On the world map there is a state isolated from the whole world - North Korea. The lack of Internet, bank cards and mobile phones for local residents is a completely normal state of affairs, but tourists in this country are an extremely rare and surprising phenomenon.
Brief historical excursion
Previously, the following states were located on the territory of the modern country: Joseon, Buyeo, Mahan, Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje, Koryo. The history of North Korea dates back to the end of World War II - from 1945. In 1948, the DPRK was proclaimed. Since then, the independent country of North Korea has gone its own way. Its political and social development differs from that of any other state in the world.
State structure
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a sovereign socialist state. Officially, power in the country belongs to the working people. The ideology of the state consists of the Juche idea - the system of “reliance on one’s own strength”. North Korean leader Kim Il Sung independently took part in the development of state ideology. It combines the ideas of Marxism-Leninism and ancient Korean philosophy.
North Koreans have a very vague understanding of the world system. People can travel abroad only for training or on government affairs, and they are tested for their ideological stability. A person has no right to talk about what he saw in another country. Despite the fact that the DPRK has total control, residents believe that they live in the most prosperous state in the world.
Leader
Now the head of state is the Supreme Leader, leader of the party, army and people, Chairman of the Presidium Kim Jong-un. His official biography is very scant and kept secret. The place of birth is known for certain - Pyongyang, the date of birth varies. Kim Jong-un's education is also kept secret. Rumor has it that he studied in Europe.
In January 2009, he was officially proclaimed the heir to the leader of the people. The new leader of North Korea has shown himself to be a daring and uncompromising politician. From the first steps, he activated the nuclear program, and space projects were developed.
As for his personal life, it is known that he is married, has two children, loves Hollywood films and American baseball. His character is characterized by impulsiveness and emotionality; too often (in the understanding of North Koreans) he appears in public with his wife.
In world politics, Kim Jong-un is compared to Stalin and is recognized as a strong leader. He continues his father’s work, boosts the economy, and carries out reforms. Kim Jong-un behaves firmly and confidently.
Capital
In the northeastern part of Asia there are many ancient cities, rich in history and traditions. The capital of North Korea is one of them. Pyongyang is translated as “cozy area”, “broad land”. On a historical scale, this city has long been the capital of the entire northern Korean Peninsula.
During the Korean War, Pyongyang was turned into ruins and rebuilt in a short period of time. Now the city has a modern look and... provincial status. It is located near the Yellow Sea on the banks of the Taedongan (Tedong) and Pothongan rivers. The appearance of Pyongyang is contrasting.
Identity and contradictions are expressed in wide and empty avenues, huge government buildings and numerous ideological monuments, clean streets and the absence of advertising. On the other hand, there are unsuitable neighborhoods and buildings that have been preserved from the post-war period.
Geography
In East Asia, in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula is the DPRK, which borders China, Russia and the Republic of Korea. But on the political map of the world there are two official borders - with Russia and China. What does it mean? And the fact that the state of North Korea has a map has its own peculiarity. The border with neighboring South Korea is drawn conditionally. The two countries are separated by a demarcation line. It was held in 1953, after the end of the war. Today this place is a negotiation area.
Residents of the DPRK do not even think that their country is North Korea. The map shows the borders of a single state, which includes the northern and southern parts. It is believed that the southern part of Korea is currently occupied.
The country is washed by the Yellow and Japanese Seas. The DPRK includes several islands located in the West Korean Gulf. Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea. The area of the country is 120,540 square meters. km.
Mountains occupy most of the territory. They belong to the North Korean system. They consist of plateaus, mountain ranges, ravines and valleys. The highest ranges are Nangnim, Hamgyong, Machollen, Pujollen. On one of the plateaus, called Chengbeksan, traces of modern volcanism have been preserved. Previously, a volcanic eruption was observed in 1597-1792 on Mount Paektusan.
This area is rich in natural resources. It contains the main reserves of timber, hydropower, furs and minerals. There is also a complex of Samzhi lakes. Mountain ranges are the source of rivers. Some of the longest waterways are considered to be Yalujiang, Tumangan and Taedongan. The climate in the country is monsoonal.
Attractions
North Korea is full of attractions. The pride of the state is the incredible architectural composition on Mansu Hill. There is a statue of the leader surrounded by an ensemble of 109 figures. The monument is a symbol of the revolutionary struggle of the Korean people.
