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North Korea

North Korea (Korean: 조선 Chosŏn), officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea or DPRK (조선민주주의인민공화국, Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk) is the world's most isolated country and has usually been referred to as the "Hermit Kingdom". It's located in East Asia on the Korean Peninsula, which has been divided between North and South Korea since the 1950s.

One of the few remaining communist states in the world and the last frontier of the Cold War, North Korean society is dominated and run by a very strict, controlling, and totalitarian government that maintains a very tight grip over its people. The government is in firm control of just about everything in the country. For example, they own the country's factories, farms, enterprises, and even all the automobiles driven by its citizens.

Tourists may only travel to North Korea as part of a guided tour and they can expect to be under constant supervision and monitoring by the authorities. About 5,000 Western tourists visit North Korea every year. Most complete the journey safely, so long as they follow their ever-present guides. Incidents have occurred, and when they do, due process is hard to come by. The most likely consequence of any trouble with the authorities is a period of detention before deportation.

If the idea of accepting strict limitations on your freedom of expression, movement and behaviour, or the risk of arbitrary, indefinite detention seems unsettling to you, it is recommended that you do not travel to North Korea.

Cities

 * (평양) — the capital city and the former capital of Goguryeo during the Three Kingdoms period
 * (청진) — Industrial city in the North East, very rarely visited by tourists
 * (함흥) — Northern city, also rarely on official travel itineraries
 * (개천) — home of the Songam Cavern
 * (개성) — former capital during the Goryeo dynasty
 * (남포) — industrial centre and port on the western coast
 * (라선) — Free trade zone on the Russian border, complete with casino
 * (신의주) — bleak industrial city right on the border with China. Probably the easiest ways to look into the country from the outside
 * (원산) — East coast port city slowly opening to tourists, and it has the first ski resort in the country

Other destinations

 * (금강산) — the scenic Diamond Mountain
 * (묘향산) — this Mysterious Fragrant Mountain is one of the North's best hiking spots
 * (백두산) — the tallest mountain in Korea and the Kim dynasty's mythical birthplace
 * (판문점) — the last outpost of the Cold War in the DMZ between South and North

Prehistory and founding of a nation
Archaeological finds of prehistoric toolmaking on the Korean Peninsula date back to 70,000 BC with the first pottery found around 8000 BC. Comb-pattern pottery culture peaked around 3500-2000 BC.

Legend has it that Korea began with the founding of Gojoseon (also called Ancient Chosun) by the legendary Dangun in 2333 BC. Archeological and contemporaneous written records of Gojoseon as a kingdom date back to around 7th-4th century BC. Gojoseon was eventually defeated by the Chinese Han Dynasty in 108 BC and its territories were governed by four Chinese commanderies, but this did not last long. Natives of the peninsula and Manchuria soon reclaimed the territory, namely the Three Kingdoms of Korea, Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje. The Goguryeo Kingdom (or Koguryo) ruled the entire area of modern North Korea, as well as parts of Manchuria and the northern parts of modern South Korea. Buddhist and Confucian teachings were prominent in the Goguryeo Kingdom, which adopted Buddhism as the state religion in 372. Despite repeated attempts by China, namely the Sui Dynasty and later the Tang Dynasty, to conquer the Korean Peninsula, northern-based Goguryeo managed to repel them. Eventually, Goguryeo fell to a Silla-Tang alliance, which had earlier defeated Baekje. This unified Korea under the Silla dynasty. Even though Tang later invaded, Silla forces managed to drive them out, thus maintaining Korea's independence.

Unified Silla was replaced by the Goryeo (also called Koryo) dynasty, from which the modern name "Korea" derives. One highlight of the Goryeo dynasty was that in 1234 the world's first metal movable type was invented by a Korean named Choe Yun-ui (200 years before Gutenberg's printing press).

Buddhist learning spread during this time and the former Baekje and Goguryeo leaders were treated well. The kingdom saw relative peace until the 8th and 9th centuries when clan leaders led uprisings and toppled the Silla, establishing the Goryeo Dynasty from which the name "Korea" was derived by Westerners. During this period, the nation suffered Mongol invasions, which led to unrest and the eventual establishment of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392.

Joseon Dynasty
The Joseon Dynasty was one of the longest-running dynasties in the world (512 years), ruling from 1392 until 1910. King Sejong the Great's rule was especially celebrated, as he helped create the Korean script, choson'gul, which allowed even the commoners to become literate. He also expanded the nation's military power to drive out Japanese pirates and northern nomads and regain territories that had been lost. The Japanese invaded Korea under the leadership of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, though the Joseon Dynasty managed to drive them out with the support of China's Ming Dynasty, albeit with heavy losses in the Korean peninsula. In spite of its losses, the nation experienced about 200 years of peace, and its isolationist policies allowed it to further develop a uniquely Korean culture and identity.

Rapid modernisation stirred by the Second Industrial Revolution created tension between China and Japan as they felt the pressures of Western expansionism, each wanting to extend their influence over Korea. Ensuing wars between Japan, China and Russia led to increasing Japanese influence over the peninsula, resulting in Korea's status as a vassal state of Imperial China ending in 1895, and Japan annexing Korea outright in 1910, marking the end of the Joseon dynasty and Korean independence.

Japanese occupation and a divided Korea
Japan ruled the Korea as a colony until its defeat in World War II in 1945. During that period, the Japanese committed numerous atrocities including massacres, and forced many Korean women to become "comfort women", sex slaves in Japanese military brothels. Moreover, Japan instituted a cultural assimilation policy, forcing the Koreans to adopt Japanese names, and forbidding them from speaking the Korean language.

Japan was forced to give up control of all its colonies after is defeat in World War II in 1945, and the Allied Powers divided Korea along the 38th Parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the northern half and the United States occupying the southern half. The divide was supposed to be temporary; however, the political power struggle between the two nations to gain influence over the unified Korea led each to establish governments within their newly created territories. North Korea was established as its own nation in 1948 with the support of the Soviet Union, following the Soviet communist model, with Kim Il-Sung as its leader, while at about the same time, Syngman Rhee established a capitalist regime with the support of the United States in the south.

Agitation between the North and South came to a head in 1950 when the North started the Korean War by attempting to reunify the country under its terms by launching an invasion. The Soviet Union and China fought alongside the North against the South, who were in turn backed by the United Nations (UN) forces led by the United States. The UN forces drove the North Korean forces all the way up to the Chinese border, whereupon Chinese reinforcements forced the UN forces to be driven back south. The war finally resulted in the signing of an armistice in 1953, largely maintaining the original borders set prior to the war. Because no peace treaty has been signed since the armistice, the nations of South Korea and North Korea are officially still at war.

