Moscow - North Korea has opened its doors
to Russian tourists, issuing a licence for the first travel
agency in Moscow to promise clients "full immersion" in the
nation's culture and enjoyment "safer than an evening walk in
London".
NKOREAN.RU, a Russian company licensed by North Korea's
government, offers organised tours for groups of up to 10 people
or individuals "to show the travellers the multi-faceted life of
this most closed of countries".
Guests to North Korea must necessarily be "checked" before
their trip and will always be accompanied by a guide who will
monitor the "adequate behaviour of the tourist and guarantee his
safety." Pictures of strategic and military facilities are
banned and long talks with locals "are not recommended".
North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests and dozens of
missile tests since the beginning of last year, significantly
raising tension on the heavily militarised Korean peninsula and
in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Two tests of inter-continental ballistic missiles in July
triggered a new round of tougher global sanctions. Faced with
economic problems made harder by multiple sanctions, the
Pyongyang government is keen to develop tourism to earn cash.
The most pricey tour, 15 days "full immersion in the culture
of North Korea" costing 118,090 roubles ($1,997), includes
visits to a farm, a mineral water factory, a Buddhist temple,
walks in the mountains and an introduction to national cuisine.
Visits to numerous museums to founding leader Kim Il-Sung are
also on offer.
Other less demanding tours include relaxation on a beach, an
aviation show and even a beer festival.
It is unclear how popular these trips will be among Russians
who have already developed a fondness for visiting Europe and
the affordable resorts of Turkey and Thailand.
Source: Reuters