Article

2012-04-02 China-Japan-Koreas

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Posted by gorb 2012-04-02 11:54|| || Front Page|| [5 views ] Top

#1 Tourists, an important source of protein.

Posted by Whiskey Mike 2012-04-02 12:44|| 2012-04-02 12:44|| Front Page Top

#2 To Serve ~~Dumbass Lefty Tourists~~ Man

Posted by Shimble Guelph5793 2012-04-02 14:02|| 2012-04-02 14:02|| Front Page Top

#3 pledging to make "every possible sincere efforts" to show visitors a good time.

Picturing the graffitti now: "For a good time and real food, call Mrs. Kim at...."

Mike

Posted by Mike Kozlowski 2012-04-02 15:00|| 2012-04-02 15:00|| Front Page Top

#4 Actually, tourists would be a good thing for NK. I don't mean the usual isolated dog & pony show for some leftist bigwig. I mean swarms of middle class tourists, obviously well fed, wearing warm colorful clothes from Walmart, carrying cheap cameras and cellphones, in herds to big to hide. Let the Norks see how the rest of the world lives. And realize the only thing standing between them and prosperity is their own government and that pudgy kid.

Posted by SteveS 2012-04-02 15:10|| 2012-04-02 15:10|| Front Page Top

#5 ...then I suspect they have a long way to go to compete with Bangkok.

Posted by Procopius2k 2012-04-02 15:11|| 2012-04-02 15:11|| Front Page Top

#6 >realize the only thing standing between them and prosperity is their own government and that pudgy kid

We know nothing of how the culture has been ruined by generations of marxism. It might not encourage the reciprocal, stoic & ability to delay gratification that builds wealthy countries.

Posted by Bright Pebbles 2012-04-02 16:03|| 2012-04-02 16:03|| Front Page Top

#7 I believe the Norks typically keep visitors on a very short leash and accompanied by official minders. Any deviation from the government approved path and itinerary would lead to immediate deportation. You would not be allowed to simply travel the countryside and talk to the average North Korean.

Only the official (and fed) party members would be allowed to even see any tourists in designated areas - never mind talk to them.

I think they also hold your passport while you are in the country.

I think I read about some guy getting in to see the big synchronized dance they put on.

Posted by CrazyFool 2012-04-02 16:24|| 2012-04-02 16:24|| Front Page Top

#8 There have been tours to North Korea for years now. There's an outfit in Beijing run by a European, Koryo Tours, that does tours to North Korea, and this includes Americans. Individual tours are available, you don't have to go with a group if you don't want.

Standard Independent tour itinerary
4 night tour, Sat - Wed/Thurs

Sat
AM: JS152 Flight Beijing-Pyongyang 11:30 departure, 14:25 arrival.

PM: Customs at Pyongyang airport, meet guides, Mansudae Grand Monument, Arch of Triumph, Fountain Park, transfer to hotel.
OVERNIGHT: Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

Sun
AM: Kumsusan Memorial Palace (Mausoleum of Kim Il Sung), Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetry

PM: Walk in Moranbong Hill, Kaeson Funfair, Mangyongdae Native House, Pyongyang Metro (2 stations), drive to Mt Myohyang
OVERNIGHT: Chongchon Hotel, Mt Myohyang

Mon
AM: International Friendship Exhibition (Hall of gifts to DPRK's leaders), Buddhist temple
PM: Return to Pyongyang, Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum (Korean War Museum), USS Pueblo
OVERNIGHT: Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

Tues
AM: Drive to Kaesong, Panmunjom/DMZ, Kaesong Koryo Museum
PM: Return to Pyongyang, Schoolchildren's Palace performance, Juche Tower, Monument to Party Foundation
OVERNIGHT: Sosan Hotel, Pyongyang

Weds
AM: Depart Pyongyang by train departure at 10:10 PM: Sinuiju (DPRK customs), Cross border into China, Dandong city and on through China
OVERNIGHT: On train

Thurs
AM: Arrive Beijing 08:34AM. End of tour.

Posted by gromky 2012-04-02 19:32|| 2012-04-02 19:32|| Front Page Top

#9 we still have an unfinished piece of business that G's itinerary reminds me of: blow up the USS Pueblo. Do it big and spectacular

Posted by Frank G 2012-04-02 19:44|| 2012-04-02 19:44|| Front Page Top

#10 AFAIK any foreign tourists must also give up their Cell Phones, Laptops, Notepads, + any other Net-capable, etc. Personal Communication goodies.

> No criticisms or observations allowed to leave the country.
> Also good iff Pyongyang decides to kidnap the Tourists like they did post-WW2 + Cold War Japanese, SOKORS.

Posted by JosephMendiola 2012-04-02 20:24|| 2012-04-02 20:24|| Front Page Top

23:29 SteveS
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