Modern North Korea

With the nation in shambles after the war, Kim Il-Sung launched a campaign to unite the people by defaming the United States with Soviet support and purging the nation of dissidents and anyone thought to oppose him. He sided with China during the Sino-Soviet split on Communist philosophy because he disliked Khrushchev's reforms but began to praise the Soviet Union once again when China underwent its Cultural Revolution, straining relations with both neighbors. Consequently, he developed his own ideology, Juche ("self-reliance"), to create the sort of Communism he wanted for his nation. Throughout his life, Kim Il-Sung added to and clarified the Juche ideology in order to justify his governing decisions.

The Korean War not only divided the people, but it also divided the labor force. When the peninsula was united, North Korea had most of the nation's industries while South Korea was the agricultural center. This divide allowed North Korea to initially bounce back faster than the South in the rebuilding process. The Soviet Union then funded agricultural efforts in the North, in accordance with the Communist model. This system began to unravel in the late 1970s and 1980s as the Soviet system began to falter. With the end of Soviet aid following its dissolution in 1991, there was no way to continue to support the agricultural systems' needs for fuel, fertilizer and equipment. After so many years of government mismanagement, and the bad timing of severe flooding, the North's agricultural system collapsed in the mid-1990s, leading to widespread famine and death for countless North Koreans. The death of Kim Il-Sung in 1994 took place while the nation tried to deal with the crisis, slowing government response as the new leader, Kim Jong-Il, took his father's position.

The North finally allowed international relief agencies to assist, and the worst aspects of the famine were contained. However, the DPRK continues to rely heavily on international food aid to feed its population while at the same time continuing to expend resources on its songun, or "military first", policy, which Kim Jong-Il introduced and used in conjunction with his father's Juche ideology (which he "interpreted").

Today the DPRK maintains an army of about 1 million infantrymen, most stationed close to the DMZ which divides the two Koreas. North Korea's long-range missile development and research into nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and massive conventional armed forces are of major concern to the international community. In December 2002, Kim Jong-Il reneged on a 1994 "Agreed Framework" signed by his father which required the shut down of its nuclear reactors, expelling UN monitors and further raising fears that the nation would produce nuclear weapons. Missile testing was conducted in 1998, 2006 and April 2009. In October 2006 North Korea announced that it had conducted its first nuclear test. These actions have led to UN and other international sanctions.

Current negotiations, most notably the "Six-Party Talks" involving China, Russia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and the United States, are aimed at bringing about an end to the DPRK nuclear weapons program, in hopes that a peace treaty to officially end the Korean War may finally be agreed upon, paving the way for the opening of diplomatic ties between North Korea and the United States. Unfortunately, in March 2010, a South Korean ship was sunk near the 38th parallel, increasing tensions between North and South Korea. Although North Korea claims not to have attacked the ship, the blame has largely been placed on North Korea.

The death of Kim Jong-Il in late 2011 created a measure of uncertainty during the transfer of power to his son Kim Jong-Un; though the country has appeared to have stabilized since, considerable tensions have occurred intermittently.

Government and politics
North Korea is a totalitarian dictatorship. The government is led by the State Affairs Commission (SAC), which sets national policy and is directly responsible for the military. The supreme leader (Kim Jong-un) is chairman of the SAC, as well as head of the Workers' Party of Korea and several other positions. Atop the administrative branch of the government is the cabinet, which is headed by the premier (like a prime minister).

The cabinet is appointed by the unicameral Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) which heads the legislative branch, although bills are drafted by the Party and the almost 700-person SPA almost always passes them without debate or modification. Moreover, it's in recess all but a few days a year, leaving most authority in the hands of the 15-person Presidium. The judiciary is headed by the Supreme Court, whose three justices are elected, partisan, and accountable to the SPA. The judiciary is not independent and does not have the power to overrule the legislative or executive branches of government, and interference from security forces is a widespread problem.

Despite North Korea's isolation from the rest of the world and its label as the "Hermit Kingdom", it maintains diplomatic relations with 160-170 countries around the globe and is a member of several international organisations, including the World Health Organization. North Korea has cordial relations with its neighbours Russia (the first country to recognise North Korea) and China and several African and Asian nations, and has incredibly tense relations with the United States, Japan, and the European Union.

People
North Korea may be the most ethnically homogeneous nation on earth, with everyone being Korean save for a few hundred foreigners. These foreigners are mostly diplomatic or aid agency workers, along with a small population of Japanese who have Korean ancestry. Almost no South Koreans live in North Korea.

North Korean society is strongly divided and organised along a caste system known as Songbun. Membership of one of three main groups is determined not only by an individual's political, social and economic background, but also that of their family for the previous three generations. Education and professional opportunities are effectively defined by an individual's class.

Climate
The climate is generally classed as continental, with rainfall concentrated in summer. Summer months are warm, but winter temperatures can fall as low as -30°C. Late spring droughts are often followed by severe flooding. There are occasional typhoons during the early autumn.

Terrain
Mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow valleys; coastal plains are wide in the west and discontinuous in the east. The mountainous interior is both isolated and sparsely populated.

Read
The Accusation, by Bandi. A collection of short stories, published abroad by a pseudonymous North Korean writer, that are highly critical of the Kim regime and full of piercing insight into its contradictions and cruelties. Uniquely among North Korean dissident literature, they were published with their author still living in the country.

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea, Barbara Demick. An excellent book recounting the lives of six North Koreans who managed to defect and find their way to South Korea. Provides a compelling picture of the miseries and occasional beauty in the lives of ordinary North Koreans during the famine of the 1990s. ISBN 0385523912

Eyes of the Tailless Animals: Prison Memoirs of a North Korean Woman, by Soon Ok Lee. First-hand accounts of the prison system within North Korea.

Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West, by Blaine Harden. The riveting story of Shin Dong-hyuk, one of the only known surviving escapees of a North Korean prison camp, and his perilous journey out of the country.

Without You There Is No Us, by Suki Kim. A fascinating piece of investigative journalism about teaching English as a foreigner in Pyongyang.

Visitor information
The Korean Friendship Association provides North Korean-related material, including tourism tips.

Talk

The official language is Korean. North Koreans are quite picky about referring to Korean as chosŏn-mal (조선말), not hangugeo (both mean "Korean language", but the names of Korea refer to different historic periods). The language is rather drastically different from any Western language in its grammar, and while the language isn't tonal, its pronunciation is rather difficult for the English speaker to get right. It has various dialects; standard North Korean (문화어 munhwaŏ) is ostensibly based on the Pyong'an dialect spoken in Pyongyang, but in reality is still deeply rooted in the Seoul dialect which was the standard before Korea was split.

The Korean writing system is deceptively simple. Although it looks at first glance to be as complex as Chinese or Japanese, it is a unique and simple alphabetic writing system called chosŏn'gŭl by North Koreans, and hangul (한글 hangeul) by the rest of the world, where letters are stacked up into blocks that represent syllables. It was designed by a committee and looks like simple lines, boxes and little circles, but it is remarkably consistent, logical and quick to pick up. A document from 1446 describing hangul said that "A wise man can acquaint himself with them before the morning is over; a stupid man can learn them in the space of ten days."