The Arc de Triomphe is very similar to the one in Paris, but 3 meters higher. The opening of the structure is timed to coincide with the victory over Japanese troops, the unification and independence of the nation.
The People's Friendship Exhibition is located 160 km from Pyongyang, in the area of Mount Myohyang. Gifts from all over the world that were given to leaders are collected here.
The People's Youth Palace is located in the central square. She goes by the name Kim Il Sung. The palace area is 100,000 square meters and contains 600 classrooms. It is a place for self-education. There are computer classes and an Intranet - the country's internal computer network.
The National Feature Film Studio is the pride of North Koreans. For natural filming, about a million square meters of pavilions stylized for different eras were built. The plots of the films are filled with ideology, and the heroes constantly perform heroic deeds and do the right thing.
The Tower of Juche Ideas rises 170 meters into the sky. At its top there is a torch 20 meters high.
Army
The armed forces in North Korea appeared 83 years ago. They are older than the country itself. The army began as an anti-Japanese guerrilla militia. Today it is the most respected institution in the DPRK. North Korea is a militarized country, with one of the largest armies in the world. Both men and women serve in it.
It is a huge closed structure designed to spread ideas and suppress. Serving in the army is an honor. The military profession is one of the highest paid. The service life in the ground forces ranges from 5 to 12 years, in the air force and air defense - 3-4 years, in the navy - 5-10 years.
The equipment in service with the army is outdated, which they are trying to compensate for by increasing the number of military personnel in the country.
National tourism
A tourist trip to the DPRK has a flavor unique to this country. For the entire duration of their stay, tourists are assigned two guides; travel takes place in a personal car with a driver. It is forbidden to move around on your own; you can only take a walk around the hotel alone. Excursion programs are very meager, reduced to listing numbers and mainly have an ideological connotation. The organization of the tour is perfect.
Despite the fact that North Korea is permeated with an atmosphere of totalitarianism and the cult of personality, the presence of social problems and a low standard of living, we can talk about the uniqueness of this state. In the DPRK there live simple, very kind and somewhat naive people. Poverty, lack of knowledge about other life and faith in the bright ideals of the gods-leaders are a ubiquitous phenomenon. In this country, everyone builds their life with their own hands. There is no crime, no discontent, just pure happiness and joy...
North Korea (abbreviation: Democratic People's Republic of Korea) is a state located in the north of the Korean Peninsula. Also known as North Korea. The capital of the country is located in the city of Pyongyang. The current president of North Korea is Kim Jong-un. But the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is famous for having another presidential position - the Eternal President. This title was given to Kim Il Sung, the first person to lead the DPRK.
Below is the location of North Korea on the world map.
The image of the world map shows that in the north the DPRK borders Russia and China. The state's southern neighbor is the Republic of Korea (South Korea). In the West and East (visible on the map), the country is washed by the seas: Yellow and Japanese.
The population of the DPRK (Wikipedia) is 24,720,407 people. The majority of North Korea's population is Korean. But you can also meet Japanese and Chinese here.
History of the state
North Korea is a young country, which appeared in the middle of the 20th century. After the liberation of the Korean Peninsula from Japanese invaders at the end of World War II, the territory of the peninsula was divided into two parts: the zone of influence of the USSR (in the north) and the zone of influence of the United States (in the south). But the Koreans wanted independence.
On August 15, 1948, a new state was created in the US zone of influence. In response to this, the inhabitants of the northern part of the peninsula also declared themselves an independent country, and Kim Il Sung became its head. The ruling position in North Korea was taken by the Workers' Party of Korea.
But the head of the DPRK wanted the Korean Peninsula to become a single state, so in 1949 Kim Il Sung turned to the Chinese and Soviet governments for help. He hoped that neighboring states would help him organize a military campaign against South Korea (by that time, American troops had almost completely left the country). The Soviet authorities for a long time did not dare to take this step, but in May 1950, Stalin still agreed to help the DPRK. It is important to note that the USSR helped Kim Il Sung only in developing military strategy and training Korean soldiers. The Soviet Union refused to participate in hostilities.
On June 25, 1950, the DPR attacked South Korea., and the Korean War began. At first, the North Korean army was successful: they quickly captured Seoul and advanced deeper into the peninsula. But this triumph did not last long. Soon UN forces intervened in the conflict, so in October of the same year the southerners not only regained Seoul, but also captured Pyongyang.
