|
|
 North KoreaTravel Tips |
|
| |
| |
| Here you will find the most important informations about North Korea |
|
| |
| Travel Warning |
| The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shares borders with China, the Sea of Japan, the Yellow Sea and the demilitarised zone (separating it from the Republic of Korea). North Korea's capital, Pyongyang, was completely rebuilt after the Korean War as a city of wide avenues, neatly designed parks and enormous marble public buildings. The Palace of Culture, the Grand Theater, the Juche Tower and the Ongrui Restaurant epitomise the Korean variant of Communist architecture. The Gates of Pyongyang and the Arch of Triumph (built in honor of Kim Il-Sung's 70th birthday) are particularly impressive. Many ancient buildings in Kaesong (six hours from the capital by train) bear witness to Korea's 500-year-old imperial history. The town is surrounded by beautiful pine-clad hills. Kumgangsan is the country's largest national park, consisting of a range of mountains (known as 'the Diamond Mountain') along the east coast of the country. A night at the opera provides a unique experience. There are also circuses and musical events of a high quality |
| |
| Geography |
| The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea shares borders in the north with China, in the east with the Sea of Japan, in the west with the Yellow Sea, and in the south with the demilitarised zone (separating it from the Republic of Korea). Most of the land consists of hills and low mountains and only a small area is cultivable. Intensive water and soil conservation programs, including land reclamation from the sea, are given high priority. The eastern coast is rocky and steep with mountains rising from the water and this area contains most of the waterways. |
| Back To Top |
| |
Note
Only travel companies officially recognized by the North Korean Authorities are permitted to bring groups of tourists to Korea (Dem Rep). Independent tourism is not permitted, and foreigners must be accompanied by a guide at all times. |
| |
| Pyongyang |
| Korea (Dem Rep)’s capital, Pyongyang, was completely rebuilt after the Korean War as a city of wide avenues, neatly designed parks and enormous marble public buildings, leading to its alternative name of the ‘youthful city’. The Palace of Culture, the Grand Theater, the Juche Tower and the Ongrui Restaurant epitomise the Korean variant of Communist architecture. The Gates of Pyongyang and the Arch of Triumph (built in honor of Kim II Sung’s 70th birthday) are particularly impressive, while Morangborg Park and Taesongsan Recreation Ground (with its fairground attractions) offer relaxation. For the (mainly communist) 13th World Festival of Youth and Students in 1989, a 150,000-seat stadium was built in Pyongyang. Mangyongdae, Kim II Sung’s birthplace, is a national shrine. His family’s thatched cottage, now a museum, overlooks the Taedong River and the capital. |
| |
| Elsewhere |
| Many ancient buildings in Kaesong (six hours from the capital by train), bear witness to Korea’s 500-year imperial history. The town is surrounded by beautiful pine-clad hills. Kumgangsan is the country’s largest national park, consisting of a range of mountains (known as ‘the Diamond Mountains’) along the east coast of the country. Its unspoilt, diverse environment is popular with birdwatchers, photographers and botanists. Myohyangsan, whose name means ‘exotic fragrant mountain’, offers pleasant walks and climbs through a contrasting scenery of waterfalls, woods and Buddhist pagodas, just 120km (75 miles) northeast of the capital. The Exhibition Center, with its imposing 4-tonne bronze doors, houses thousands of gifts presented by foreigners to Kim II Sung and his son. |
| Back To Top |
| Activities |
| |
| As mentioned in the Where to Go section, in 1989, the country hosted the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students with a consequent expansion of sports facilities around the capital. For further information, contact the National Administration of Tourism of the DPRK (see General Info section). |
| Back To Top |
| General Information |
| |
Area
122,762 sq km (47,399 sq miles).
Population
22,541,000 (UN estimate 2002).
Population Density
183.6 per sq km.
Capital
Pyongyang.
Population: 2,741,260 (1993).
Government
Communist Republic.
Head of State: President Kim Jong-Il since 1994.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Hong Song-nam since 1997.
Language
Korean.
Religion
Buddhism, Christianity and Chundo Kyo are officially cited as the main religions.
Time
GMT + 9.
Electricity
110/220 volts AC, 60Hz.
Communications
Telephone
IDD to the country is available, although there is a very sparse internal network. Some hotels in Pyongyang provide direct international calls although this may be expensive. Country code: 850.
Mobile telephone
Limited GSM 900 network. SUNNETis the only network provider.
Internet
Access to the Internet is unavailable.
Telegram
Services available in all Pyongyang hotels.
Post
Services are extremely slow and limited outside the capital. Airmail takes about 10 days to reach Western Europe. Post office hours: Mon-Sat 0900-2100.
Press
Major daily newspapers include Minju Choson, Pyongyang Sinmun, Rodong Sinmun and Sonyon Sinmun. The Pyongyang Times is published weekly in English, French and Spanish. There are also several monthly English-language magazines.
Radio
BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.
Public Holidays
Jan 1 2005: New Year’s Day.
Feb 16: Kim Jong II’s Birthday.
Apr 15: Day of the Sun/Kim II Sung’s Birthday.
Apr 25: Foundation of the People’s Army.
May 1: International Workers’ Day.
Jul 27: Victory Day.
Aug 15: Anniversary of Liberation.
Sep 9: Independence Day.
Sep 17-19: Ch’usok (Harvest Moon Festival).
Oct 10: Foundation of the Korean Workers’ Party.
Dec 27: Constitution Day.
Jan 1 2006: New Year’s Day.
Feb 16: Kim Jong II’s Birthday.
Apr 15: Day of the Sun/Kim II Sung’s Birthday.
Apr 25: Foundation of the People’s Army.
May 1: International Workers’ Day.
Jul 27: Victory Day.
Aug 15: Anniversary of Liberation.
Sep 9: Independence Day.
Sep 23-25: Ch’usok (Harvest Moon Festival).
Oct 10: Foundation of the Korean Workers’ Party.
Dec 27: Constitution Day.
Special Events
The following is a selection of special events celebrated annually in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; for further information, contact the National Tourism Administration of the DPRK (see General Info section):
May 1: May Day.
Aug 15: Liberation Day, with parades in Pyongyang.
Contact Information:
Location
Far East.
Country dialing code
850.
The National Tourism Administration of the DPRK
Central District, Pyongyang, Korea (Dem Rep)
Tel: (2) 381 8901. Fax: (2) 381 4547.
E-mail: nta@silibank.com
Kumgangsan International Tourist Company
Central District, Pyongyang, Korea (Dem Rep)
Tel: (2) 31562. Fax: (2) 381 2100.
British Embassy
Munsu-dong Diplomatic Compound, Pyongyang, Korea (Dem Rep)
Tel: (2) 381 7980. Fax: (2) 381 7985.
E-mail: postmaster.PYONX@fco.gov.uk
Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
73 Gunnersbury Avenue, Ealing, London W5 4LP, UK
Tel: (020) 8992 4965. Fax: (020) 8992 2053.
General Delegation of the DPRK
3 rue Asseline, 75014 Paris, France
Tel: (1) 5654 2603. Fax: (1) 4047 9754.
E-mail: delegationcoree@wanadoo.fr
Note
The US Embassy in Beijing deals with enquiries relating to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea |
|
|
 MORE
AFFORDABLE HOTELS IN NORTH KOREA
SouthTravels.com
Copyright© Southtravels.com. All Rights Reserved.
|