Essentially all sources for learning Korean abroad will teach South Korean, which does have slightly different usage: some letters have different names, the sorting order is different, and there are some minor differences in pronunciation and spelling.

North Korea completely abolished Chinese hanja characters in the late 1940s and uses the chosŏn'gŭl alphabet exclusively.

North Korea uses its own unique system for romanization of Korean, which is mostly similar to the older McCune–Reischauer system. In South Korea and the rest of the world, Revised Romanization is more common.

Most guides will speak fairly decent English (some better than others) and will translate for you. Some guides can also speak Mandarin, German, Russian, Japanese and Spanish.

There is no law preventing citizens of the DPRK from interacting with tourists, although locals are often discouraged from speaking with foreigners and language can prove to be an additional barrier. A visit to the DPRK around their holidays may give you more of a chance to interact with the locals.

North Korea has its own sign language, which is not mutually intelligible with Korean Sign Language as used in South Korea; it's unclear if it's related to any other sign languages, or how widespread it is.

Get in
North Korean entry requirements are perplexing and change frequently without prior warning.

After several years of complete closure due to COVID-19, the first international tourist group landed in North Korea in February 2024.

Due to longstanding international sanctions and tensions in the Korean peninsula, you can only enter North Korea from either China or Russia. Generally speaking, most people fly or take the train from Beijing.

Visas
Everyone needs a visa to visit North Korea. Tourists typically arrange a tourist visa by booking a tour with a travel agency that organises such tours. The travel agencies will usually deal with the visa on their behalf, although in some cases tourists are required to have a short telephone interview with the North Korean embassy to verify their identity and their job. In most cases, the interview is conducted in a friendly manner so it is nothing to be worried about. Visas are often only confirmed on the day before the tour, but rarely will a tourist ever be rejected unless you show that you are of political status or a journalist.

North Korean tourist visas are often issued on a tourist card. If joining a tour group, group visas are often issued on separate sheets of paper containing all the members of the group, attached with a tourist card that bears the name of the tour leader. This visa itself is never held by the tourists, although tourists can ask to take a photo of their visa. In any case, no stamp will be placed in the passport. The only way where a visa and entrance stamp will be stamped on the passport is when the visa is issued within a North Korean embassy in Europe.

Additional restrictions
Journalists or those suspected of being journalists require special permission, which is quite difficult to obtain. North Korea does not allow journalists to visit on a tourist visa.

Citizens of Malaysia were being prevented from leaving North Korea after the March 2017 assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, where Malaysia wanted several North Korean diplomats and nationals for questioning. While restrictions for Malaysians leaving North Korea have now been lifted, the era of visa-free travel between these once relatively 'friendly' countries is over.

Citizens of South Korea are not permitted to enter North Korea unless they have permission from the governments of both the North, for entry, and the South from the Ministry of Unification (통일부). South Korean citizens may face a lengthy prison sentence under the National Security Act (국가보안법) on their return if they do not obtain permission beforehand. South Korean citizens travelling to North Korea on a passport from a different country still risk prosecution.

Contrary to rumour, Israelis and Jewish citizens of other countries do not face any additional restrictions.

Tours

North Korea can only be visited by an organised tour, but this can be a large group or a party of one. Prices start from around US$1,000/€700/GB£580 for a 5-day group tour including accommodation, meals and transport from Beijing, but can go up considerably if you want to travel around the country or "independently" (as your own one-person escorted group). Tour operators/travel agencies that organise their own tours to North Korea include:

 * America
 * Uri Tours Inc. - NYC, US (runs standard and customized tours to the DPRK; also an Air Koryo ticketing agent in the US)
 * Asia
 * East Asia
 * Asia Senses Travel Travel & Tour - Hanoi, Vietnam
 * DDCTS - Dandong, China
 * GLO Travel - Hong Kong - largest North Korean tour operator in Hong Kong, clients mostly are from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Overseas Chinese communities. Also organises cultural exchanges, sports events, volunteering and TV programmes on North Korea.
 * INDPRK - Zhejiang, China
 * Juche Travel Services - UK, Beijing
 * Koryo Tours and Koryo Group - Beijing, Shanghai, Belgium, UK. Also organises school visits and sports exchanges and has co-produced 3 documentary films about North Korea. English tour only.
 * North Korea Travel - Sheyang, China
 * Young Pioneer Tours - Beijing, China. Offers very low budget tours.
 * South East Asia
 * Choson Exchange - Singapore, UK & USA. Not a tour agency, rather they provide training in business and entrepreneurship in North Korea to businesswomen, young entrepreneurs and researchers, and bring volunteer/tourists to help them to do so.
 * MBC Travel - Jakarta, Indonesia
 * Europe
 * Korea Konsult - Stockholm, Sweden
 * Korea Reisedienst - Hannover, Germany
 * Lupine Travel - Wigan, UK.
 * NoordKorea2GO - Amsterdam, Netherlands
 * Regent Holidays - Bristol, UK
 * Pyongyang Travel - Berlin, Germany (offers group tours, private tours and New Year's Tours to North Korea)
 * Viajes Pujol - Barcelona, Spain
 * VNC Asia Travel - Utrecht, Netherlands
 * Your Planet - Hilversum, Netherlands

No matter which company you decide to book with, all tours are run by the Korean International Travel Company (with the exception of a few, such as Choson Exchange and The Pyongyang Project who both work directly with various government ministries and domestic DPRK NGOs) and it will be their guides who show you around. The average number of tourists per group each company takes will vary considerably so you may want to ask about this before booking a trip.

Most people travelling to North Korea will travel through Beijing and you will probably pick up your visa from there, although some agents arrange their visas elsewhere beforehand though. The North Korean consulate building is separate from the main embassy building at Ritan Lu, and is round the corner at Fangcaodi Xijie. It's open M, W, F 09:30-11:30 & 14:00-17:30; and Tu, Th, Sa 09:30-11:30. Bring your travel permission, US$45 and two passport photos.

Your guides will take your passport and keep it during your stay in North Korea, or at least for the first couple of days of your tour, for "security reasons", or simply because your entry and exit dates must be registered, as noted by the black stamps on the back of your visa or passport. Make sure your passport looks decent and doesn't differ from the most common passports from your country.

Volunteer

Groups such as Choson Exchange bring volunteers (or tourists) to participate in teaching workshops on business and entrepreneurship to businesswomen, young entrepreneurs and researchers, after which volunteers tour relevant sites in North Korea. Such volunteers travel on an official visa, rather than a tourist visa.
 * Choson Exchange - Singapore, UK & USA. A social enterprise providing training in business and entrepreneurship in North Korea to businesswomen, young entrepreneurs and researchers, and bring volunteer/tourists to help them to do so.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone

The Panmunjom Joint Security Area is the only place in North Korea that can be visited from the South by regular tourists. This is the jointly-controlled truce village in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas. In the JSA, you can briefly cross over into North Korea within the confines of one of the conference rooms straddling the border, but the northern door will be guarded by two soldiers, and you will not be able to proceed any further.

