North Korean tourism is on the rise

following Kim II's death, tourism to the DPRK has actually increased. While I think it may be a few years away from replacing Thailand, Bali and Hong Kong on the top of the Asian tourist list, it has actually seen a real upsurge in interest. Personally I only know one person who has done the trip, and I hope he doesn't mind me linking to his site (if you really object I'll take it down David :). I've read all his blogs on it and it seems fascinating. From what I've read there and elsewhere the whole thing is strictly controlled, with your trip being part of a 3, 5, 7 or 16 day package with a group. Starting price for the 16 day one is 2000 euro's (about $3000 U.S) from Beijing. The whole thing seems strictly controlled, with your itinerary, accommodation and transport all booked in advance. You also must be accompanied by two guides (guards?) at all times who will give you all the info you could ever need about how Kim Il-Sung invented electricity and Kim Jing-Il hit 11 hole-in-one's the first time he played golf. I hear Kim Jong-Un has already taken credit for the extinction of the dinosaurs and the invention of the Big Mac.

Personally I'd love to do it just to see it, even if I can't leave my hotel after dark (actually they usually put you up on a small island in the middle of the Taedong River which runs through Pyongyang, you can walk around the island but don't think about crossing the bridge in to the city). I know some people criticise these trips, arguing that giving even $3000 to the Kim regime only strengthens them. However, you are the ONLY non-DPRK controlled entity many North Koreans will encounter and perhaps even a friendly smile from you will start to change their perceptions of the west. That being said, the only place you will have any contact with north Koreans is in Pyongyang, and that city is full of the 2.5 million party elite who benefit from the Kim regime and so maybe your trip won't do anything more than give you a chance to take a picture next to the statue of Kim Il Sung. I guess its up to the individual to wrestle with that one, but I have been to the U.S and China, the two largest military powers and violaters of human rights (China) oand national sovereignty (America) in the 21st century so I guess if I'm giving money to Hu and Obama I'm already a hypocrite. With that in mind if I ever get the chance to do a South Korean or Koryo tour and feel like parting with that kinda cash I'd do it.

Anyone else feel like a summer holiday to Baekdu-san?