea are not as popular as in its southern neighbor, but, nevertheless, there are tourists who dream of visiting this rather closed country.
In this closeness, a kind of secret is kept, a mystery that travelers would very much like to reveal. They are sure that in North Korea untouched by civilization corners of nature, waterfalls and rivers, mountains and gorges await them. The second interesting group of attractions are symbols of the socialist era, monuments to great leaders.
Be ready
Until recently, the country was absolutely closed to tourists, now only the first steps are being taken. Therefore, travelers should be prepared for an undeveloped infrastructure, the difficulties of moving around the country, the lack of the Internet and other usual things on the road.
The DPRK authorities limit the independence of visitors, this concerns access to certain regions of the country, photographing many historical, political and cultural sites. In addition, travel in North Korea is only possible with two local guides.
"Grand" excursions in North Korea
It is precisely because it is very difficult to get to North Korea that many tourists, upon reaching, dream of seeing as many attractions as possible. And combine a rich excursion program with a vacation in some resort in the DPRK.
Therefore, some travel companies, having mastered such an exotic destination, offer future travelers grand tours of North Korea and its attractions. In terms of time, such a route will take about two weeks, the cost varies between 1500–1900 €. The program of the route includes, of course, the capital of the country, the beautiful city of Pyongyang, as well as unique natural monuments and simply beautiful places.
The capital is the first to meet guests from other countries, there are quite a large number of monuments and architectural masterpieces, among which the monument of Chuche ideas, built in 1982, is a granite obelisk dedicated to Kii Il Sung stands out. Among other interesting historical and cultural sites of Pyongyang, the following stand out:
- Museum of the Patriotic War;
- The Pueblo, a US spy ship;
- the architectural ensemble of Mansuda, decorated with a bronze statue of Kim Il Sung.
The further route runs outside the capital. One of the days tourists spend in the Myohan mountains, where they get along a picturesque road, completely planted with flowers. At the end of the journey, guests will find the "Exhibition of Friendship" and a museum of gifts from different countries of the world to the main political figures of North Korea. These are two large complexes located in a valley with beautiful relict pine trees. Exotic entertainment - visiting Bohen, a Buddhist monastery founded in the XI century, and Renmun cave with beautiful stalactites and a huge underground waterfall.
Walking North Korean cities and towns
It is difficult to say which city excursions or field trips are more popular in North Korea. Of the settlements, Pyongyang is the most interesting with its original palace, the Triumphal Gate, and the Juche monument. In this gigantic structure, you can climb to the very top using an elevator, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the capital. The memorial to the Heroes of the Revolution, erected on Mount Taesong, looks no less impressive.
Nature competes with city sights, the trip to the Diamond Mountains is especially memorable for guests, another name is Kumgang. They are called "the fifth wonder of the world" for their unique landscapes and beauty. The same stunning landscapes await at Lake Sijung and at the Ulim waterfall, this place has only recently become available to foreign visitors. The lake is known for its curative mud.
On the way from the waterfall to Pyongyang, tourists will be able to get acquainted with the memorial complex, which was not erected in honor of the communist leaders of North Korea. The memorial is dedicated to King Tongmung, who left his mark on history as the founder of the Goguryeo state. Gigantic Buddhist temples became its real decoration.
On the border
One of the most poignant impressions in North Korea will be a trip to the demilitarized zone separating the two countries. It is located near Kaesong City. Of the objects that are offered for inspection - a small museum and artifacts stored in it, a visit to the village of Panmunjoma, where an armistice was signed.
Tourists get a special feeling when they see barracks separated by a demarcation line. Interestingly, one of these barracks is open to visitors, and for tourists from both the north and south sides.