Group bus tours to Kaesong and Kumgangsan in North Korea from the South have been suspended indefinitely after a South Korean tourist was shot dead by a North Korean guard in 2008. It is unclear when services will resume.

By plane
All international flights go through Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport. No other North Korean airport handles international flights. As of 2024, the only airline operating flights to Sunan is Air Koryo, although Air China may resume flights soon.

Air Koryo
Prior to COVID, North Korea's sole airline, Air Koryo, had scheduled flights to Beijing, Shenyang and Vladivostok. As of 2024, there appear to be no scheduled services at all, only irregular charters, but this is likely to change as the country continues to glacially reopen. It has been banned in South Korea due to the South Korean National Security Law (even Air Koryo's official website is blocked there), and it has been also banned in the EU due to concerns over safety.

Air Koryo was the only 1-star (worst) airline on Skytrax's list, a distinction it held for many years. Although Air Koryo last experienced a fatal accident back in 1983, the airline only operates a handful of flights with its fleet of 10 aircraft. The main reason for flying Air Koryo is the experience: otherwise, it's probably better to fly Air China. The Air Koryo fleet consists entirely of Soviet or Russian-made aircraft, with the pride of their fleet being two Tupolev Tu-204s, which now usually handle the core Beijing–Pyongyang route as well as the Pyongyang-Shenyang route. Otherwise, you'll most likely end up on one of their Ilyushin IL-62-Ms (1979-1988 vintage), Tupolev Tu-154s or Tupolev Tu-134s.

Air China
Air China, a member of the Star Alliance, announced the resumption of thrice-weekly flights to Pyongyang in 2023, but as of February 2024 does not appear to be actually flying them yet. When available, Air China is preferred by most to Air Koryo due to its far more modern fleet of Boeing 737s.

By train
Train K27/K28 connects Pyongyang to Beijing in China via Tianjin, Tangshan, Beidaihe, Shanhaiguan, Jinzhou, Shenyang, Benxi, Fenghuangcheng, Dandong and Sinuiju four times a week. There is only one class on the international train between Beijing and Pyongyang: soft sleeper. It can be booked at the station in Beijing, but reservations must be made several days in advance. Your tour agency will usually do this for you, unless you are travelling on work purposes. It has been increasingly difficult to book space on the Beijing–Pyongyang route, so confirm your tickets well in advance.

Once a week train K27/K28 also conveys direct sleeping cars from Moscow via China to Pyongyang and vice versa. The route is Moscow - Novosibirsk - Irkutsk - Chita - Harbin - Shenyang - Dandong - Shinuiju - Pyongyang. Departure from Moscow is every Friday evening, arrival at Pyongyang is one week later on Friday evening. Departure from Pyongyang is Saturday morning, arrival in Moscow is Friday afternoon.

Some agents (e.g. Lupine Travel) prefer to cross the border from Dandong in China to Sinuiju by minibus and then board a domestic North Korean train to Pyongyang. Usually you will be seated in a hard seat carriage with KPA soldiers and party workers travelling with their families. There is access to a restaurant car which stocks imported beers (Heineken) and soft drinks as well as some local beers and spirits. This train supposedly takes only 4 hours to Pyongyang but has been known to take 14. If travelling in winter be prepared for temperatures inside the carriages as low as -10°C.

There is also a direct rail link from Russia into North Korea. This route is the Rossiya Trans-Siberian train between Moscow and Vladivostok, with the Korea coaches detached at Ussuriysk. From there it's six hours to the border at Tumangan, with a five hour wait, then a 24-hour haul to Pyongyang. It runs weekly, but as a through-train only twice monthly (11th and 25th from Moscow), arriving Pyongyang 9 days later. This route used to be closed to Westerners, but as of 2018 it's available, provided you have arranged for it as part of your North Korean tour.

By boat
There was an unscheduled cargo-passenger ship between Wonsan and Niigata, Japan. Only available for use by some Japanese and North Korean nationals, the boat service has been suspended indefinitely due to North Korea's reported nuclear testing; Japan has banned all North Korean ships from entering Japanese ports, and has banned North Koreans from entering the country. Be careful about getting too close to the North Korean border in a boat; many South Korean fishermen are still waiting to leave North Korea.

Besides the unscheduled ferry, there is also a cruise ship that operates between the coast of Northeastern China, and Mt Kumgang. Jointly operated by China and North Korea, the cruise line uses a ship from around 1970. The cruise trip is 22 hours long at each leg, and is 44 hours long in total but non-Chinese citizens are not permitted on the cruise to Mount Kumgang.

By bus
A bus is available from Dandong, China, across the Yalu River to Sinuiju. It's run by the "Dandong China Travel Company" but is only open to Chinese citizens. The bus drives from Dandong over the Sino-Korea Friendship Bridge (the same bridge over the Yalu river that the trains take).

Get around

All your transport needs will be dealt with by your tour company. Most of the time this means buses, although tour groups visiting remote sites (e.g. Paekdusan, Mount Chilbo) occasionally use chartered flights by Air Koryo. Wandering around on your own is not allowed, and you are required to have a guide to escort you at all times.

A carefully stage-managed one-station ride on the Pyongyang metro is included on the itinerary of most trips to Pyongyang, but use of any other form of local public transport is generally impossible. Some tours also include a train ride from Pyongyang to the border city of Sinuiju, in which you can stop over in Sinuiju for a 1-day tour, though this option is not available to U.S. citizens.

If travelling in a small enough group it is also possible to organise a walk through some areas of Pyongyang with some travel agents (Koryo).

See
All tours are accompanied by a government minder, who will decide what you can and cannot see. From the moment you leave your hotel, expect to be accompanied by one or more minders. Besides ensuring that tourists do not stray outside of the designated tourist areas, their jobs include inspecting any photographs which they think do not portray North Korea or its government in a good light, and ordering photographers to delete them. It is generally advisable to listen to what your minder is saying, and agree with it.

It is always recommended that if you are uncertain about taking pictures anywhere, ask your guide, though allowances seem to vary wildly. You may get a guide that is relatively relaxed and will allow you to take pictures from a bus or within a city. On the other hand, you may get one that will strictly adhere to controlling where you take pictures restricting anything taken from a tour bus or of certain areas, like Pyongyang's city streets, in general. There is simply no way to tell until you are actually on a tour. If you think a particular photograph might be embarrassing to the DPRK in general, ask or simply don't risk taking it at all.

