My thoughts on setting foot in North Korea for the first time

At the moment I stepped onto North Korean soil, my mood was filled with curiosity and anticipation. The plane landed at Pyongyang International Airport, and I immediately felt a unique cultural atmosphere. The architectural style of the airport is simple and solemn, and the staff is neat and uniform, showcasing a unique sense of order. Leaving the airport, the fresh air and clean streets that come towards you make people feel even more comfortable.

When I first met the locals, I felt their enthusiasm and friendliness. Although they may not speak the same language, their smiles and kind eyes convey a silent welcome. The tour guide provided a detailed introduction to the history and current situation of North Korea, which gave me a deeper understanding of the country. Every scenic spot is filled with a profound sense of history, from ancient buildings to monuments, telling the past and present of North Korea.

The cultural atmosphere is also a part that left a deep impression on me. The slogans and red flags on both sides of the street create a strong patriotic atmosphere. Even in daily life, people are full of pride in their country and expectations for the future. Tradition and modernity intertwine here, and various cultural activities are rich and colorful, making it overwhelming.

Overall, my first impression of North Korea is that it is a country full of historical significance and cultural uniqueness. The people here are warm and friendly, and their lives are fulfilling and orderly. When I first set foot on this land, I felt novelty and excitement, and I was also full of anticipation for my itinerary in the coming days. I hope that through my description, readers can feel the novelty and excitement of their first visit to North Korea.

An unmissable attraction

North Korea, this mysterious country, hides many worth visiting attractions. Although this country has limited openness to the outside world, its rich history and natural landscape provide unique experiences for tourists. Here are some hidden attractions that should not be missed.

Firstly, Pyongyang is the heart of North Korea, with many landmark buildings. The main idea tower is a must visit place. This tower stands 170 meters high, symbolizing the independence and autonomous spirit of the North Korean people. Tourists can take the elevator to the top of the tower and overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire city of Pyongyang. In addition, the Arc de Triomphe is also an unmissable landmark, commemorating the history of North Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule.

Kaicheng is a city with a long history and rich cultural heritage. The Goryeo Museum showcases cultural relics and artworks from the Goryeo Dynasty, allowing visitors to understand the history of the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the old city of Kaicheng preserves many ancient buildings and streets, and strolling through them feels like crossing time and returning to ancient times.

In terms of natural scenery, Miaoxiang Mountain is an excellent choice. Miaoxiang Mountain is famous for its beautiful landscape and fresh air. Puxian Temple is located at the foot of Mount Miaoxiang and is one of the important Buddhist temples in North Korea. The temple preserves many precious cultural relics and Buddha statues.

In addition, there are some unknown but highly worth visiting places. For example, the beaches and hot springs in Yuanshan provide a great place for tourists to relax and relax. Mount Baitou is the highest peak in North Korea and is known as the “holy mountain of North Korea”. It is a destination that mountaineers cannot miss.

Overall, North Korea’s hidden attractions not only showcase unique historical and cultural heritage, but also offer stunning natural scenery. Each scenic spot has its unique charm and is worth exploring deeply by tourists.

Planning a trip to North Korea requires some careful preparation and planning. Here are some practical travel tips to help you experience this mysterious and charming country more smoothly.

Best Travel Time

The best time to travel to North Korea is usually in spring and autumn, from April to May and from September to October. The climate during this period is mild, suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. In the spring of Korea, cherry blossoms bloom and the scenery is pleasant, while in autumn, maple leaves are red and the scenery is charming. In summer (June to August), the temperature is relatively high, and there is occasional rainstorm; Winter (December to February) is cold and dry, which may not be very friendly to tourists who are not accustomed to cold climates.

Transportation mode

Currently, one of the main routes to North Korea is from China and Russia. Tourists can choose to take international trains or flights from Beijing, Shenyang, Dandong and other places to reach Pyongyang. For tourists who wish to depart from Russia, they can choose to take an international train from Vladivostok. In addition, you can also choose to take a bus from Dandong, China, cross the Yalu River, directly arrive in Sinuiju, North Korea, and then transfer to Pyongyang.

Within North Korea, the main modes of transportation include trains, cars, and airplanes. Due to the relatively developed railway system in North Korea, trains are the preferred choice for long-distance travel. For short distance travel, tourist buses and taxis are also good choices. Pyongyang Airport also has domestic flights, making it convenient to travel to places such as Yuanshan and Xianxing.

Accommodation recommendations

North Korea has a diverse range of accommodation facilities, including both high-end hotels and cost-effective homestays. The Yangjiao Island International Hotel located in Pyongyang is the first choice for many foreign tourists, with complete facilities and thoughtful service. In addition, youth hostels and family inns are also good choices, with relatively cheap prices, which can provide a better experience of local life. If you go to other cities, such as Kaicheng or Yuanshan, you can also choose local specialty accommodations to enjoy a more unique local experience.

With these travel tips, I believe you can better plan your trip to Korea and enjoy a fulfilling and unforgettable journey.

Budget recommendations

When traveling in North Korea, the budget for expenses is a matter that every tourist needs to carefully consider. Firstly, transportation costs are a major expense. Flights from most countries to North Korea are relatively expensive, especially from European and American countries. Generally speaking, taking a train or plane from Beijing to Pyongyang is the most common choice, with train tickets being relatively more economical. If choosing a plane, the price of a one-way ticket is approximately between $500 and $1000.

Accommodation costs are relatively fixed in North Korea, and most tourists will stay in government designated hotels. The cost of high-end hotels is approximately between $100 and $200 per night, while the cost of three-star hotels is relatively cheap, around $50 to $100 per night. It is worth noting that accommodation costs are usually included in the travel package, so careful confirmation is required when booking a trip.

In terms of catering, tourists usually dine in hotels or designated restaurants, with a cost of approximately $30 to $50 per day. North Korean cuisine mainly consists of rice, noodles, and various pickled dishes, with relatively reasonable prices but limited options. The admission fees for tourist attractions are usually included in the travel package, but if there are special needs, such as watching an equestrian performance or visiting a military museum, additional fees will need to be paid, which is approximately between $20 and $50.

To save costs, one can choose to travel during the off-season, usually in spring and autumn, when airfare and accommodation costs are relatively low. In addition, booking itineraries in advance and choosing economical travel packages are also effective ways to reduce total costs. During the trip, try to follow the advice of the local tour guide and avoid unnecessary expenses. Overall, the total cost of a one week trip to North Korea is roughly between $2000 and $4000, which includes transportation, accommodation, dining, and admission to attractions.