Bradt Travel Guide: North Korea

About this book

This new edition of Bradt Travel Guide: North Korea has been completely written from scratch and remains the only standalone guide to what is often regarded as the world's most secretive state, a place never far from media scrutiny but about which very little is actually known in the wider world. Detailed is everything you need to know for a successful visit, from the practicalities of how to get there and who to go with to cultural sensitivities and etiquette, safety, money and travelling around. Amongst the places covered are the supra-centrally planned showcase capital of Pyongyang; Panmunjom, where North meets South face-to-face inside the 4km-wide demilitarized zone (DMZ) – the dividing line between two nations and one people; Kumgansan Tourist Resort, the chiefly South Korean-built resort offering fantastic hikes; and Paektusan, the highest peak in all of Korea and Manchuria.

For the intrepid and open-minded traveller North Korea is a truly mesmerising destination with a rich past and fascinating contemporary history. Visitors today are immersing themselves in an unrivalled experience in what is seemingly the last country in the world not to have submitted to globalisation, the last country still clinging on to the 20th century experiment in communism that for all others crumbled away shortly after the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

Outside of the showcase socialist paradise of Pyongyang, visitors will find stunning natural scenery, from beautiful coastline and beaches to spectacular mountains, such as legendary Paektusan. Whilst many hold the ill-conceived notion that a visit to North Korea may not be safe, the reality is that visitors are warmly welcomed and still considered more as 'guests of the state' than as mere tourists.

Written by expert author Henry Marr, who first visited North Korea in 2005 and has since been back more than twenty times, Bradt Travel Guide: North Korea is an indispensable guide to understanding and getting to know one of the world's most curious destinations.

Contents

PART 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
      Geography, Climate, Natural history & conservation, History, Government & politics, Economy, People & culture, Language, Education, Religion, Art & architecture.
Chapter 2 Practical Information
      When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Gay & lesbian travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating & drinking, Public holidays & festivals, Shopping, Arts & entertainment, Photography, Media & communications, Business, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively

PART 2 THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Pyongyang
      History, getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Orientation, What to see, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Sports & activities, Other practicalities
Chapter 4 North Hwanghae & Kaesong
      Sariwon, Kaesong, Panmunjom & the DMZ
Chapter 5 South Hwanghae
      Haeju, Sinchon, Mt. Kuwol
Chapter 6 South Pyongan
      Nampo, Pyongsong, Anju, Hoechang
Chapter 7 North Pyongan
      Mt Myohyang, Sinuiju, Tongrim
Chapter 8 Chagang
      Huichon
Chapter 9 Kangwon & Kumgangsan
      Masikryong, Wonsan, Mt. Kumgang
Chapter 10 South Hamgyong
      Hamhung, Hungnam, Pujon,
Chapter 11 Ryanggang
      Samjiyon, Mt. Paekdu, Pochon, Taehongdan
Chapter 12 North Hamgyong
      Chongjin, Mt. Chilbo, Orang & Kyongsong, Hoeryong
Chapter 13 Rason
      Rason

Appendices
Language
Further info
Books / websites etc.
Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Henry Marr's love affair with the more unusual parts of Asia began at the age of 18, when he spent a month mountaineering in Kazakhstan. After 2 years living in Ulaanbaatar in his early 20s he grudgingly settled back home in the UK, gaining employment for a tour operator specialising in promoting some of the less conventional travel destinations in Europe and Asia. Since the moment he first set foot in North Korea in 2005 Henry has become somewhat obsessed with the country, clocking up over 8 months of travels in more than 20 visits - including a fortnight for his honeymoon! When not travelling in or planning his next trip to North Korea, Henry is normally back at home endlessly being asked 'what is it really like out there?' by almost everybody he meets. Hopefully this book will provide an answer to that question.