Photography of military personnel is also generally prohibited. Again, if in doubt, ask your guide. However, there are instances where it is impossible not to photograph certain sites without including a few military personnel within the picture such as at Mansudae (the monument site for the statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il) or at a local funfair. Reactions seem to vary between being ignored to curiosity, although you will be told where taking pictures is strictly prohibited (such as at certain areas of the DMZ), and the guards/soldiers there will react unfavourably to being photographed in general. Other areas where photographs are prohibited include the interior of the Friendship Exhibition, which displays gifts from around the world to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, and within the Kumsusan Memorial Palace. If you leave the country via train (to Beijing) your camera will likely be checked for unfavorable photos by the guards.

The majority of sightseeing consists of visits to various war memorials, monuments to the Great Leader and the Workers Party of Korea, and numerous museums (mostly war-related, like the statues and monuments). The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a popular destination for most tour groups in North Korea.

Whilst you are in North Korea, the prevailing viewpoint places blame on the Americans for starting the Korean War; disagreeing with this position is likely to cause problems for both you and your guide, particularly as the two Koreas are still legally at war with only a cease-fire between them. Despite its misleading name, the DMZ is heavily guarded and dotted with minefields and other booby-traps. Under no circumstances should you stray from your group, or take any photographs of military installations. However, the "peace village" Panmunjom may be photographed, and boasts the world's third tallest flagpole.

Whilst on these guided tours, especially to the state museums and monuments, you will undoubtedly endure an ongoing barrage of propaganda, consisting largely of anecdotes about things that Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il did for their country. Some of these claims may seem bizarre and even amusing to the outsider; however, a straight face is generally advisable. It is generally safest to at least appear to take everything they say seriously, even if it contradicts everything you were ever taught in history class or defies even the most basic human reasoning.

Sights

So, with all this practical information being said, what are the places to go? A good part of the important attractions you'll be shown are in Pyongyang. There's the large Kim Il-sung Square, where the famously grand military parades take place. Even without the parades, though, it's an impressive square, and on it is the Grand People’s Study House. This gigantic library and learning centre is home to over 30 million books and a modern system of conveyor belts to get you the one you need. Also on the square are two museums, of which — the Korean National Art Gallery — is the more interesting one. The other great landmark of the nation's capital is its Triumphal Arch. Slightly bigger than its Parisian counterpart, it is in fact the largest arch of its kind in the world. Another landmark you'll be proudly shown are the large bronze statues of the Great Leader and Kim Jong-il. Respectfully join the locals in their serious undertakings to honour the statues, which are a key element of the devotion cult around the national leaders. For a better chance of some casual conversations with locals, try the pleasant Pyongyang zoo. Take a daytrip to the birthplace of the Great Leader in Mangyongdae and of course, visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun where both the previous Kims' embalmed bodies are on display.

No trip to North Korea is complete without an extensive glance at the uneasy and heavily fortified border stand-off at Panmunjeom, or the Joint Security Area. Not far from here is the town of Kaesong, with a lovely old town and the UNESCO-listed tomb of King Kongmin. For stunning natural sights, try reaching Kumgangsan, or the Diamond Mountains, where you'll find beautiful vistas, waterfalls, lakes and ancient Buddhist temples.

Do
As mentioned above, there is very little to do beyond the watchful eye of your designated minders, with most recreational activity taking place within the confines of the tourist resorts. Bowling and karaoke are among the latest additions to its surprising plethora of recreational activities. The karaoke videos are often accompanied by dramatic historical footage of the Korean War, or goose-stepping People's Army soldiers.

North Korea has three amusement parks, two of which are abandoned due to mutual lack of interest and electricity. The Kaeson Youth Fair has now closed, taking the infamous "Roller Coaster of Death" along with it. Still visible are the shooting-galleries with backdrops of snarling American and Japanese soldiers; however, it is unlikely that your guide will let you venture into any abandoned areas. The one remaining amusement park contains some rides which are actually quite modern and non-lethal, at least by North Korean standards, and is about as worthy of a visit as everything else you'll see whilst in North Korea.

The nightlife in Pyongyang is remarkably safe and non-violent, compared to the capitals of other nations (except maybe Reykjavík in Iceland); in general, the civilians are not a threat. The plain-clothes secret police, however, may or may not be a threat, depending on what you say or do. The North Korean definition of popular music is at least two decades behind the rest of the world; expect an onslaught of 1980s hits from the West (some obviously are unauthorized copies, to judge by the quality), punctuated by the eerie caterwauling of Korean folk songs, and at least try to look enthusiastic about the whole scene.

Finally, power cuts may hit without warning in the middle of any activity. Whilst you might welcome this if the jukebox is starting to get to you, this is not a desirable outcome if you are in the middle of an amusement-park ride, particularly as these blackouts can last for hours at a time.

The Masikryong ski resort, North Korea's only ski resort, opened in winter 2013. Located near the western city of Wonsan, a visit to the resort may be included as part of a wider DPRK tour.

Money
The currency is the North Korean won, denoted by the symbol ₩ (ISO code: KPW) and not typically available to foreigners, except some old North Korean won sold as souvenirs. The only places where tourists are allowed to obtain and spend North Korean won are at the Kwangbok Supermarket, which is included in some tours of Pyongyang, and in the Rason Special Economic Zone. Black market exchange rates (especially in far northern Korea, near the Chinese border) may easily be 20 times the official rate, but importing or exporting won is strictly forbidden. North Korean won is practically worthless outside the country but can make unique souvenirs.

Foreigners are expected to use euros or as an alternative Chinese renminbi, US dollars or Japanese yen. Currency handling is often bizarre, with a frequent lack of change and a number of rule-of-thumb conversions leading to highly unorthodox transactions, so be sure to bring lots of small change. On a typical tour most expenses such as hotel, transportation, and meals will have been paid in advance, and therefore your only expenses may be bottled water, souvenirs, snacks, drinks at the bars, laundry at the hotel and tips for your guides.

In any case, the only shops you will be likely allowed to visit are the state-run souvenir shops at your hotel and at the various tourist attractions. It is generally not possible to visit a real local shop which serves the local population, though you might get lucky asking your guide if he/she trusts you enough. Some tours include a visit to a department store.

Souvenirs
There are numerous hard-currency-only souvenir shops at tourist sites. Interesting souvenirs include propaganda books and videos, postcards and postage stamps. At some tourist sites (such as King Kongmin's tomb), you can purchase freshly finished paintings with your name and the artist's name at the bottom.

You can buy postcards and send them to people in any country except South Korea. Stamps would make wonderful souvenirs.

Literature is revered in North Korean society, in due large part to the fact that the government regularly promotes views that present them in a good light, i.e. propaganda. Writers in North Korea are held in high prestige. Sure, North Korean books may be full of views and perspectives promoting the government, but they will allow you to be further exposed to the world's most secretive, isolated country and better understand the thoughts and views of the government, the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Il-Sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un. A book from North Korea would make a good souvenir from the country.

