NORTH KOREA

I set two feet inside its border and saw some

of its towns through a telescope. Count it!

"I followed the South Korean soldier into the shed, it had the appearance of a parish meeting hall. Brown tables, with old fashioned slightly padded black metal chairs. The only distinguishing feature of the shed was its light blue U.N. color. One soldier positioned himself against a window that could open, the other blocked the back door, this was the door to North Korea. Soon the American soldier moved everyone to the back of the shed, "Ladies and gentleman, through that door is North Korea, if you try and go there, this guy will knock some sense into you." This guy was a South Korean regular, his helmet fell slightly over his forehead and with boosted up by his reflective aviators. He wasn’t that large but he looked like the type of person that could kill you with a single thrust of a ball point pen to the throat. “'Can we take a picture with him in front of the door?” An Aussie asked the question on everyone’s mind. “Yes sir. Make it quick.” Soon the entire group lined up and got their “North Korean door selfie.” It was the only time traveling the world where every single person in the group requested the picture. Not a soul was too cool, for the too cool moment. After the pictures, the soldier said,  “Oh, by the way, technically you’re in North Korea on this side of the desk. So for you country counters out there, feel free.”

--Luke's Journal

CITIES VISITED:

MUST DO:

FAVORITE MEMORY:

DMZ the demilitarized zone. Border between North Korea and South Korea, fifteen yards away from North Korea's Panmungak Hall

Visit the DMZ! Some adventurous tourists go to Pyongyang on a special visa but it's not recommended for Americans.

Being close enough to hear the North Korean propaganda being blasted out over loudspeakers.

DIFFICULTY TO VISIT RATING:

3/5  HARD

The tour is subjective to conditions between North Korea and South Korea. Must get military approval. The physical part is not difficult but the paperwork can be. Research whether the tours are being offered, only use the companies sanctioned by the military.