In this difficult situation, the Chinese military came to the aid of Kim Il Sung. In January 1951, they helped retake North Korea's Pyongyang and recaptured Seoul. But the Americans did not leave the southerners in trouble, and again came to their aid. Already in March 1951, Seoul was recaptured. The DPRK troops were thrown back to where the demilitarized zone is now located. In 1953, the border between the two states of the Korean Peninsula was located along the front line.
Relations of the DPRK with other countries
It's no secret that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is one of the most closed states in the world. But it is wrong to say that this country lives in complete isolation. The DPRK is a member of the UN and maintains diplomatic ties with other world powers (there are 161 such countries in total).
But the DPRK does not have warm relations with all states. There is still tension between the northern and southern parts of the Korean Peninsula, as both countries desire to gain dominance in this territory. From time to time, diplomatic conflicts arise between these countries. The DPRK has rather complicated relations with countries such as Japan and the USA.
Can be called friendly relations between North Korea and Russia. The powers entered into a number of agreements on cooperation in the cultural, economic and technical spheres. Since 2014, payments between countries have been carried out in rubles. But it is worth noting that recently the trade turnover between the Russian Federation and the DPRK has noticeably decreased.
Police and health
North Korea can rightfully be called one of the safest countries. The crime rate here is extremely low. Perhaps this is due to the fact that for any violation of the law, punishment will befall not only the criminal himself, but also three more generations of his family. Law enforcement officers are everywhere and keep order in the country. The Korean People's Army also operates in the DPRK.
Regarding healthcare, then here, according to Wikipedia, the situation is worse than with law enforcement. Thus, there is a catastrophic shortage of personnel in the country's hospitals. As for the doctors who work there, their qualifications are low. The condition of medical equipment also leaves much to be desired. Hospitals are experiencing interruptions in water and electricity supplies.
Communications and media
The telephone communication system in the DPRK is extremely poorly developed. As a rule, telephones are only available in government agencies and post offices. Mobile communications in the country are widespread only among civil servants, businessmen and foreigners. For the rest of the population, mobile phones are still a luxury item.
Internet access in North Korea also limited. Currently, only employees of government agencies and foreign enterprises can connect to the World Wide Web. It is worth noting that the DPRK has its own national domain .kp.
The Gwangmyeon internal network flourishes throughout the country. You can get scientific and technical information there. Also, the Gwangmyeon network promotes Juche (the political ideology of the DPRK). This network is also available to the general population of the country, but all activity in it is controlled by government officials.
Broadcasting in North Korea handled by the Korean Central Broadcasting Station. However, the country's population is only allowed to listen to DPRK radio. Listening to foreign radio broadcasts is punishable by imprisonment.
As for television, there are three television programs operating in the country. One of them is dedicated to cultural topics. Residents of the DPRK can only use registered receivers. Frequency settings are also controlled by the authorities.
Tourism
Tourism in North Korea It is rather poorly developed, but this does not mean that there are no tourists at all in the DPRK. As a rule, people come here to enjoy nature and the so-called “neo-Stalinist” atmosphere. It is worth noting that since 2009, the number of foreign tourists in the country has increased sharply.
Beach resorts were built especially for guests from other countries on the coast of the Sea of Japan. There are mountain resorts in the Geumgangsan and Myohyangsan mountains. There are many tourist routes on the territory of the state. After walking along them, you will be able to enjoy North Korean nature in all its glory.
It is worth noting that all the most interesting events take place in the capital of the DPRK. The cultural life of the country is also concentrated there. In Pyongyang you will find many theatres, museums, concert halls and recreational parks. As for nightclubs, they are extremely rare here.
However, tourists who decide to go to North Korea must remember a number of rules:
Moreover, foreign citizens who are in North Korea You should also watch your speech. It is best not to start conversations on a political topic. It is not recommended to speak negatively about the DPRK, its authorities or its people. Tourists should also not try to make friends with locals.
These and many other restrictions discourage most tourists. However, the North Korean government is actively working to make the stay of foreign guests more comfortable.
As a rule, visas to North Korea are only issued to officially organized groups. The best way to obtain it is to seek help from a tour operator officially recognized by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To obtain a visa you will need provide the following documents:
Please note the validity period of your passport. It must be at least 6 months old.
A visa can be obtained not only through a tour operator, but also through the DPRK consular department. However, this method will take you much more time, and the visa procedure itself will be more complicated. You can find the DPRK Embassy at the address: Moscow, st. Mosfilmovskaya, 72.