Some excellent paintings on silk or linen have been available in Kaesong directly from the artist. Haggling for better prices is not permitted but the prices are very low.

Note: South Korean law criminalizes the possession and importation of North Korean "propaganda". It is advised to avoid bringing your North Korean souvenirs with you if you go to South Korea.

Costs
Most costs are included as part of your tour. Most sights have a shop associated with them where you can buy bottled water, souvenirs and snacks. These are reasonably priced. In September 2017, large bottles of local beer cost US$2 at the hotel bars in Pyongyang. €200 for one week should be enough to cover your costs of water, drinks at the bars, souvenirs and tips for the guides.

Eat

As with most other aspects of visiting North Korea, catering is usually organized in advance as part of your tour. Vegetarians and people with food allergies or dislikes of common foods such as seafood or eggs will need to make arrangements in advance. A visit to a "real" local restaurant may be possible; inquire with your guide. Shortages of supplies, combined with the typical use of Korean cooking styles, mean that there is a relatively limited variety of food — and this can get wearying on tours of more than a few days.

There are a few Western food options now in Pyongyang and these restaurants can usually be visited if arranged with the guides in advance. They will usually require additional payment though, unless you have discussed this already with your tour operator, as the costs are not included in the per diem fee charged by the Korean Travel Company. There are two Italian restaurants (one on Kwangbok Street which is near the Korean circus where the pizza is great, and they have imported a pizza oven and all the ingredients so the quality is very high; and one near the USS Pueblo) and two burger restaurants (the more accessible is in the Youth Hotel). Both are inexpensive and do inject some flavor onto a generally lackluster eating scene, especially on long tours. Visit the Vienna coffee house, which is on the river side of Kim Jong Il square, for a good coffee similar to those common in Europe.

Drink
The local speciality is insam-ju, Korean vodka infused with ginseng roots.

Locally made Taedonggang beer is very good. The brewery was purchased from Ushers in the UK and physically moved to Pyongyang, and some of the soju are not bad either. Local alcohol is inexpensive; a 650 ml bottle of beer is €0.50. Imported beers, such as Heineken, are also available at similar prices. However do not get drunk and cause trouble. Toe the line and show respect, or you and your guide will face serious penalties.

It is advisable to stick to bottled water for drinking as the tap water is not always properly treated.

Sleep
This is likely to be your principal expense while in North Korea. You may only stay at "designated tourist hotels", for which you will need to pay in hard currency. There may be discounts if you ask for lower class accommodation, if you are travelling as part of a group, or if it is low season (November – March). Costs for your tour, which will include accommodation, all sightseeing activities and meals, will range from US$70 to US$200 a day, depending on these factors.

Usually you pay for all your meals, hotel and Beijing–Pyongyang journey to your tour operator before you leave. One week in high season at a four-star hotel will then cost something between €1,300 and €1,600, depending on your tour operator, but might get as low as €800 for one week.

Learn
It's difficult to ascertain the full scope of the North Korean education system, since very few foreigners, if any, take advantage of learning opportunities in the country. The vast majority of foreign students in North Korea are normally exchange students and typically come here to study the Korean language.

The Kim Il-Sung University is North Korea's most prestigious university and has exchange programmes with several universities in China, Russia, and Germany. The university has educated 5,000 students from nearly 30 countries since 1955.

The North Korean government has set up a website where you can freely download books published in North Korea. This will allow you to learn something new about North Korea.

Yanbian University, in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in northeastern China is closely affiliated with other universities in North Korea and can offer relevant courses for learning about North Korea.

Work
If you are interested in teaching in North Korea, you may find success by contacting the North Korean UN Mission in New York, or contacting a North Korean university directly. Your odds of success are, however, quite low: there is only a small team of 4 English Language Instructors dealing with teaching and teacher training, with a Project Manager leading the team of three, placed in Kim Il Sung University, Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies and Kim Hyung Jik University of Education.

There is an opportunity to teach in the Pyongyang Summer Institute during summer time when it is opened to foreigners. It's voluntary, unpaid work, though.

Stay safe
At first, you may feel scared and intimidated by being in an authoritarian country like North Korea. You may even feel uneasy or outright anxious. As a tourist, you're not expected to know every single law and rule in North Korea. So long as you listen to your tour guide(s) and respect local customs, you have nothing to worry about.

North Korea is an authoritarian dictatorship and is generally considered to have the worst human rights record in the world. The authorities are very touchy, and you need to watch what you say and how you say it. Just do what the guides do, praise every stop on your tour, and remember the rule, "If you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all."

The official policy is that you are not to wander around on your own. You are expected to get permission and/or have a guide accompany you if you want to leave your hotel. This will vary depending on what hotel you are in. The Yanggakdo Hotel is on an island in the middle of the Pyongyang's Taedong River. Therefore you can walk around the area a little more freely than at the Koryo Hotel in the centre of town. You should always be friendly and courteous to your guides and driver, who will usually reciprocate by trusting you more and giving you more freedom.

Photography
When taking photographs, exercise restraint, caution and common sense. If you appear to be looking for negative images of North Korea, the guides will not be happy and will tell you to delete any questionable images. In particular, you should not take photos of anything depicting the military, including personnel, or anything showing the DPRK in a bad light.

Your photographic freedom can largely depend on the type of guides you are assigned and your rapport with them. In a best-case scenario, you can often take pictures without feeling as if you're trying to sneak them by anyone and without pressure capturing some truly unique images. If you are in an area prohibiting picture taking, you will also be informed of this, and it is best to follow your guide's direction. When in doubt, always ask. Your guide might even want to try out your camera and take a picture of you for your collection.

In a worst-case scenario, you can be expected to raise your camera at a reasonable speed, compose and take the picture, and lower the camera at a reasonable speed. Don't try to take pictures of anything that you have been told not to, such as military personnel or certain locales. This may call attention to yourself and the image you are trying to take and can result, whether justified or not, in your being told to delete the image.

Digital cameras are commonly inspected when leaving the country by train. A simple workaround is to leave a memory card with innocuous snaps in the camera and file away any cards with ideologically dubious content.

Korean nationals
If you are Korean or have ties to Korea – such as having a Korean parent, being married to a Korean, or being of Korean descent – you should carefully consider your decision to visit North Korea. You could easily arouse suspicion from the authorities.

Politics
Visitors have also been targeted for political reasons; in 2013, an 85-year-old American citizen was arrested, briefly incarcerated and expelled by the DPRK because of his military service during the Korean War.

Illegal substances
Drug trafficking and the consumption of narcotics can be punishable by death in North Korea. Although marijuana is said to be found growing freely alongside the road in North Korea, its possession and consumption is illegal; in 2017, the Swedish Ambassador to North Korea stated that marijuana was illegal, and anyone caught using the drug could "expect no leniency whatsoever".

