Travelling to North Korea

[Oil Stain]

I'm headed to North Korea in a few weeks. I expect it to be an interesting experience to say the least.

I'm wondering if anyone here has been there and can give me any tips, travel hacks, or perhaps shed some light on some conflicting reports?

For instance some info on the internet says that tourists can now access the internet in North Korea by using government issued sim cards. Other articles state that cell phones will/could be confiscated at the border.

I'm curious if they will allow my Gopro into the country as well, and just how strict the tour guides are on photography. I've read in a few places that its not quite as bad as most articles state.

Anyone been there and want to offer up some advice?

[nik-]

Why?

[hockey.modern]

Good luck.

[ResAlien]

I'm with nik. Why? Just screams that you're courting trouble.

[Looch City]

Say hi to Kim for me.

And take lots of pictures and share them with us.

[Slava]

Nothing to add but I am jealous. To me that seems like a fascinating, albeit terrifying, place. I've read a number of books about it and would love to see it, as long as I knew I would be able to leave when I was done.

[Locke]

Just remember the Cardinal Rule:

Ain't no Party like a Pyongyang Party because a Pyongyang Party is ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY!!

[Fuzz]

Don't try to spread religion. I hear they don't like that much.

[CaptainCrunch]

Can I ask why you're making that trip? All the money you spend goes to the government and gifts for the leaders buddies.

From looking at comments from people that went there, go pro's cameras and other things are a bad thing to carry around, they won't allow you to take pictures of anything except what they will allow.

You will be constantly followed, I'm assuming your going with a group.

If you fail to follow their travel instructions things can get uncomfortable in a hurry.

[Hockeyguy15]

I would say don't bring a phone or a Gopro.

http://time.com/4191028/north-korea-tourist/

[Oil Stain]

Originally Posted by ResAlien

I'm with nik. Why? Just screams that you're courting trouble.

Because it'll be an adventure. A chance to see something that is absolutely different from anywhere else in the world.

The fact that North Korea is perceived as such a dangerous place to go is part of the thrill of going I suppose.

[FlameOn]

I'm going to echo others and ask why? This is coming right during a number of high profile defections from the NK government. They've pissed off and threatened a nuclear firestorm on China now, their last remaining friend AND it looks like oil sanctions the Chinese are putting on NK will cripple them and they will likely run out of oil and energy resources within the next half year.

The regime will become increasingly desperate and will try to get as many bargaining chips as they can. Based on their past actions, these include foreign nationals.

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Can I ask why you're making that trip? All the money you spend goes to the government and gifts for the leaders buddies.

From looking at comments from people that went there, go pro's cameras and other things are a bad thing to carry around, they won't allow you to take pictures of anything except what they will allow.

You will be constantly followed, I'm assuming your going with a group.

If you fail to follow their travel instructions things can get uncomfortable in a hurry.

Seriously. What the #### would you go to support that complete joke of a state? Are you looking to get stuck on the wrong side of the border when Jon Un loses his mind and launches another rocket?

Your cash is going directly into the dear leaders pocket so he can buy more gold plated toilet paper.

[Simon96Taco]

Well I'm sure it's better than Edmonton.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by nik-

Why?

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Can I ask why y

Originally Posted by FlameOn

I'm going to echo others and ask why?

Guys, chill. Hes an Oilers fan. North Korea is so similar to Edmonton that he probably wont even notice the difference.

[northcrunk]

North Korea must be the birthplace of "no good". It's the Oilers fan version of a muslim going to Mecca.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

North Korea must be the birthplace of "no good". It's the Oilers fan version of a muslim going to Mecca.

Perhaps hes going as part of a trip to educate the North Korean Government on how Propaganda is done.

You know, show them some Oilers games and news articles where people still say they're this really good 'offensive powerhouse' and how they're going to be the most improved team and make the playoffs or are just a 'piece or two away.'

Things like that.

"They play like that, they say these things and people actually believe them? Wow!! Teach us! Please!!"

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Oil Stain

Because it'll be an adventure. A chance to see something that is absolutely different from anywhere else in the world.

The fact that North Korea is perceived as such a dangerous place to go is part of the thrill of going I suppose.

It's just that there are other places you can go for an off the beaten track trip that aren't run by dictatorships who look for reasons to detain westerners for use as political chess pieces. The place is also a ####hole and anywhere you go would be with a minder showing you what they want you to see.

It seems like pointless risk imo.

[Locke]

Dont forget to walk the tour path from North Korea to South Korea, I've heard its an explosive experience.

[undercoverbrother]

Will you get to go to Rosie's Bar?