Geographical position
North Korea (DPRK)
located in eastern Asia, the country occupies the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and the adjacent part of the mainland. The state borders on China in the north and Russia in the northeast. In the south, the DPRK borders the Republic of Korea. From the west the country is washed by the Yellow Sea, from the east by the Sea of Japan. The country owns several small islands in the West Korean Gulf. The capital of the state is the city of Pyongyang. The country's territory is 120,540 km². The terrain of the country is mainly mountainous, with a large number of valleys and ravines. The largest coastal plain areas are located in the southwest of the country.
A whole network of short and low mountain ranges and plateaus cover the entire northern and eastern parts of the peninsula. The highest point of the country is Mount Paektu (2750 m). It is located on the border with China.
There are a large number of rivers on the territory of the DPRK: Taedongan, Cheryongan, Choncheongan, Yalujiang (Amnokkan), etc.
In winter, the DPRK receives cold continental air from the mountainous regions of the Asian mainland. The average winter temperature is -4°C in the southern regions and -8°C in the northern regions. In mountainous areas of the country, winter temperatures can drop to -18°C. Quite often there is warming in winter.
In summer, oceanic air masses make the country's climate very humid. The average temperature in summer is +18-22°C.
Precipitation in the Pyongyang area ranges from 800-1000 mm per year, in mountainous areas on the east coast - up to 1500-2000 mm. the greatest amount of precipitation falls during the monsoon (mid-summer) and late autumn. In winter there is usually little snowfall and strong winds often blow.
The best time to visit North Korea is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October).
Visas, entry rules, customs rules
Currently, entry into North Korea is only possible as part of an officially organized group. Visas are issued only for groups. You can obtain a visa through a travel company or at the consular section of the embassy, which is more difficult and will take longer. The travel company must be officially recognized by the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The cost of a tourist visa is about 40 US dollars. Registration of documents usually takes up to 1 month. The visa may be without explanation.
The import and export of foreign currency is permitted; it will need to be declared. For the entire amount spent in foreign currency, the tourist will have to provide documents confirming the legal purchase of goods.
In case of currency exchange, you will need a certificate from the bank. The import and export of national currency is strictly prohibited.
Small amounts of tobacco and alcoholic beverages, as well as personal items, can be imported into North Korea duty free. You will have to declare any souvenirs, products made of precious metals, personal computers, photo and video cameras, watches, tape recorders.
It is prohibited to import mobile phones, pagers and laptop computers into the country. If you declare them, they will be returned upon departure from the country. You also cannot import photo, audio, video and household appliances into the country in larger quantities than required for personal needs.
The import of propaganda literature, foreign books about North and South Korea, literature in Korean, pornographic materials, weapons and ammunition, explosives, binoculars, seeds, drugs and narcotic-containing medications is prohibited. Pets, plants and groceries can be imported if special certificates are available.
Customs rules in a country can change quite often.
Population, political status
The population of North Korea is about 24 million people. Ethnically, the largest part of the population is represented by Koreans ("Joseon saram"), there are also a small number of Chinese and Japanese in the country.
The official language of North Korea is Korean. He belongs to the Altai group of the East Asian race. The phonemic letter "Hangul" is used. This is one of the few forms of writing that have survived unchanged from the Middle Ages to the present day. However, the language of the DPRK is different from that of South Korea. People here speak with a distinctive accent and use a large number of idioms borrowed from China and Russia.
The country's largest cities: Pyongyang (2,470,000 people), Chongjin (754,000 people), Nampo (691,000 people), Sinuiju (500,000 people), Wonsai (350,000 people), Kaesong (345,000 people).
North Korea is a democratic republic with a communist form of government. The head of the state and government is the Secretary General of the Workers' Party of Korea and the Chairman of the Defense Committee of the DPRK - Kim Jong Il. The highest government body is the Defense Committee of the DPRK (National Defense Committee).
Legislative power is exercised by the unicameral Supreme People's Assembly. This assembly consists of 678 deputies elected by the people for 5 years.
Administratively, the DPRK consists of 9 provinces (“to” or “do”) and two cities under central control. These cities have the status of provinces.
What to see
Pyongyang is one of the most ancient cities in northeastern Asia. After the Korean War it was rebuilt.
The appearance of Pyongyang is very original and contradictory.
One of the main attractions is the Juche Tower of Ideas. The height of this monument is 170 meters. In front of the tower there is a 30-meter sculptural group of the same name.
The Arc de Triomphe is located on the spot where Kim Il Sung gave his speech about the unity and independence of the nation. It looks very much like Paris.