Religious activity
It is strongly recommended that you avoid bringing religious texts or performing any religious activity. In 2012, Kenneth Bae, an American Christian missionary, was arrested for his religious activities in North Korea and was sentenced to 15 years of hard labour (however, he was released nine months later). Another American, Jeffrey Fowle, was arrested for leaving a Bible at a North Korean nightclub and spent six months in a North Korean jail.

Emergency numbers
For medical emergencies in Pyongyang, dial 02 382-7688 locally.
 * From a fixed-line phone: 119
 * From a mobile phone: 112

Stay healthy
Drinking water in North Korea is apparently untreated and there are reports of foreigners being hospitalized in the DPRK after drinking the water; therefore, sticking to bottled water is highly recommended.

Medical facilities are clean although very outdated. If you fall ill then you might be better off going to China for medical treatment. Contact your embassy or consulate in North Korea (if your country has one) for assistance.

Respect
North and South Koreans share a common culture; you may find the various respect tips in the South Korea article to be of help.

Tour conduct
Your tour guide in North Korea is your best friend. They will do their best to explain the rules and what is expected from you. If a guide tells you not to do something, listen to them. If you're not sure about something, ask. That said, you should refrain from discussing sensitive subjects such as politics, economic systems, and human rights.

Any time you engage in unbecoming conduct, your guide will be blamed for being unable to control you, and they will be penalised for your misbehaviour. Always think before you act, and think before you speak; future tourists could face restrictions on what they can do in the country because of your behaviour.

Consider giving small gifts like cigarettes, skin creams, and so on to your guides. This will garner respect from the guides and depending on how well you conduct yourself, they may even take you to places and events in North Korea they wouldn't usually go to.

Although there are many terrific photo opportunities in North Korea, the DPRK has stringent photography laws. This largely depends on what guide you've been assigned. Do not take photographs of anything of strategic importance (i.e. places with soldiers/police officers, etc.), photographs that negatively portray the country, and things you've been told not to photograph. The North Korean authorities take these rules very seriously.

Sensitive issues
The government of the DPRK — in particular the leaders Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un — are, at least publicly, very highly revered in North Korean culture. While slavish devotion is not expected from tourists, any form of disrespect — such as criticisms or insults — towards the Kim dynasty, the Workers' Party of Korea, the North Korean government, Songun, and Juche is taken very seriously and severely punished. Keep your personal views about them to yourself.

Do not crumple, desecrate, inappropriately use, tamper with, or mishandle anything — this applies to newspapers, books, stamps, postcards, political posters, and money — bearing the names and images of the North Korean government, Kim Il-Sung, Kim Jong-Il, and Kim Jong-un. This is tantamount to treason, for which you can be severely punished.

It is advisable to refer to North Korea as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the official name for the country.

For self-explanatory reasons, avoid praising South Korea, as doing so would attract unwanted attention from the North Korean authorities, and may invite more trouble than what's it worth. For similar reasons, avoid praising the United States and Japan − both countries are considered adversaries of North Korea. With North Korea adopting an anti-reunification policy in early 2024, what was politically correct has became the greatest incorrectness in North Korea.

Most, if not all, tour groups to the DPRK are asked to solemnly bow and lay flowers on one or two occasions in front of statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il when visiting monuments of national importance. If you are not prepared to do this, you should not visit North Korea. When photographing statues, especially Mansudae, you are required to get the entire statue in the picture. Formal dress is also expected at important monuments such as Mansudae or visiting the Kumsusang Memorial Palace.

Religion
North Korea is officially atheist. The regime promotes a national philosophy of self-reliance called Juche (주체) which some would categorize as a quasi-religion that pervades all aspects of life in the country. As a tourist, you will not be expected to observe this, although you must always be respectful towards symbols of Juche which are often the images of past and present leaders Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un.

Other religions such as Christianity and Buddhism are vigorously suppressed in practice with severe punishment being given to followers. You should refrain from any religious discussions during your time in North Korea, and be aware that any form of religious proselytizing is dealt with very seriously by the regime, with foreign missionaries having previously been sentenced to life imprisonment in labor camps. With this in mind, be careful of performing even personal religious rituals or bringing religious items into the country and preferably do not do so at all.

By phone
For international calls to North Korea, the country code is +850. Some phone numbers (mostly faxes) can be called directly from abroad; most other calls will need to go through the international operator service on +850-2-18111.

International calling is generally possible via landlines in hotels, though it is expensive (€2 per minute as of Feb 2012) and all calls are likely recorded and monitored.

Local calls need elusive 10 chon coins when calling from call boxes, but can also be made from hotels and post offices.

Additionally, your phone calls may be heavily monitored, so you should be careful of what you talk about in phone calls that you make in North Korea.

Mobile phones
As of January 2013, you are allowed to carry a mobile phone from outside the country into North Korea. You will not be able to use your current SIM card in North Korea, however. The only network you are allowed to connect to is the local network, Koryolink, via one of their SIM cards. Your phone must be a 3G WCDMA phone which can connect to the 2100MHz 3G frequency band.

A 3G mobile phone network (Koryolink) was introduced in Pyongyang in 2008 and now covers the 42 largest cities. It is widely used by locals who can afford it and by long-staying foreigners who file an application. SIM cards and phones can be purchased at the International Communication Center, No.2 Pothonggang-dong in Pothonggang District, opposite the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium, as well as at Pyongyang airport and some hotels. As of 25 Feb 2013, 3G mobile internet via Koryolink is available to foreigners, although pricing is unknown. Bear in mind that these SIM cards will only let you call internationally and to a very small number of internationally-enabled phones in North Korea. There are three plans you can choose from for your SIM card: Calling rates are as follows:
 * 1) Purchase a prepaid SIM card for €50. This gives you the SIM card to keep indefinitely for return visits, and includes a small amount (less than €30) of calling credit.
 * 2) Rent a prepaid SIM card for two weeks for €50. This includes €30 of calling credit.
 * 3) Rent a prepaid SIM card for one month for €75. This includes €55 of calling credit.
 * China and South-East Asia: €1.43 per minute.
 * Russia: €0.68 per minute.
 * France and Switzerland: €0.38 per minute.
 * U.K. and Germany: €1.58 per minute.

By Internet
Internet facilities are limited to a very few North Koreans with appropriate privileges to use it. For foreigners, most of the larger hotels have Internet access available, but this needs to be applied for some days in advance. Advise your tour operator or inviting party of your requirements well ahead of time so that access permission can be arranged. There are no public internet cafés or business centres with web access in the hotels. Mobile internet is available via Koryolink's 3G network (see above) using a local SIM card, but details about this are scarce. Also, even if you have Internet access, your traffic will probably be monitored. There is very little Internet connectivity in North Korea; the little that exists is routed through mainland China and risks heavy censorship by that country's Golden Shield Project, the "Great Firewall of China".

