Tourism in North Korea

Tourism in North Korea is organized by one of several state-owned tourism bureaus, including Korea International Travel Company (KITC), Korean International Sports Travel Company (KISTC), Korean International Taekwondo Tourism Company (KITTC) and Korean International Youth Travel Company (KIYTC). Tourism in North Korea is highly controlled by the government, and only about 4,000 to 6,000 Western tourists visit North Korea each year.

Interaction with local people have historically been tightly controlled; however, from photos seen around the internet and evidence from travelers to North Korea, those restrictions seem to have been relaxed slightly in the past few years. As of January 2013^[update], foreigners are allowed to buy SIM cards at Pyongyang airport, providing access to international calling.

The Swedish diplomatic mission to North Korea emphasizes that disrespect against the North Korean nation, its leaders and its symbols are regarded as very offensive. The tolerance level for disruptive behavior is minimal and such can lead to imprisonment. The United States Department of State strongly recommends against all travel by U.S. citizens to North Korea, arguing that U.S. citizens have been subject to arrest and long-term detention for actions that would not be cause for arrest in the United States or other countries. The US Department of State also states that it has received reports of North Korean authorities detaining U.S. citizens without charges and not allowing them to depart the country. North Korea has detained U.S. citizens who were part of organized tours. On February 1st, 2017 the United States released a travel warning to United States citizens, warning any travelers of previous encounters and dangers in the country.

Tourists must go on guided tours. As of June 2011^[update], the northern border to China has been opened and Chinese citizens are free to drive their own vehicles to Luo, a small North Korean northeast border region where they are free to explore, mingle, and photograph. This is seen as a first step toward expanded tourism and development in that region.

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Wikipedia