Nearby you can see the Pyongyang Tower with a panoramic restaurant. The famous huge stadium named after Kim Il Sung is also located here. On the river island of Rungnado there is a stadium named after the First of May. Koreans consider it the largest stadium in the world.
In the city center, on Mansu Hill, you can see the monumental sculptural ensemble of Kim Il Sung and the Museum of the Korean Revolution. The huge statue has become a traditional place of pilgrimage for local residents. The museum building is decorated with a huge mosaic panel of Mount Paektu. This mountain became famous during the war with Japan.
The Liberation Monument stands on Moranbong Hill. It is dedicated to the Soviet wars. The ancient Eulmildae gazebo is also located here. Another famous attraction is the Chollima Monument, or Chollima, a huge statue of a winged horse. It symbolizes progress and prosperity.
Kim Il Sung Square hosts army parades, demonstrations and various events. Here stands the People's Palace of Study. The height of its tower is 55 meters. Tourists must also be shown Kim Il Sung’s home. It is located in Mangyende, near the capital. Here you can also visit an amusement park and the Mangyongdae Revolutionary School. The Kumsusan Memorial Palace is considered a very important attraction. It formerly served as the Palace of Conventions and now houses Kim Il Sung's mausoleum. The Korean Unification Monument was erected above Thongyir Avenue at the southern entrance to Pyongyang.
Of great interest to tourists are the ruins of the Anhakkung Royal Palace and two cascades of fountains on the Taedong River. These fountains are considered to be the tallest fountains in the world.
Pyongyang has many parks and recreation areas. Particularly popular are the Mangyongdae and Daesongsan amusement parks, the Kaesong Youth Park, the Central Zoo and the Central Botanical Garden. The Revolutionary Memorial Cemetery is located nearby. Here you can also see a park with color and musical fountains.
Near the city there are many interesting historical sites: the tomb of King Tangan, the Anak tomb. There are also hot springs and waterfalls here.
The city is located 40 km south of Pyongyang Nampho. It is the main international port and commercial center of the DPRK. The main attraction of the city can be called the Western Sea hydro complex. This structure is a complex 8-kilometer system of dams, dikes and locks at the mouth of the Taedong River.
Near Nampo, tourists can see ancient frescoes from the Goguryeo Empire era, three tombs in Gangso and tombs in the villages of Tokhung and Susan.
75 km southwest of the capital there is a rock massif Kuwolsan.This place is distinguished by its beauty . The Samson resort is located here. Tourists will be interested in the medieval Wolyongsa Temple and ancient fortresses. This place features hot springs and small waterfalls, as well as shrines and palaces from the Silla Kingdom and Joseon Dynasty.
The main attractions of the city are: Goryeo Museum, Seongjuk Bridge, Great South Gate, Yeongbok Temple, Hyunghwa and Gwanum Temples, Songin Monument and Pyeochung Monument. A commemorative stele with a facsimile signature of Kim Il Sung is also of interest.
Around the city you can see the tomb of the first king of Goryeo - Wang Gon, the tomb of King Kongmin and the mausoleum of Queen Kongmin. Not far from Kaesong there is a famous town Panmunjom. The Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed in this city during the war. The famous “38th parallel” is located here - the nominal border between North and South Korea. A separate permit is required to visit Panmunjom.
mountain range Myohyang located 150 km north of the capital. These places are famous for their picturesque nature. In addition, there are historical sites in the area. The main one can be called the active Buddhist temple of Pohyeonsa. This temple houses various religious objects and collections of ancient Korean books. The museum of gifts to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il is quite interesting. In this area you can see the large cave at Ryongmun and the very beautiful Manphok Gorge. The Valley of Nine Waterfalls is also famous. Lovers of outdoor activities and mountaineering come to this place.
Mountains Paektu are one of the most picturesque places in the DPRK. These mountains contain the country's highest peaks: Paeksabon (2103 m), Sobaeksan (2172 m), Paektusan (Baitoushan, 2750 m).
Dormant volcano Baekdusan is located on the border with China. It is the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the local nature attracts tourists with its beauty. This mountain is white due to hardened light pumice. In 1989, Paektusan received the status of an International Biosphere Reserve. Here you can see the giant crater lake Chongji, or Tianchi (“Heavenly Lake”). The lake is located at an altitude of 2194 meters above sea level. The water in the lake is always very cold. This place is sacred to the people of North Korea. It is believed that it was in this place that the son of the God of heaven appeared on Earth. In addition, it is generally accepted that the revolutionary movement of the Korean people originated here. Historians claim that Kim Jong Il was born here on February 16, 1942. At the foot of Mount Paektusan there is an area of three lakes Samzhi. Here you can visit an entire historical complex dedicated to the revolutionary activities of Kim Il Sung.
