No, it is not cheap to visit North Korea. Touring the country is highly regulated and requires that you be accompanied by a specialized tour guide and vehicles, as well as permits and visas. Depending on the length and scope of your trip, you could be looking at anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 for a medium-length trip, and you may be required to buy your tour group’s meals and other services in the local currency, which can add to the expense.
Furthermore, laws and regulations in North Korea change often, it is important to research the destination thoroughly to make sure you are compliant with all current laws. Many countries strongly advise their citizens against visiting North Korea, and you should consult with the embassy of your country to ensure that it is safe to travel there.
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Can you go to North Korea as a tourist?
No, unfortunately it is not possible to visit North Korea as a tourist. North Korea only grants access to carefully selected foreign visitors and tourists are not usually allowed to visit the country.
In recent years, foreign visitors have been requested to have their itineraries and accommodations arranged by organizations such as the Korean International Travel Company (KITC). All visitors must have a valid passport and visa and will be required to undergo a thorough background check.
A letter of recommendation is also required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before any foreign visitor can be granted entry into North Korea. In most cases, the government decides who can and cannot enter the country – and the process of entry can be quite lengthy and difficult.
Additionally, as a tourist, you would likely be accompanied by a minder, and would not be allowed to travel independently or speak openly to North Korean citizens.
Are North Koreans free to travel?
No, North Koreans do not have freedom of travel. Citizens of North Korea are not able to leave the country without permission from the government and even when permission is granted, citizens are still subject to tight restrictions and restrictions on the number of people who are allowed to leave the country.
North Korean citizens must obtain ‘exit visas’ to travel abroad, which are almost impossible to get as such permission is rarely granted. Furthermore, North Korea does not recognise dual citizenship and demands that all of its citizens return home after their travels have come to an end.
There is also a well-documented practice of forced repatriation of North Korean citizens if they attempt to leave the country without permission or if they overstay their overseas stay. As such, it is clear that North Koreans do not have freedom to travel.
How much does it cost to leave North Korea?
Leaving North Korea is a difficult, risky and expensive process. The price of escape may vary depending on the situation and the route chosen by the individual or family. It often includes multiple payments to brokers, smugglers, and Humanitarian groups such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
These costs may include transportation fees, identification documents, bribes, and benefits to those who assist with the journey. The cost of getting to South Korea or China, the two most common final destinations, is generally upwards of $2,000 USD per person, however due to stricter security policies, escapees may need to go through a third neighbouring country, primarily Thailand, which can add an additional $1,000 USD per person.
In some cases, individuals may need to pay more if they are under extra surveillance or must find safe house in different places. Overall, the cost of leaving North Korea is usually very expensive and can range from $2,000 – $5,000 USD per person.
Is drinking legal in North Korea?
No, drinking alcohol is not legal in North Korea. The North Korean government takes a strict stance against the recreational use of alcohol and imposes severe penalties on those who are caught drinking.
The alcohol ban was introduced in 2011 by North Korea’s former leader, Kim Jong Il, and continues to be enforced today. Drinking alcohol is considered a sign of decadence, and as a result, the North Korean government restricts its use only to special occasions, like government meetings and celebrations.
Additionally, possession and manufacture of alcohol is only allowed for state-approved organizations or certain governmental institutions. Any North Korean citizen caught drinking alcohol will face extreme punishment, which could range from labor camp sentences to monetary fines.
Do North Koreans have phones?
Yes, North Koreans do have phones, although the availability and type of phones is quite different from what is available in other parts of the world. In North Korea, only the elites and those with high connections or a high government rank are eligible to own a cell phone, and the number of cell phone users is on the rise.
The only mobile service provider in North Korea is called Koryolink and it is owned by the Egyptian-based company Orascom. Koryolink offers both 2G and 3G services and provides a wide range of phones, including some of the more popular smartphones.
The average cost of using a phone on Koryolink is approximately $90 per month. Furthermore, phones in North Korea have an array of restrictions; they are heavily monitored and most international calls are blocked, leaving North Koreans with limited phone service.
This is why many North Koreans have resorted to using illegally imported Chinese cell phones. Chinese cell phones are often unregistered and lack GPS tracking, unlike phones in North Korea.
What countries can a US citizen not visit?
A US citizen is generally unable to visit countries such as North Korea, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Cuba without special permission. These countries have more strict visa policies due to present political tensions or US sanctions.
Additionally, a US citizen may find it difficult to travel to certain countries due to individual safety concerns, such as countries in a state of conflict or those with a high risk of terrorism. Nevertheless, it is important to research the individual visa requirements of the country you are planning on visiting prior to departure.
It is also recommended that if you are a US citizen planning on traveling to any high-risk countries or regions, you register your trip with the US embassy in that country.
