If you spend any time on our site, you’ll know that we always look on the bright side of life. As humans, we never asked to be born, but – hey ho – here we are. Your editor (and family) have been fortunate enough to be born and live in some rather desirable places, and that was only by sheer luck and smart parents. Of course, there are so many who haven’t been that fortunate. We often wonder what it is like in the places where the citizens have no or little choice (or maybe even desire) where they finally land. One of the most visible country on earth that fits the bill must surely be North Korea, a place where you essentially live forever, with, so it seems, fewer options.
To be sure, we are not criticizing North Korea nor the people who live there, but it would come as no surprise that the many who live there would also include many who don’t. People in North Korea face significant challenges and restrictions that make it difficult for them to leave the country. The North Korean government, under the leadership of the ruling Kim family, maintains strict control over its citizens and seeks to isolate the country from the outside world. So, right up front: now is not the time to visit North Korea, unless you have a legitimate reason. So, right up front: now is not the time to visit North Korea, unless you have a legitimate reason.
Sadly, the North Korean government employs an extensive network of informants to monitor the activities of its citizens. Expressing dissent or attempting to leave the country can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment, torture, or even execution. The fear of reprisals and the pervasive surveillance make it challenging for individuals to plan and execute escapes.
But, what happens if a “westerner” – in this case a South Korean – finds a way in and starts to explore as a South Korean would do. One can only imagine, but watch this very scenario unfold in front of your eyes. We wonder if all of us might come away with a different view. People are people.
For background: the park’s completion ceremony took place on 15 October 2013 and involved the chiefs of the armed forces along with top government officials. Premier of North KoreaPak Pong-ju delivered a speech saying that “The water park is the edifice built thanks to Korean People’s Army service personnel’s spirit of devotedly carrying out any project and their fighting traits as they are ready to flatten even a high mountain at a go in hearty response to the order of the supreme commander. * Watch the video below.
Content denoted by this asterisk * is courtesy of Wikipedia / Wikimedia
North Korean is not short on featuring stunning scenery – but not right now.
Korean Air fly, but only to South Korea at this point in time. Click here to look and book for flights.