The Kumgang (Kumgangsan) mountain range is located in the southeast of the country. This place is considered one of the most beautiful in North Korea. This region has an unusual topography with a large number of tiny lakes and waterfalls. There are forests here. Mineral springs, valleys with Buddhist shrines.
Until 1945, Korea was a colony of Japan. When World War II ended, the territory of the country north of the 38th parallel was occupied by the USSR, and the southern part was occupied by America. The USSR and the USA were unable to resolve the issue of Korean unification. For this reason, in 1948, two separate governments appeared here - Soviet and American.
The Republic of Korea was formed in the south of the Korean Peninsula. After this, on September 9, 1948, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) appeared in the north. Political power in the country was monopolized by the WPK. A planned economy was established in the DPRK economy. Since 1949, the state has taken control of almost all of the country's industry, as well as its domestic and foreign trade.
In 1950, North Korea launched an armed attack on South Korea. After this, a war broke out between the two states, in which other countries also took part.
The war dealt a heavy blow to North Korea's economy. Industrialization helped restore it. The standard of living in the DPRK grew even faster than in South Korea.
In 1960, there was a breakdown in relations between the USSR and China. This had a negative impact on the DPRK economy.
In the 70s of the last century, the pace of economic development here slowed down significantly. This was also influenced by the high cost of oil after the 1974 oil crisis. The country began to spend too much money on the army and the development of heavy industry. In 1980, the North Korean economy went into default. The volume of industrial production began to increase only in the early 90s.
Kim Il Sung died in 1994. His son Kim Jong Il came to power in the country. The economic situation in the DPRK continued to remain quite difficult.
In the period from 96 to 99, the country experienced a severe famine, which killed a large number of people. The country continued to spend a lot of money on military needs.
In July 2002, reforms began in the country. There was a devaluation of the state currency. To support the country's agricultural market, it was decided to lower prices for agricultural products. In the villages of the DPRK, collective farming has been replaced by family farming. All this led to an increase in foreign investment in the country's economy.
In 2007, the President of South Korea paid a visit to the DPRK. After this, both Koreas turned to the UN with a request to promote the unification of the countries.
International trade
The DPRK maintains trade relations with more than 100 countries.
The main export items to the DPRK are ferrous and non-ferrous metals, anthracite and seafood.
North Korea imports mainly oil and oil products, coking coal, chemical fertilizers, and food.
The country's main foreign trade partners: South Korea, China, Japan, EU countries and Russia.
North Korea has a fairly large external debt.
The shops
Prices in the country are quite high; foreign tourists can only pay in foreign currency. In the DPRK foreign exchange stores, the cost of goods is also not low. The selection of goods is small. Prices in all stores in the country are fixed, they are the same throughout the DPRK. Tourists can only bargain at street markets, but they won’t be able to get a big discount. Typically the cost is reduced by no more than 10%. You need to bargain very politely.
Very popular among tourists hand embroidery. Such things are expensive. Even an experienced craftsman takes about a year to embroider a large canvas. You can buy paintings in souvenir shops. These paintings are almost no different from Chinese landscapes, but cost much more.
Very often tourists buy famous ginseng and products made from it. Traditional porcelain from Kaesong is popular. Herbal and mushroom teas, bear bile, stamps, and commemorative coins with images of leaders are sold. You can buy printed products, wood and stone carvings.
The official holiday in North Korea is Sunday.
Demography
The ethnic composition of the population is quite homogeneous.
The life expectancy of the country's population as a whole is
71.65 years old. Life expectancy for men is 68.92 years, for women - 74.51 years.
The fertility rate is 2.1 newborns per woman.
Industry
In the DPRK, the share of industrial production in the country's GDP is about 50%. This industry employs up to 40% of the country's population. In recent years, production has declined slightly in all major industries.
The country is developing such industries as oil refining, chemical, textile and food.
Mechanical engineering accounts for about 30% of the value of all industrial products. The DPRK produces locally assembled Fiat cars and also produces jeeps.
