DPRK - Country Profile and Information
Why Visit?
Isolated and reclusive, labeled by George Bush as part of his ‘Axis of Evil’, and after almost 60 years is still technically at war with South Korea and the USA. The DPRK truly is the last bastion of the 'Cold War'. With less than 2000 westerners visiting each year it is not only totally untouched by mass tourism, but really is one of the last places on earth to really be “off the beaten track”.
North Korea is one of the only places left on earth representing a communist ideology that at its peak governed half the planet and held heavy influence over the rest. North Korea is living political history, in a world of constant upheaval. Nowhere is immune from change and the DPRK is no different.
When you then factor in the breathtaking untouched natural beauty of the countryside, the pristine showcase capital of Pyongyang, the hypnotic influence the 'Great Leader' still wields over his people, and the fact that a trip here lets you not only look, but take part in this unique country, it makes for the most amazing travel experience you are ever likely to have.
Culture
After nearly 60 years separated from the South and isolated from the global prevalence of American culture, the DPRK can quite rightly view itself as the bastion of true Korean culture. Contemporary North Korean culture is an interesting fusion of traditional Korean values, Confucianism, and 60 years of communism.
Despite the reclusiveness of the government North Koreans are an extremely warm, friendly, and good humored people. North Koreans are also fiercely patriotic, and the respect and reverence they feel for Great Leader is not only real, but also the driving force in all aspects of the national psyche.
North Koreans are extremely socially conservative in all aspects of life. Public displays of affection, and public affection in general are not only not the norm, but would be frowned upon. General rule of thumb particularly with females is to stick to handshakes. Overall you will find your guides really friendly and if you are open to it you can really build up quite a rapport with your guides.
History
To find out more about Korean history and the story of the DPRK, please click here for the current Wiki page.National Holidays
It could be an idea to plan your trip around one of the DPRK's many national holidays as there could be extra activities going on to celebrate each one.
January 1st - New Year's Day15 January Korean Alphabet Day (조선글날)
February 16th - Comrade Kim Jong Il's birthday (1942)
April 15th - President Kim Il Sung's Birthday (1912)
April 25th - Army Day
May 1st - May Day, International holiday of Workers
July 8th 1994 - (Juche 83) Memorial day of the death of Kim Il Sung
July 27th 1953 Victory in the Fatherland Liberation War (Korean War 1950-1953)
August 15th - National Liberation Day (1945)
September 9th - Day of the Foundation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1948)
October 10th - Day of the Foundation of the Workers Party of Korea (1945)
December 27th - Day of the Promulgation of the Socialist Constitution of the DPRK (1972)
