Overview :
North Korea Photos
 North
Korea still is one of the most reclusive countries of the world. Although
there is a slight opening and some selected koreans are now allowed to
visit their families in the south for a short day stay, visiting the
country is still a highly organised operation for limited numbers of
group tourists. Since access to North Koreea is mainly via China, most
visits are tacked on to China tours.
As you can see by this night satellite view of North Korea, in comparison
to South Korea it's a happening place after dark.
More than 23 millions inhabitants live in this country. In comparisson,
North Korea is slightly smaller than England and around 2000 square
kilometers larger than South Korea. Most of its 120.540 sqkm territory is
demilitarized zone, where you are not allowed to enter. The Democratic
People's Republic of Korea is situated on the northern half of the Korean
Peninsula. It shares borders in the south with the demilitarized zone
(separating it from the Republic of Korea, see South Korea), in the east
with Japan (by sea), in the north with China and in the west with the
Yellow Sea.
Following World War II, Korea was split into a northern, communist
half and a southern, Western-oriented half. Kim Chong Il has ruled North
Korea since his father and the country's founder, president Kim Il Sung,
died in 1994. After decades of mismanagement, the North relies heavily on
international food aid to feed its population. Most of the land,
particularly on the north and east regions, consists mostly of rugged
mountains, separated by deep, narrow valleys. Only a small area is
cultivable or exploitable. The eastern coast is rocky and steep with
mountains rising from the water, the western coast is characterized by
coastal plains. The average climate is temperate with rainfall
concentrated in summer. It is very similar to that of South Korea, but
colder and drier in the winter. Rainy season is from July to September,
but autumn is cooler. Winters are long and frigid while summers are hot,
rainy and humid. The best time of the year to visit North Korea is during
the months of May, June, September and October. |
North Korea owes its tribute to Kim Il Sung on nearly every corner, the
main square, the university and the stadium are named after him. His
sometimes larger-than-life figure accompanies you in your stay in North
Korea and especially in Pyongyang. To get an impression of the old Korea
try to see the Taedong and the Potong Gate. To relax go to Moranbong Park
or to the more disney-like Taesongsan recreation ground with a monorail,
a rollercoaster and candy floss. The city is built around the Taedong
River. Two mid-river fountains are ranked as world's highest rising to a
height of 150m (492ft).
In Pyongyang you will find the greatest choice of hotels and restaurants
of the whole country, but even this is not too large. Pyongyang is much
different from other major busy and alive Asian capitals. Here, you will
not find street hawkers or television sets carried on the backs of
bycycles. As a matter of fact, bycycles are not permitted in the main
capital. Eating out has to be arranged by your guide, as well as any
other activity or visit. If you want to go out in the evening you should
try to see a revolutionary opera at the Mansudae theatre. There are good
circuses and musical recitals too.
For accommodation there are three hotels for foreign visitors, but you
have to ask the governmental travel bureau where to stay. Normally all
rooms have private baths and hotels normally have good laundry
facilities.
(by
www.world66.com)
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Photo Gallery : North Korea
Artwork,
photos, concept, content and layout are (c) 2005