Flora and fauna
The mountainous regions of the DPRK are covered with coniferous forests and mixed forests. The main species here are pine, spruce, Korean fir, maple, poplar, elm and aspen. Rice, soybeans, barley, corn and beans are grown in the valleys.
A large number of medicinal plants grow in the DPRK. The most famous of them is ginseng, which is sold for export to many countries around the world.
The country is home to such large predators as: tiger, leopard, bear (Ussuri and white-breasted), lynx and wolf. Common birds here are: eagle, snipe, crane, heron, pheasant, black grouse and hazel grouse.
The forests are inhabited by foxes, wild boars, gorals, roe deer, sika deer, wapiti, weasels, otters, and squirrels.
There are many different species of birds found in the coastal areas of the DPRK. Here live: passerines, herons, cranes, storks, geese, ducks, waders, gulls, cormorants, razorbills, guillemots and guillemots.
The country's coastal and inland waters are rich in a variety of fish and other seafood.
Banks and money
There are no direct flights from Russia to North Korea. Transport links between North Korea and other countries are quite rare. The national airline Air Koryo operates twice-weekly flights from Pyongyang to Beijing, China. One flight in the same direction is operated by the Chinese company Air China.
You can also get to North Korea from Russia by rail. Every week a trailer train runs from Moscow to Pyongyang. The train goes through China, the journey time is six and a half days. For such a trip you must obtain a transit visa. The same train includes carriages from Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk.
Minerals
The country is quite rich in mineral resources. Natural resources such as coal, lead, tungsten, zinc and graphite are mined here. Magnesium, iron, copper, gold, pyrite, salt, fluorspar, etc. are also mined.
Agriculture
North Korea's agriculture accounts for about 20% of the country's income. The country is dominated by mountainous terrain, which leads to a shortage of land resources. The total area of agricultural land is about 20% of the total territory of the country. Arable land occupies only 16%.
On average, one resident of the DPRK has 0.12 hectares of cultivated land. This is several times less than in almost all European countries.
The basis of the country's agriculture is crop production. The following crops are grown here: soybeans, cotton, flax, tobacco and sugar beets. There are also ginseng plantations in the country. The cultivation of vegetables and fruits is quite well developed.
The basis of livestock farming in the DPRK is the breeding of cattle, pigs, and poultry. Sericulture is also developed here. Fish and other seafood are actively harvested.
The country's authorities are quite intensively developing and supporting traditional forms of art and culture. Quite often they can even be intertwined with official ideology.
The country does not officially celebrate the usual Christmas and New Year. All traditional holidays of the DPRK are celebrated according to the lunar calendar. The main ones are: the First Full Moon Festival and the Chuseok Festival. The latter is dedicated to harvesting and commemorating deceased ancestors. On this day, it is customary to visit the graves of ancestors, performing the ritual of sacrifice there.
The main official holidays of the country are: May Day and Independence Day. On these days, parades and festive performances take place throughout the country.
Children are also very important members of society. It is customary to get married quite late in the country. They always try to dress children as best and brightly as possible. The government organizes many activities for children. It is not customary to punish children; they are given great independence.
Citizens of the DPRK greet each other with a slight half-bow. Handshakes are also common, with both hands. It is not customary to look directly into the eyes of your interlocutor. It is absolutely not customary in the country to apologize. It’s not often that you hear words of gratitude here. Gifts are usually simply left at the entrance to the house. No need to thank the service staff.
The people of the DPRK are very hardworking. They are used to working even in the most difficult working conditions. They are also distinguished by their love for cleanliness and order. Every morning, volunteers clean up the city streets.
Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. When entering a house, you must always take off your shoes. You cannot stand on the threshold to prevent evil spirits from entering. You should not be bare-legged in the presence of elders.
Traditionally, Koreans eat a lot of rice, noodles, and seafood. They drink little, and local vodka or fruit liqueurs are always served at the table. Beer is very popular. You cannot appear in public places drunk.
Korean restaurants usually offer something like a set menu right away. There are usually no menus in restaurants; there is a special sign hanging on the wall. There are problems with transliterating Korean names and proper names into Russian and English.
Traditional Korean music is vaguely reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese. The main instruments here are strings, drums and percussion. Household choral singing is very popular. Fine arts are also quite well developed here. It includes a special school of landscape painting and traditional calligraphy.
