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Traveling Abroad: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Video Links. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFhRhIYpB8c&feature=fvw. http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/text/content/videoclips/VC_inside_northkorea.htm. Seoul Train. Socialist Society
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Traveling Abroad: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Video Links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFhRhIYpB8c&feature=fvw http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/text/content/videoclips/VC_inside_northkorea.htm Seoul Train
Socialist Society Their means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy Closed borders and communication Low standard of living
Civil Unrest & Political Tension • Korean War 1953, ongoing • Many North Koreans who flee to China for a better life are returned, fate is unknown
Organizing A Costly Visit • You need a North Korean Visa, which can only be obtained through a third party such as China, thus you also need a Chinese Visa • A visa is also required to leave • Without a visa you may be subject to arrest, be detained, fined, or denied entry • Business trips and journalists require different permission and there are consequences for miss-use of a tourist visa • Independent tourism is not allowed, must have guide at all times • May be required to show identification and visas at any time
Forbidden Items Any of which and beyond are subject to confiscation, search, and monitoring • Alcohol of any kind • Mobile Phones-Absolutely PROHIBITED in the country • GPS Devices-Absolutely PROHIBITED in the country • Computers • Television • Radios • Internet • Sports Equipment • Books/Literature- Regardless of language • Religious Items • Political Items • Any other item they feel is unsuited to socialism
Obey Laws • You are to abide to local laws and limitations including penalties up to and including imprisonment • American citizens are covered by the Australian Embassy • “If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can’t get you out of trouble or out of jail.”
Foreigners Laws • You MUST…. • Ask your guide about photography • Only photograph public monuments • Obey these laws, or it may result in conviction of espionage • Take caution if you aren’t of Korean descent and speak Korean, as this can be seen as espionage • Only enter stores, places, etc deemed okay for foreigners • You CAN’T…. • Interact, without permission, with local citizens • Take photographs or videos of places at will • Photograph poverty or any negativity associated with the countries state of affairs • Use public transportation
Your Money & Transportation Empty Airports Beautiful Beaches Closed Forbidden Train Rides
In Conclusion • Crime statistics are unknown • The true reality of life there is unknown • It is unfit for tourists, although they make most of their income from Chinese group tours • Even though the high poverty the slums are clean • Total government control leads to inadequate supply of electricity, food, leisure, individuality • It wouldn’t be a good idea to travel here