For most of the Chinese, the North Korea is a "familiar but strange" neighbor, we are so close, yet so mysterious. The first Chinese tourist group arrived at Pyongyang's Soonsan Airport safely, on 12, April, 2010. Neven been before, there was many rumors and hearsays, for example, in DPRK (North Korea) no access to Internet, taking photo limited (well, I admit asians like taking photo), and even no cell phone signal. But when you there, you can find large green gardens, people are kind and very positive. In Pyongyang there is even a casino, but for american peers, maybe they are more difficult to get a visa and visit there lol.
That is the legendary 38 line, between north and south korean.
Propaganda slogan in DPRK, like those also in China in late 1970s.
The first group left Beijing for North Korea, mainly elder veterans and middle-aged + people, they visited Pyongyang, Kaesong, Myohyang-san, etc. and even have the opportunity to visit the military demarcation line. The most significant feature of this tour maybe the JUCHE TOWER, where the body of King Il Sung is placed, and his former residence in Mangyongdae, and a friendship tower China-North Korea. A 71-year-old Cantonese visitor, Uncle Gao, exclamed "At least I have been here, I was longing for years to see what the same socialist country North Korea is like." All the group visitors were chatting about the hearsays of the mysterious nation.
Though China and North Korea have signed an agreement of tourism recently, but backpackers are still forbidden whereas you must go with an authorized travel agency.
The elder people used to have a special sensation towards DPRK, due to the partnership in the hard days of Korean War, when Chinese and North Korean troops defeated the US jointly.
So once the new agreement is signed, the first day, 395 visitors from over 10 provinces have hurrily payed for the tour, and begin to prepare for their first journey. Especially during the long vacation of 5.1 Labour Day.
About the price, well it is reported to be vastly diversed, depend on the travel agency. An operator said that due to the new launch of the itinerary, the price is relatively high, "double-fly 4 days package" is USD$ 700, "double-train 6 days", is about USD$ 500. This does not include the tips and the go and back to Beijing.
DPRK is usually proud of its "3000 miles landscape", with rich natural resources, but many Chinese' main interest is upon the politics and society views. A 4-day trip may contains mainly Pyongyang, Kaesong City, Myohyang-san, and Wanshoutai Grand Monument, Chollima bronze statue, the Arc de Triomphe (yes, the DPRK version), Kim Il Sung Square (distorted by so many western reportage), sino-korean friendship tower, international friendship exhibitions, Kaesong Koryo Museum and other attractions.
Well look at some photos, wish you like it
A DPRK casino.
Bybing Noodle
No comments:
Post a Comment