FAQ
When do I get my visa?
You must arrive in Dandong a minimum of 24 hours before leaving for North Korea. Our representative will meet you to take your passports before returning them with your visas the evening before departure.
Is North Korea safe?
North Korea is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. Our customers have had no problems with either crime, or the authorities. The only way you are likely to put yourself in any danger is by criticising the North Korean leaders or government. We urge you to respect your guide's views and wishes otherwise constant disrespect and criticism is likely to lead to deportation or even jail.
Do I have any freedom in North Korea?
Your government guides will be with you at all times of day and you are unable to venture off on your own. When back at the hotel you are free to spend time as you wish around the hotel and its grounds.
Do you cater to vegetarians?
Yes vegetarians are catered for. Please inform us of your dietary needs beforehand.
What are the 'Mass Games'?
The Mass Games or 'Arirang' is one of the greatest spectacles in the world. It is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest event of its kind on earth. There is a cast of more than 100,000 people including dancers, martial arts experts, a military tattoo acrobats and most awe inspiring of all the backdrop; an awe inspiring constantly changing human mosaic that displays panoramas, political slogans and cartoons. The Mass Games usually takes place from early August until the end of September.
What are the moral implications of visiting North Korea?
Some believe it is wrong to visit North Korea as your money is going direct to their government rather than into the hands of locals. However, others believe visiting the country can help benefit the people you meet by making them aware of the outside world. There isn't really a clear right or wrong answer to whether you should visit or not so we advise you to research the topic yourself and make your own decision.
I am American, how is my tour experience affected?
American tourists are required by the North Korean government to fly into the country from Beijing or Shenyang in China. We suggest that all american tourists book an independent tour instead of a group tour, as the group tour price cannot be guaranteed. Contrary to popular belief, American citizens may travel to North Korea at any time of the year currently.
How do I get to Dandong?
Overnight trains run daily from Beijing to Dandong and tickets are priced at around €10. The journey takes around 12 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Dandong's Airport, only a handful of flight arrive and depart the airport each day. You may fly to Dandong from either Beijing or Shanghai. We will help with your travel arrangements free of charge, if you would like. You may also fly into nearby airports, such as Shenyang and Dalian, and then go on a train or bus for about 3 hours to arrive in Dandong.
When do I need to be in Dandong?
You must be in Dandong at least 24 hours prior to your tour's departure. If you choose to fly from Shenyang, you must arrive before 10AM the day you are set to depart, although we strongly recommend that you get there the day before.
What can't I bring to North Korea?
You may not bring iPods or MP3 players, Cell Phones, USB Memory Cards, Korean money (North or South), Cameras with 500mm lens or higher, a laptop, or any political reading to North Korea due to government restrictions. Our staff provides a secure lockbox for these materials while you are visiting North Korea.
How much money should I bring to North Korea?
We suggest that tourists bring an additional 1000 RMB for souvenirs, although no additional money is required. In North Korea, Chinese RMB, US Dollars, and Euros are accepted.
You must arrive in Dandong a minimum of 24 hours before leaving for North Korea. Our representative will meet you to take your passports before returning them with your visas the evening before departure.
Is North Korea safe?
North Korea is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. Our customers have had no problems with either crime, or the authorities. The only way you are likely to put yourself in any danger is by criticising the North Korean leaders or government. We urge you to respect your guide's views and wishes otherwise constant disrespect and criticism is likely to lead to deportation or even jail.
Do I have any freedom in North Korea?
Your government guides will be with you at all times of day and you are unable to venture off on your own. When back at the hotel you are free to spend time as you wish around the hotel and its grounds.
Do you cater to vegetarians?
Yes vegetarians are catered for. Please inform us of your dietary needs beforehand.
What are the 'Mass Games'?
The Mass Games or 'Arirang' is one of the greatest spectacles in the world. It is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest event of its kind on earth. There is a cast of more than 100,000 people including dancers, martial arts experts, a military tattoo acrobats and most awe inspiring of all the backdrop; an awe inspiring constantly changing human mosaic that displays panoramas, political slogans and cartoons. The Mass Games usually takes place from early August until the end of September.
What are the moral implications of visiting North Korea?
Some believe it is wrong to visit North Korea as your money is going direct to their government rather than into the hands of locals. However, others believe visiting the country can help benefit the people you meet by making them aware of the outside world. There isn't really a clear right or wrong answer to whether you should visit or not so we advise you to research the topic yourself and make your own decision.
I am American, how is my tour experience affected?
American tourists are required by the North Korean government to fly into the country from Beijing or Shenyang in China. We suggest that all american tourists book an independent tour instead of a group tour, as the group tour price cannot be guaranteed. Contrary to popular belief, American citizens may travel to North Korea at any time of the year currently.
How do I get to Dandong?
Overnight trains run daily from Beijing to Dandong and tickets are priced at around €10. The journey takes around 12 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Dandong's Airport, only a handful of flight arrive and depart the airport each day. You may fly to Dandong from either Beijing or Shanghai. We will help with your travel arrangements free of charge, if you would like. You may also fly into nearby airports, such as Shenyang and Dalian, and then go on a train or bus for about 3 hours to arrive in Dandong.
When do I need to be in Dandong?
You must be in Dandong at least 24 hours prior to your tour's departure. If you choose to fly from Shenyang, you must arrive before 10AM the day you are set to depart, although we strongly recommend that you get there the day before.
What can't I bring to North Korea?
You may not bring iPods or MP3 players, Cell Phones, USB Memory Cards, Korean money (North or South), Cameras with 500mm lens or higher, a laptop, or any political reading to North Korea due to government restrictions. Our staff provides a secure lockbox for these materials while you are visiting North Korea.
How much money should I bring to North Korea?
We suggest that tourists bring an additional 1000 RMB for souvenirs, although no additional money is required. In North Korea, Chinese RMB, US Dollars, and Euros are accepted.
