The "hermit kingdom" of North Korea gives its closest allied nation Visa-free travel into their country that aids their tourism economy -- to the disappointment of Chinese tourists. Those who had gone on half-day trips into the isolated Southeast Asian kingdom said they experienced "discomforts" during their journey, photography restrictions and that the country needs more attractions direly as once high-demand tours have become neglected over time.
According to UPI, the major complaint of Chinese tourists was the lack of attractions. The conservative country has its amazing natural wonders such as the Changbai Mountains Chinese tourists may have encountered before entering the country.
The country's tourism economy mostly focuses on its cultural heritage and history such as the Kumsusan Memorial Palace and the American ship North Korean forces captured in 1968 named USS Pueblo. The lack of sports or physical activities unique only in North Korea -- combined with its many restrictions against certain actions -- has not engaged many visitors to return to the country.
The news website said that in July, North Korea sold a thousand tour packages to Chinese tourists. In less than two months, 16,000 Chinese tourists visited the country. However, the once 200-a-day average had gone down to only 90 visitors.
Despite the benefits international tourism could bring to North Korea, its ironclad approach to government sparks terror into would-be Western tourists. But still, some Western travelers brave the "hermit kingdom" -- exploring mysteries such as the supposedly luxury hotel "Ryugyong" in the country's capital of Pyongyang. According to Stuff, the luxury hotel was built in partnership with Egyptian investors 30 years ago and both parties have yet to resume or complete the structure.
North Korean travel restricts unauthorized photography and pilfering of North Korean propaganda material in hotels, shops and other areas. Otto Warmbier, an American tourist who stole propaganda, was sentenced for life in North Korea's mines -- indicating the harshness of minor offenses in the country. Authorities also restrict passage to some public areas of North Korea -- possibly to hide certain "blemishes" in cities not similar to its capital Pyongyang.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
