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More articles by 'Gareth Johnson'
From Kim Jong Il’s jokes to cold noodles: The best books for sale in North Korea
Propaganda predominates at Pyongyang’s foreign language bookstore, but some works offer a revealing look at the country
January 24, 2023
What China’s reopening means for North Korea’s shuttered tourism industry
Pyongyang likely waiting to see how situation unfolds next door before making a decision on its own border controls
January 5, 2023
How Kim Jong Il’s death threw the North Korea tourism industry into flux
Even local guides didn’t seem to know what would happen as the country mourned leader’s passing 11 years ago this month
December 21, 2022
What the future holds for North Korea tourism after the pandemic
China’s COVID situation will affect the timing of any reopening, and the DPRK is sure to take steps to minimize risk
February 15, 2022
Christmas in Pyongyang: How devout tourists can worship in North Korea
Visitors are not banned from attending church services or carrying a Bible, but proselytizing is strictly off-limits
December 27, 2021
Train to Pyongyang: The joys of traveling by rail in North Korea
Outdated infrastructure means travel is slow, but trains offer a unique chance to see the country and meet real Koreans
November 15, 2021
Deep dive in the DPRK: A Danish globetrotter’s unlikely scuba adventure
Despite logistical challenges, the successful trip showed the creative possibilities of North Korea tourism
October 29, 2021
Combining travel and education on a North Korea study tour
Studying Korean allows guests to stay in Pyongyang for a month, just long enough to get a feel for everyday life
October 15, 2021
Fasten your seatbelt: Traveling in Soviet chic on North Korea’s domestic flights
Low demand and an aging fleet mean passengers can expect a unique trip but bumpy ride
October 6, 2021
Bottoms up! The culture of drinking in North Korea
DPRK beverages outshine their South Korean equivalents, and sharing a drink is a great way for tourists to meet locals
September 10, 2021
