Traveling Abroad:

Democratic People’s

Republic of Korea

http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/text/content/videoclips/VC_inside_northkorea.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFhRhIYpB8c&feature=fvw

Video Links

Seoul Train

Socialist SocietyTheir means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy

Closed borders and communication

Low standard of living

Civil Unrest & Political Tension

•Korean War 1953, ongoing

•Many North Koreans who flee to China for a better life are returned, fate is unknown

Organizing A Costly Visit

•You need a North Korean Visa, which can only be obtained through a third party such as China, thus you also need a Chinese Visa

•A visa is also required to leave

•Without a visa you may be subject to arrest, be detained, fined, or denied entry

•Business trips and journalists require different permission and there are consequences for miss-use of a tourist visa

•Independent tourism is not allowed, must have guide at all times

•May be required to show identification and visas at any time

Forbidden ItemsAny of which and beyond are subject to confiscation, search, and

monitoring•Alcohol of any kind

•Mobile Phones-Absolutely PROHIBITED in the country

•GPS Devices-Absolutely PROHIBITED in the country

•Computers

•Television

•Radios

•Internet

•Sports Equipment

•Books/Literature- Regardless of language

•Religious Items

•Political Items

•Any other item they feel is unsuited to socialism

•You are to abide to local laws and limitations including penalties up to and including imprisonment

•American citizens are covered by the Australian Embassy

•“If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can’t get you out of trouble or out of jail.”

Obey Laws

Foreigners LawsYou CAN’T….

•Interact, without permission, with

local citizens

•Take photographs or videos of places

at will

•Photograph poverty or any negativity

associated with the countries state of

affairs

•Use public transportation

You MUST….

•Ask your guide about

photography

•Only photograph public

monuments

•Obey these laws, or it may result

in conviction of espionage

•Take caution if you aren’t of

Korean descent and speak Korean,

as this can be seen as espionage

•Only enter stores, places, etc

deemed okay for foreigners

Your Money&

TransportationEmpty Airports

Forbidden Train Rides

Beautiful Beaches Closed

•Crime statistics are unknown

•The true reality of life there is unknown

•It is unfit for tourists, although they make most of

their income from Chinese group tours

•Even though the high poverty the slums are

clean

•Total government control leads to inadequate

supply of electricity, food, leisure, individuality

•It wouldn’t be a good idea to travel here

In Conclusion