North Korea?

[librarygirl]

A couple of people from a post earlier this week mentioned that they want to travel to North Korea and I was curious as to the "motivating factors" behind their responses. I studied in South Korea during college (a experience which I loved) but its neighbor to the north is not on my bucket list. Is it just the "forbidden fruit/off limits" connotation? I can certainly understand that as I've always wanted to go to Cuba and yet the two countries seem quite different seeing as how foreigners (i.e. non-Americans) have still always traveled to Cuba whereas in North Korea, it hasn't really been the case. Although I do remember in one lecture, a professor told us about a massive resort the North Korea government had built and yet it was only ever at half occupancy making the government wonder why. I'm curious to hear other people's opinions on travel there.

[basilosaurus]

I had the exact same reaction and almost posted a s/o question.

Yeah, I get wanting to see forbidden land once, but I wouldn't have it as my top destination. I don't particularly want to vacation with a government minder along for the ride. Seeing the DMZ was good enough for me.

[GilliC]

It's definitely not at the top of list, but I would like to go. It's such a different place from everywhere I know and have been. When I lived in Beijing, I always saw the tour advertisements, but they didn't start allowing Americans to visit until after I'd moved away. A short plane ride and a few hundred dollars seemed worth it, but now it's too much time and expense just for the novelty and minor curiosity.

[ellie]

I've always been fascinated by North Korea. I realize that it wouldn't be a pleasant trip or a true vacation. But I'm really interested in the culture and I just think it would be a fascinating (albeit very sad) trip. The question asked where you would go if money, time, etc wasn't a problem - North Korea is way too expensive and far from where I live now for me to ever consider it, even without the security considerations.

In my dreams, though, I get to poke around a little without a government minder, so I guess that's not a very realistic idea.

[Deleted]

I usually say I'd like to visit every place in the world, but I think this may be one of the exceptions.

[librarygirl]

Sept 28, 2012 20:02:02 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

I had the exact same reaction and almost posted a s/o question.

Yeah, I get wanting to see forbidden land once, but I wouldn't have it as my top destination. I don't particularly want to vacation with a government minder along for the ride. Seeing the DMZ was good enough for me.

This exactly. When I was at the DMZ it was odd/slightly eerie to see the North Korean tourists taking pictures of our group (American & Canadian students) since to them we were the attraction.

[ellie]

I know you're right about not getting to really experience the culture. That's why I replied that in my dreams, I'd get to poke around a little and learn about the real North Korea. Even so, I'd still like to go.

If I visit South Korea (which I would also love to do), I may change my mind, especially after hearing from those of you who've been to the DMZ. For now, I'll just content myself with the few documentaries I've been able to find.

[basilosaurus]

Lol to your sig, mavjen. Oh, Gangnam.

There are actually a lot of flights to various parts of Asia that include a long layover in Seoul. If anyone gets the chance, I'd recommended doing a 2 day stopover if at all possible if you don't want to plan a trip specifically to ROK. You can do a DMZ trip (highly recommend!) and visit the palaces in Seoul.