North Korea is a special country, and a lot of people believes it is dangerous to travel to North Korea. Actually it is one of the safest countries to travel – provided that you follow the rules. That is why we ensure that all our travelers know every rule in North Korea, both before and during the tour.
Of the same reason, we have an experienced tourleader on everyone of our tours to North Korea. In this way we ensure that the help is close if it should happen that you forget the rules along the tour.
What are the rules in North Korea?
It can happen that the rules in North Korea changes from time to time. The purpose of this guide is therefore not to go into depth with every rule in North Korea. Instead we will, with the information material we send to every traveler before the tour, enlighten you about the applicable rules at the time. In the meantime, we would like to give 3 examples of some of the most important rules in North Korea.
Rule no. 1: Respect the North Korean Culture.
It is always important to respect the local culture – no matter where you go. In North Korea their beliefes and opinions are often very different from other places around the world, and thats exactly why this is extremely important.
The most important part is to respect the North Korean leaders. They are extremely important for the north korean people and the culture of North Korea.
Rule no. 2: Stay in the group.
When you travel in North Korea, it is important that you always stick with your group. You will always be accompanied by two north korean guides. They lead and are always ready to answer any question you might have. It is not allowed to travel in North Korea with out north korean companions, which means you are not allowed to leave the hotel without an guide.
Rule no. 3: Be careful which photos you take.
When you travel in North Korea, there are a few things you are not allowed to photograph. As an example, inside the supermarket and the msueum which is about the Korean war.
It is always most polite to ask any person if you are allowed to photograph them, but there are also a few other specific rules you have to follow when photographing in North Korea.
You are never allowed to photograph people who are waiting in big groups, or are working. As a starting point, you are not allowed to photograph any north korean soldiers. However, it is not entirely impossible. At the military borderzone DMZ, you might can have a photo with the soldier showing us around. He knows Above Borders very well. Should you end up taking a photo which you are not allowed to, it isnt worse than you will be asked to delete it.
It might be that the rules in North Korea seems a bit special, and we understand if you are nervous that you can remember them all – but don’t worry! On your tour to North Korea with Above Borders, there will always be a tourleader which can help you, should you be in doubt of anythin.