North Korea

by Robert Willoughby

A new edition of the first travel guide to cover the practical aspects of travelling to and around North Korea, a country which both intrigues and concerns the international community. Everything a genuine traveler needs is here, including red tape and security issues, access from South Korea and Beijing, routes outwards from Pyongyang, and opportunities for excursions into unspoilt countryside. Altogether a fascinating insight into the culture and history of a country that currently exists in virtual isolation from the rest of the world.

Genres: Travel

248 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short but admirable book. His research is thorough and the level of detail is surprising. It is refreshing to read something that doesn't have an agenda on this topic. It makes me realize how the media has colored my view of DPRK and its people even though I am usually aware of their manipulation. this is a good companion read to Nothing to Envy. Coincidentally, I just saw Dutch film, A Day in the Life of North Korea, and it was interesting to compare. I realize you can't rely on anything to entirely give you a picture of life there. There isn't much material out there but you have to try it all so different from learning about other countries.

Update: strange sensation, towards the end of the book where the eastern, remoter regions are described, the writing is less clear cut and a little more..what? elegiac, romantic? The change may be the lack of knowledge by sources, maybe he is making the best of the paucity of info but it is more compelling. Hiking in Sujong Peak with the whimsical statues of bears and goblins (who carved them?), Monggyong Rock "like a great split mirror 90km high in legend it read the minds and showed the sins of those who saw it",tombs that are ancient but their details unknown, and this juxtaposed with an all-in resort where south koreans can come without passport (ala Jamaica) described as a gilded cage in a prison state. I am more fascinated by this country that goes dark every night and curious to fill in the gaps between this book and Nothing to Envy.

[Ninja Neko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Invaluable, as it's the only guide containing that much info on the DPRK. The maps aren't great but I don't think you can expect much more when it comes to DPRK info. Some of the info is also geared towards expats. If you're visiting DPRK, this is the travel guide to take with you.

[Adam Krause · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't particularly want to go there.