Publisher Description

This new edition of Bradt's North Korea has been completely written from scratch and remains the only standalone guide to what is often regarded as the world's most secretive state, a place never far from media scrutiny but about which very little is actually known in the wider world. Detailed is everything you need to know for a successful visit, from the practicalities of how to get there and who to go with to cultural sensitivities and etiquette, safety, money and travelling around. Amongst the places covered are the supra-centrally planned showcase capital of Pyongyang; Panmunjom, where North meets South face-to-face inside the 4km-wide DMZ - the dividing line between two nations and one people; Kumgansan Tourist Resort, the chiefly South Korean-built resort offering fantastic hikes; and Paektusan, the highest peak in all of Korea and Manchuria. For the intrepid and open-minded traveller North Korea is a truly mesmerising destination with a rich past and fascinating contemporary history. Visitors today are immersing themselves in an unrivalled experience in what is seemingly the last country in the world not to have submitted to globalisation, the last country still clinging on to the 20th century experiment in communism that for all others crumbled away shortly after the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Outside of the showcase socialist paradise of Pyongyang, visitors will find stunning natural scenery, from beautiful coastline and beaches to spectacular mountains, such as legendary Paektusan. Whilst many hold the ill-conceived notion that a visit to North Korea may not be safe, the reality is that visitors are warmly welcomed and still considered more as 'guests of the state' than as mere tourists. Written by expert author Henry Marr, who first visited North Korea in 2005 and has since been back more than twenty times, Bradt's North Korea is an indispensable guide to understanding and getting to know one of the world's most curious destinations.

Author Biography

Henry Marr's love affair with travel to the more unusual parts of Asia began at the age of 18, when he spent a month mountaineering in Kazakhstan. After a summer living in Tbilisi, his next adventure culminated with him spending two years in Ulaanbaatar, where his next-door neighbour was Mongolia's first (and only) cosmonaut. Seeking employment Henry returned to the UK and now lives outside London, where he satisfies his wanderlust by planning, promoting and escorting tours to niche destinations such as Abkhazia, Nagorno Karabagh and, of course, his true forte, North Korea.

Table of Contents

PART 1GENERAL INFORMATIONChapter 1 Background InformationGeography, Climate, Natural history & conservation, History, Government & politics, Economy, People & culture, Language, Education, Religion, Art & architecture.Chapter 2 Practical InformationWhen to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Gay & lesbian travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating & drinking, Public holidays & festivals, Shopping, Arts & entertainment, Photography, Media & communications, Business, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positivelyPART 2 THE GUIDEChapter 3 PyongyangHistory, getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Orientation, What to see, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Sports & activities, Other practicalitiesChapter 4North Hwanghae & KaesongSariwon, Kaesong, Panmunjom & the DMZChapter 5South HwanghaeHaeju, Sinchon, Mt. KuwolChapter 6South PyonganNampo, Pyongsong, Anju, HoechangChapter 7North PyonganMt Myohyang, Sinuiju, TongrimChapter 8ChagangHuichonChapter 9Kangwon & KumgangsanMasikryong, Wonsan, Mt. KumgangChapter 10South HamgyongHamhung, Hungnam, Pujon,Chapter 11RyanggangSamjiyon, Mt. Paekdu, Pochon, TaehongdanChapter 12North HamgyongChongjin, Mt. Chilbo, Orang & Kyongsong, HoeryongChapter 13RasonRasonAppendicesLanguageFurther infoBooks / websites etc.Index

Review

'Currently unbeatable.'Wanderlust'The pick of the guidebooks.'The Observer

Promotional

.The only standalone guide to this secretive state.Covers in detail all the practicalities for a successful visit.Ideal for budget, group, cultural, special-interest and armchair travellers.Expert author: Henry Marr first visited Korea in 2005 and has since returned more than 20 times.Includes coverage of Pyongyang, Panmunjom, Kumgansan Tourist Resort, and Paektusan, the highest peak in all of Korea and Manchuria

Long Description

This new edition of Bradt's North Korea has been completely written from scratch and remains the only standalone guide to what is often regarded as the world's most secretive state, a place never far from media scrutiny but about which very little is actually known in the wider world. Detailed is everything you need to know for a successful visit, from the practicalities of how to get there and who to go with to cultural sensitivities and etiquette, safety, money and travelling around. Amongst the places covered are the supra-centrally planned showcase capital of Pyongyang; Panmunjom, where North meets South face-to-face inside the 4km-wide DMZ - the dividing line between two nations and one people; Mount Kumgang, the chiefly South Korean-built resort offering fantastic hikes; and Mount Paektu, the highest peak in all of Korea and Manchuria.For the intrepid and open-minded traveller North Korea is a truly mesmerising destination with a rich past and fascinating contemporary history. Visitors today are immersing themselves in an unrivalled experience in what is seemingly the last country in the world not to have submitted to globalisation, the last country still clinging on to the 20th-century experiment in communism that for all others crumbled away shortly after the collapse of the Berlin Wall.Outside of the showcase socialist paradise of Pyongyang, visitors will find stunning natural scenery, from beautiful coastline and beaches to spectacular mountains, such as legendary Mount Paektu. Whilst many hold the ill-conceived notion that a visit to North Korea may not be safe, the reality is that visitors are warmly welcomed and still considered more as 'guests of the state' than as mere tourists.Written by expert author Henry Marr, who first visited North Korea in 2005 and has since been back more than 20 times, Bradt's North Korea is an indispensable guide to understanding and getting to know one of the world's most curious destinations.

Review Quote

'Currently unbeatable.'Wanderlust'The pick of the guidebooks.'The Observer

Description for Sales People

. The only standalone guide to this secretive state. Covers in detail all the practicalities for a successful visit. Ideal for budget, group, cultural, special-interest and armchair travellers. Expert author: Henry Marr first visited Korea in 2005 and has since returned more than 20 times. Includes coverage of Pyongyang, Panmunjom, Kumgansan Tourist Resort, and Paektusan, the highest peak in all of Korea and Manchuria

Details