It is customary to dress very modestly in the country. Most often, local residents wear paramilitary clothing. Sometimes traditional national clothes are worn. The feet are usually worn in cloth slippers with rubber soles. European costume is used only on special occasions. To visit the Kim Il Sung Mausoleum and memorial cemeteries, you need to dress brightly. It is considered indecent for women to wear trousers in public places.
Men and women usually cut their hair quite short. Elderly people wear long hair, which is collected in a braid and placed at the back of the head.
North Korea has a very low crime rate. Local law enforcement is everywhere. The attitude towards foreigners in the country is somewhat wary. Tourists are usually accompanied by a special guide. He makes sure that the tourist does not break the laws and ensures the safety of the tourist himself.
There are some restrictions on movement around the country. Tourists should not go into the city without a guide. The guide is responsible for preparing the route, menu, and meeting times. It is not recommended to have long conversations with local residents. It is prohibited to photograph military personnel and any objects even remotely related to defense (airports, bridges, aqueducts, bases, ports, etc.). You can only photograph ordinary people with their permission.
Healthcare
It is best for all tourists to take out international medical insurance. No special vaccinations are required to travel to the DPRK. However, you should be very wary of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatitis B and E, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and dengue.
Tourists are advised to bring personal hygiene items and an individual first aid kit. This first aid kit must contain all the medications necessary to provide first aid. You should also take medicine for colds and stomach upsets with you.
Almost all major hotels in the DPRK have their own medical center with the necessary supply of medications. In case of serious illness, the patient will be sent to clinics in the capital: Korean Red Cross Hospital, Pyongyang Emergency Hospital, Pyongyang Hospital for Foreigners and Kim Mann Yu Hospital. There may be problems with evacuation from the DPRK by air.
All tap water in North Korea is chlorinated. However, it cannot be consumed raw. For drinking, brushing your teeth or making ice, it is best to use only boiled or bottled water.
Milk and dairy products are most often not pasteurized. It is recommended to heat them before use. The same applies to meat, fish and seafood. Vegetables and fruits can be consumed only after pre-treatment. Fruits are best peeled.
The level of solar radiation in the country is quite high. Tourists should wear sunglasses with glass filters, hats and light protective clothing.
Avoid swimming during tidal currents and surf.
And the impressions received from her visit cannot be compared with any journey on earth. For those born in the USSR, a trip to North Korea will take you back in time. Comparing life, everyday life and realities, some details of this country, we can say that North Korea lives and is still in 1950. If you want to completely immerse yourself in the distant socialist past, then a trip to this wonderful country is what you need. As you travel through this amazing country, you will meet along the way residents who are very similar to the inhabitants of the former Soviet Union.
North Korea is a country of “victorious socialism.” It has a special political system and an ideology unique to this country, which is based on the construction of socialism. This ideology is called “Juche” in honor of its founder - the first president of the Korean People's Democratic Republic - Kim Il Sung. In addition, Kim Il Sung's son Kim Jong Il has great authority and respect. Today this peculiar country is entirely connected and dependent on the names of these great leaders. All North Koreans worship and greatly revere these people.
The capital of North Korea is the city of Pyongyang. It is the political, economic and cultural center of the country. In addition, the city of Pyongyang is the visiting card of North Korea. The capital of North Korea is significantly different from other cities in this socialist country. The population always wears neat, clean and smart clothes.
You won't see trash on the streets. In addition to North Korea, it is distinguished by its diversity and large number of giant monuments, monuments, palaces and other attractions that personify the socialist spirit and development path of this country.
There are never traffic jams on the streets of Pyongyang, as there are very few cars here. Along the roads you will see many kilometers of hand-planted strips of flowers. The capital of North Korea is always filled with a festive mood and joy of its residents, mass organized processions and youth dancing in the squares. A measured, calm life prevails in this country; there is almost no crime here.
However, few can enter North Korea, as the country is closed to foreign tourists. The entry of visitors into it is controlled by the authorities. It is almost impossible for tourists from the USA and Israel to visit it.
Travelers from other countries are allowed to visit North Korea, but with great difficulty. If you do happen to get here, then your journey takes place under constant supervision and accompanied by local guides. One of them is a guide around the country, while the other performs a control and protective function.
The special political regime has an impact on the daily life of the population, as well as tourists. Tourists cannot move freely in North Korea, only accompanied by guides. In addition, mobile phones, propaganda literature and much more cannot be imported into the country. Please note that you will not find access to the Internet in this country, nor will there be ATMs. So, before you travel to this unusual republic closed to others, familiarize yourself with the rules of stay and the way of life of its population.
