2024-02-15 16:42:55
Russian group tourists are standing in line in front of the international check-in counter at Vladivostok International Airport in the Russian Far East, Primorsky Krai, on the 9th (local time), waiting for their turn. yunhap news
Will overseas tourists be able to freely take photos when traveling to Pyongyang?
Vostok Media, a media outlet in the Russian Far East, published an article on North Korea on the 13th (local time) titled ‘Amazing aspects of North Korea seen through the eyes of a correspondent’, detailing the interesting local atmosphere regarding ‘Pyongyang tourism’ and ‘photography’. introduced.
Taking pictures of overseas travelers… “Mostly OK”
The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 10th that the first Russian tourist group, headed by Alexei Starichkov, Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Coastal River Government, arrived in Pyongyang on the 9th. yunhap news
North Korea, which had closed its borders since the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020, received its first group of foreign tourists consisting of 97 Russians on the 9th.
A Russian reporter who visited North Korea with these tourist groups noticed three things.
The first is that most people do not stop you if you take a picture.
This reporter began the article by saying, “North Korea is one of the most closed countries in the world, and it is not easy to get into. This closedness gives rise to many secret rumors and concerns regarding safety.” This means that there was a lot of pressure to freely take pictures before entering North Korea.
However, he emphasized, “Most fears regarding North Korea are in vain,” and “No one takes away your camera or cell phone even if you take pictures.”
In relation to this, an anecdote from the airport was also introduced. Some of the group tourists carefully took out cameras or cell phones and took pictures as soon as they arrived at Pyongyang Airport, but none of the airport staff interfered with this.
North Korean residents wave their hands and ‘brightly smile’… “No fear of foreigners”
Russian tourists who arrived at Pyongyang International Airport are coming out of the passenger terminal on the 9th (local time). yunhap news
Second, the bright expressions of North Korean residents.
North Korea is a closed country, so there was a rumor that ‘North Korean residents are afraid of foreign tourists’, but that is not true at all.
Reporter Lee said, “North Korean residents looked at the guests from Russia with warm interest, smiled brightly and waved their hands.”
At the same time, the report said, “Residents were happy that foreign tourists were starting to come once more.”
He especially commented, “It is noteworthy that both adults and children willingly waved to visitors and were not camera shy.”
Thirdly, there are no armed guards.
Reporter Lee emphasized, “Of course, the North Korean authorities also keep a close eye on tourists. However, tourists travel under the guidance of a guide who can speak Russian,” adding, “There is no intervention by armed people in this process.”
However, it is still impossible for international travelers to go to stores or bars alone. However, it was said that entry is possible if like-minded people gather together and make a request to a guide.
He said, “I recommend local dark beer even to people who don’t like alcohol very much.”
‘Strict posture’ is required when taking background photos of the statue of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-un
Statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. yunhap news
The reporter who accompanied the group tourists also introduced special precautions to take when photographing the statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-un.
First of all, you need to take pictures from the front, not the side. Also, if you want to take a picture of yourself with the statue and the monument in the background, you must maintain a strict posture. Lastly, the body of the statue, including the arms and legs, must not be cut off in the photo. Otherwise, it is treated as ‘blasphemy’.
He said, “The only tourist attraction we mightn’t take pictures of was the top of the Tower of Juche Idea,” adding, “You can’t take pictures of the panoramic view of Pyongyang from here.”
He added, “Filming of workers, farmers, soldiers, and military facilities is also prohibited.”
The reporter concluded the article by saying, “This mysterious country, which has become accessible once more following several years, is still worth a visit despite some strict characteristics.”
The Russians who participated in this tour arrived in Pyongyang, toured Kim Il-sung Square, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Tower of Juche Ideas, and visited the Masikryong Ski Resort in Wonsan. The cost per person for a 4-day, 3-night tour is known to be $750 (regarding 1 million won).
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