Travel and Visa Requirements for North Korean

• A valid international travel passport
• A completed visa application form
• The applicable visa fee
• Evidence of permission to enter the destination country
• A photocopy of your passport data page
• Financial proof — an original bank statement
• A letter of invitation, where one is required

Exact requirements vary by destination and visa type — always confirm what your destination needs before you apply.

North Korea has its capital in Pyongyang and this is also the Largest city in the country. The best time to visit North Korea is usually during the spring or autumn, here the days are normally mild and clear.

The weather and climate in North Korea is continental and is relatively humid, and it experiences warm summers and cold dry winters, the seasons in North Korea is divided into 4 distinct periods; summer in North Korea is hot but usually rainy and lasts from June to September; Autumn starts from October and lasts till November and is the transition from the hot and rainy summer to the cold dry winters and this winter starts from December and last up to April; then the spring usually starts from Mid-April and lasts till Mid-May.

The culture of North is based on the traditional Korean culture, but since the establishment of the Juche ideology and the establishment of the Democratic people's republic in 1948 and this asserts the distinctiveness,creativity and the productive powers of the working masses in the country.

Genuine religious freedom does not really exist in North Korea, and the religion in North Korea is mainly of Buddhism, Confucianism and some minority also practise syncretic Chondogyo and Korean shamanism. The North Korea is a very homogeneous society and normally boast of its population being 99.9% ethnically Korean.

Although some of the dishes in North Korea are prepared in South Korea and it shares some of its dishes with this neighbouring country, they tend to differ in taste, flavour and composition. Some staple food in North Korea are rice dishes and kimchi. Food in North Korea Originated from ancient agricultural and nomadic traditions in southern Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula.

Language spoken in North Korea is Korean, but it has greatly differs from the language in South Korea due to the amount of time of desperation between the countries.

Movement in Korea is restricted to both its citizens and tourists, these restrictions are imposed by government and economic problems in the country. Travelling to North Korea is controlled and the standard route used to travel to and from North Korea is controlled and is usually by plane or train through Beijing.

There are not many festivals celebrated in North Korea apart from the Mass Games May through October and the Spring Dragon Boat Festival, other celebrations and holidays are held to mark the birthdays of former North Korean leaders like Kim Il Sung and Kim Jung-Il.

There are many attractions in North Korea for tourist to visit and some of these include:

• USS Pueblo, Pyongyang - This is a US navy ship that was seized by the Korean government in 1968, the ship was said to have been captured on Korean waters although the US insists that it was seized on international waters. This ship was transported to Taeodong River in Pyongyang and is used as a museum for tourists and visitors.

• Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang - Located in the city of Pyongyang, this structure was built as a tribute to Korea's triumph and resistance to Japan. Kumsusan Memorial Palace, Pyongyang - Also known as the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, this was home to the head of states until the death of Kim Il-sung, it is located northeast of the Pyongyang city.

• Paektu Mountain, Changbai Range - This is an active volcano and is also the highest mountain of the Changbai range. And also located at the top of the crater is a lake known as the heaven lake, other attractions includes waterfalls, Cairns, and hot water springs.

• North Korea Peace Museum, Panmunjeom - This is located near the Joint Security Area in the demilitarized zone, this museum is used to showcase the weapons used to murder US soldiers.

There are over 50 high classed hotels in North Korea that will surely leave you satisfied and relaxed. One interesting fact about North Korea is that they have their own computer operating system, they use “Red Star OS,” which is offered in only the Korean language.