North Korea (DPRK)

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), or North Korea, was officially founded in 1948 after separate governments were formed on the Korean Peninsular in the aftermath of World War II. North Korea aligned itself with the Soviet Union, whilst the southern part of the peninsula, now known as South Korea, or often just Korea, became a capitalist state aligned with the United States.

Much of the recent history of North Korea is defined by the Korean War of 1950-53, which is considered the first proxy war between the capitalist west and the communist east. This conflict was devastating to the entire peninsula and ended with an armistice agreement in 1953. There however has been no formal signing of an agreement ending the Korean War.

North Korea, since the end of the war, has been ruled by the Kim family, with Kim Il Sung considered to be the founder of the nation and the eternal president. The current leader of North Korea is Kim Jong Un, who is the son of the previous leader Kim Jong Il, and the grandson of Kim Il Sung. The ruling party is the Korean Workers' Party, and the official state ideology is called the "Juche" which maintains that “man is the master of his own destiny” and pushes ideas of “self-reliance”, “autonomy” and “independence”.

The capital and largest city of North Korea is Pyongyang, which is marked with grand boulevards, futuristic architecture and grand monuments, making it an amazing city to visit. The Taedong River runs through the centre of the city splitting it into north and south.

North Korea has remained closed since the beginning of Covid (as in the very beginning - like, before most people even knew Covid existed!), however there are rumours that the country is beginning to reopen and that foreign tourists will be allowed soon.

Anyone that chooses to come to North Korea will be able to experience an amazing country that has much more to offer than what is presented in western media. From the beautiful scenery of the national parks (such as Kumgangsan), the untouched splendour of the eastern coastline, the incredible mountains complete with ski resorts, and the totally unique, monument-laden capital of Pyongyang, it will be sure to be one of the most interesting places you will have ever been. It is natural to be curious about a country that has been so closed off like North Korea, so we believe the best way to understand it is to visit the it yourself.

North Korea offers a rare insight into a socialist society that has maintained a unique way of life very different to that of its southern neighbour and for better of worse, truly is like no place on earth.