We all know South Korea is famous for its K-Pop stars and K-Drama series. But what about its neighbor North Korea, also known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)? Unfortunately, North Korea is entirely different from South Korea. Ever since the Korean War ended in 1953, North Korea and South Korea have both claimed that they are the legitimate government of the Korean peninsula. They have maintained strained relations, only allowing limited interactions between citizens of the two Koreas. However, North Korea’s disputes are not just limited to South Korea; they often clash with western countries like the United States. As a result, tourists tend to not choose North Korea as a vacation destination due to their own countries warning them to stay away from this isolated land.
In the United States, there is a travel ban preventing US citizens from going to North Korea. In December 2016, a young US citizen named Otto Warmbier went to North Korea as part of a tour group and was taken into North Korean custody for supposedly trying to steal a propaganda poster. He was later released by the government and was taken back to the US in a coma. Tragically, he passed away due to the effects of brutal interrogation and torture. In September 2017, the Secretary of State at the time, Rex Tillerson, invalidated all US passports for travel to and from North Korea, except for those with a special passport validation issued by the US Department of State. This travel ban has been extended twice and is ending in August 2024. If one checks the site where the US Department of State issues its travel advisory warnings, it shows a Level 4 Do Not Travel warning for North Korea. The US also advises those who get the special validation to prepare a will, given the potential risks associated with visiting North Korea.
Although many heed this warning, some do not. There have been at least 17 individuals, potentially hundreds more, abducted from Japan by North Korean agents. One of these victims, Hitomi Soga, later became the wife of Charles Robert Jenkins, a US soldier who defected to North Korea. There have also been several cases of people defecting to North Korea, including a recent case this July. Travis King, a US soldier, defected to North Korea due to his anger at the racism in the US military. A few days ago, North Korea expelled him and returned him to US custody without any known injuries. In 2014, Matthew Miller intentionally ripped up his tourist visa to get arrested and experience prison life in North Korea. He later reported, after his release, that he was subjected to isolation and worked in the fields for eight hours during his detainment period.
We can infer from the experiences of these individuals that it is important to be cautious when traveling anywhere, not only North Korea. As I say, have fun, but stay safe as well!