AP-Travel Online, July 3rd, 2006
Few Americans have visited North Korea not because of restrictions by the U.S. government but because North Korea does not usually permit them in.
However, North Korea is issuing visas for travel between Aug. 10-Oct. 10, and several tours are being offered by U.S.-based companies.
The New York-based Korea Society and Chicago-based tour operator Asia Pacific Travel are offering a 13-day trip, Sept. 2-14, that will visit both North and South Korea. The North Korea itinerary includes ancient sites like a Buddhist temple that dates to 1042; monuments to the country's late leader, Kim Il Sung, and Panmunjom, the site of the Korean War armistice signing in 1953 along the demilitarized zone. Visitors will also get to see the massive Arirang synchronized gymnastics exhibition featuring 100,000 performers.
Highlights of the South Korea itinerary include the Changdeokgung Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and performances of traditional Korean arts. The tour will be escorted by a Harvard professor of Korean history, Sun Joo Kim. Prices start at $4,649 a person and cover hotels, attractions, some meals and some travel within Asia, but not international airfare.
Asia Pacific also has other trips just to North Korea. Details at http://www.northkorea1on1.com or 800-262-6420.
Geographic Expeditions is also offering trips to North Korea with 11-day itineraries that include home stays with North Korean families and tickets to the gymnastics show; details at http://www.geoex.com, 800-777-8183.
North Korea opened its doors to U.S. visitors last year during the gymnastics event as well. Americans contemplating a visit should read the U.S. State Department consular information sheet on travel to North Korea at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_988.html, which points out that the U.S. does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with the country.
