azza_333

Just thinking about it as I have been thinking I want to tour both North and South Korea in the near future.

Rowan

You're in the Australian Army and you are thinking of touring in North Korea? I don't think so.

mev

Here is the Australian Foreign Ministry page on North Korea: Democratic People's Republic of Korea | Travel advice | Smartraveller: The Australian Government's travel advisory and consular assistance service

Among other things, it says "Independent tourism is not permitted in the DPRK and travel within the country is severely restricted. Tourists are not permitted to drive, and international drivers’ licences are not recognised. Tourism is only permitted in groups organised by DPRK officials, or by approved travel agencies. Travel as part of a tour or with a guide offers no special protection from DPRK laws".

indyfabz

Since you are always asking for partners, maybe you should hit up Dennis Rodman, but I wouldn't bother asking Seth Rogen.

azza_333

Considering a few groups have gone around the country on motorbikes, I don't see an issue

rawklobster

I say go for it. Don't let fear keep you from exploring a country you wish to visit.

Also, seems the want tourists!

fietsbob

Can you even get an entry visa? & do you have to pay for the State Minder that will shadow you 24/7?

what will you do if declared a Spy if you take a picture?

You do realize the border/DMZ is the most Land Mined Place on the Planet?

Korean War did not end. It is just a long cease fire agreement holding for the moment

Tourist in MSN

I can't imagine a place I would rather avoid. At night you can't see because they do not have power for the lights. Are there restaurants? Can you buy food in stores, or is a ration card needed? Can you obtain a map, or are maps considered a state secret? If you brought in a GPS or any other electronic device, would you be arrested for spying?

Shimagnolo

You can also probably rule out Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

Machka 

I'm torn between two replies here:

1) The more sensible:

Have you talked to your commanding officers about this? What is their advice? Have you looked into what is required before you can enter North Korea? It is very doubtful that you could just cycle in, you'll most likely need a visa and possibly other documentation.


2) The tongue-in-cheek:

If you want to go ... go! Put your affairs in order, say good-bye to your loved-ones ... and if you make it back, be sure to tell us all about it.

Doug64

+1

If you actually complete it, you have certainly earned unique bragging rights

mdilthey

Bike Forums fame is it's own reward, but you'd probably also make international news.

mstateglfr 

I can say without hesitation or regret that I have never considered, much less thought, of visiting North Korea. I for sure haven't wanted to ride a bike around that hellhole.

mm718

Do it. Crazyguyonabike needs a "North Korea" category.

saddlesores

i hear the penalty for misspelling the (acronym) name of the country is
death by forced riding of fixie (pronounced "fee-shay") across the DZM.

RR3

Considered but mounting the SCAR 17S and spare mags on the bike proved problematical.

saddlesores

here's a suggestion/....

fthomas

If nothing else, but the obligatory hair cut from the Supreme Leader's barber gives rise to great concern.

RR3

But that burns dead dinosaurs and causes global warming. I go green.

saddlesores

sheesh!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6...118daa2c0b.jpg

alan s 

If there was a category called 4th world countries, North Korea would be in it. Definitely want to go with 26" wheels. Good luck!

DropBarFan

I haven't considered NK tour personally but did a little reading a few months ago about it, IIRC there were organized cycle tours available. Remember that, years ago, it was nearly unheard of "Westerners" to visit China also, now it's utterly common. Folks also cycle-tour in Cuba. North Korea is undoubtedly a poor country but could be an interesting experience. Might well be fairly safe with very low auto traffic. By contrast, I read an article about a German who rode nearly 'round the world but had his bike stolen in the UK just before completion.

spinnaker

I am always amazed at some of the -places were people want to travel. Hundreds of other wonderful civilized countries in the world and the OP wants to travel through NK. You have to wonder if some people have a death wish.

DropBarFan

How many tourists have been killed in DPRK? I read a blog about a cyclist who toured Zambia & Botswana on a $100 bike w/flip-flops. My initial thought was about crime & danger but I checked out Botswana crime stats & they were not excessive, roughly like US.

Bike tours in DPRK are usually shorter group tours but you can ride "independent" too though still with a guide & definite itinerary. If anything seems more bland than dangerous. I'd guess cost is fairly high too, esp since air/tour rates are not published that I see.

Chris L

Personally I wouldn't worry about North Korea until things change (dramatically). I did some research into that one last year, and while it's definitely possible (and probably a lot safer than a lot of people think), it still requires a lot of compromises. For me the thought of being watched by a government minder 24/7, being bombarded with Kim propaganda constantly and/or having my pictures deleted when I leave the country in case I took a picture of something sensitive is just seems like more trouble than it's worth. Oh, and the thought that one of my tour guides might be executed because of something I did isn't a pleasant one either. Oh, and it's also surprisingly expensive for westerners. Things might change in the future, but right now, there are too many other places that are just more appealing.

I did spend some time riding around South Korea last year, and my advice there is go for it. The countryside is beautiful, the people are friendly and some of the traditional villages have an ambiance all of their own. The food was a little too spicy for my taste, but maybe you'd enjoy that. Even so, there are plenty of other places to eat there.