Cope
There is a growing diplomatic presence of foreign embassies in Pyongyang. Find out beforehand which country can assist you in case of an emergency, such as a medical condition or a police incident.

Sweden serves as the protecting power for American, Australian, and Canadian travellers in North Korea, so these visitors may be able to obtain limited consular services from the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang. American nationals are not allowed by the U.S. Department of State to visit North Korea, although if you must then it is still recommended to notify (by email) the Swedish embassy of your visit to North Korea, as well as to inform the U.S. embassy in Beijing, China, particularly if your trip to North Korea entails passing through China.

The British embassy offers consular services to Commonwealth citizens who do not have representation through other countries, except for Singaporeans and Tanzanians, whose governments have opted out of this arrangement.

Media
Foreign media outlets and newspapers are banned by the North Korean government; you may only access media outlets and newspapers owned and operated by the North Korean government.

You can expect to come across fringe and controversial views of the United States, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and Western culture in North Korean media. For example, one article published in the Pyongyang Times claimed that the United States is the world's "worst democracy strangler". Putting this aside, exposing yourself to North Korean media is an excellent way to understand how things are in the world's most secretive country, the views of the North Korean government, and what people are exposed to over here.

title: North Korea


text:
Northland

Northland is the northernmost region of New Zealand. Whangarei is its only city; the next biggest towns have a few thousand people. The Northland Region (governed by Northland Regional Council) covers the area from Te Hana in the south to Cape Reinga at the northern tip of the North Island. Towns further south, such as Wellsford and Warkworth, are now part of the Auckland Region local government area, but were once part of Northland.

If you're looking for wonderful empty beaches in a subtropical-like setting, this is the best area in New Zealand. The east coast of Northland has long been a well-known holiday place, and the west coast is known for its spectacular natural phenomena: Tane Mahuta (huge, ancient kauri tree), untouched forests in Waipoua, Warawara, Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary and Puketi, the biggest concretions in the world (the Koutu Boulders and the world unique Wairere Boulders), the sand dunes of the North Hokianga and Ninety Mile Beach.

Regions

 * Bay of Islands – historic area and very popular tourist destination
 * Far Far North – the northernmost part of mainland New Zealand, including Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach
 * Hokianga – pristine, unspoilt, untouched, untamed
 * Lower Northland – Kaipara and Whangarei districts

Cities and towns

 * – the main centre and only city in the region
 * – the main town in Kaipara District
 * – in the very far north, near 90 Mile Beach
 * – in the Bay of Islands, and has the oldest buildings in New Zealand
 * – village across the Hokianga Harbour from massive sand dunes
 * – historic town in the centre of the Bay of Islands, including the location where the Treaty of Waitangi was settled
 * – historic and picturesque village on the west coast's Hokianga Harbour
 * – historic town in the Bay of Islands, and the first European settlement in New Zealand
 * – harbourside village north of the Bay of Islands

Other destinations

 * – 16.3-km walking track to an old lighthouse in the Bay of Islands
 * – at the northern tip of New Zealand
 * – used as a road to Cape Reinga, it's actually only 58 miles long, but that's still very long
 * – halfway between Whangarei and the Bay of Islands. They are a nature reserve and the surrounding waters are a marine reserve. You are not allowed to land on the islands, but the waters are a popular underwater diving location. They can be reached by charter boats from Tutukaka Harbour, 30 kilometres north of Whangarei. Rikoriko Cave is the world's largest sea cave. Several boats can enter the cave, and the acoustics are extraordinarily good. Rikoriko means dancing light in Maori and the light reflected from the water seems to dance on the roof of this cavernous natural wonder. See also Diving the Poor Knights Islands.
 * — Home of Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere, two of the largest kauri trees in New Zealand

Understand
Māori tribes (iwi) in Northland say that their boats arrived in Northland in the 13th century, beginning their spread throughout the country. The British also used Northland as their starting point for their colonisation of New Zealand in the 19th century. New Zealand's first capital was Okiato (Old Russell) and the oldest European building in the country can be found in Kerikeri. Battles were fought between the Māori and the British throughout this area as the British restricted Māori rights and spread into Māori lands.

Despite its natural beauty and ample tourist attractions, Northland is one of the poorest regions of New Zealand. Economic deprivation is not readily apparent in tourist towns like Paihia and Kerikeri, but it can easily be seen in the Whangarei CBD and inland towns like Kawakawa and Kaitaia. Reasons include a lack of jobs, a low proportion of residents with qualifications, and a brain drain to Auckland. That said, the locals are as friendly as in the rest of country New Zealand, with people commonly greeting you with "kia ora" as they pass you on the street.

Northland is home to many walkable kauri (pronounced ko-ree) forests. These stately native trees are under threat from kauri dieback, a disease caused by a microscopic fungus spread by dirt particles on shoes. Please ensure you scrub and sanitise the soles of your shoes as you enter and leave forests where kauri trees grow. Brushes and sanitising solution are provided.

Get in
By car

The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is Northland's scenic touring route, starting and finishing in Auckland. Taking you along both coasts, it showcases the diversity of the region.

By bus

 * GreatSights operates a premium sightseeing tour to the Bay of Islands with daily departures from Auckland. Tours can be completed in one day, including a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Kings Dolphin Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock, or one way.
 * InterCity is a national coach company and operates a number of daily departures to the Bay of Islands and other Northland destinations.

By air

Auckland is the main international gateway for travel to Northland. Air New Zealand operates domestic flights to Whangarei and Kerikeri (Bay of Islands). Barrier Air flies from Auckland to Kaitaia. Charter operators offer transport into the region tailored to your requirements.

By sea

Arrival to Northland by sea is spectacular – your coastal journey is bound to impress. Stunning headlands, bush-covered hillsides and long stretches of beach greet as you head for terra firma.

See

 * Historic buildings The Historic Places Trust allows you to visit five historic places in the Bay of Islands and Hokianga: Kerikeri Mission Station and Stone Store; Pompallier Mission in Russell; Clendon House in Rawene; Mangungu Mission at Horeke; Te Waimate Mission at Waimate North.
 * Koutu Boulders — biggest concretions in the world in Koutu, Hokianga
 * Wairere Boulders — an enormous basalt flow just south of Horeke, Hokianga
 * Sand dunes — windblown sculptures on top of sand dunes across the harbour from Opononi, Hokianga
 * Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary (ecologically undisturbed forest) — see five of the dozen biggest kauri trees near Mangamuka Bridge in Hokianga

Do

 * Cruise the Bay of Islands seeing the sights and viewing marine life. On some cruises you can swim with dolphins.

Go next

 * Auckland Region

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Northland


text:
Las Vegas/North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas in Nevada is a city in its own right within the Las Vegas metropolitan area. With a population in 2019 of 252,000, it's the fourth largest city in the state, and is primarily residential with some industry. It borders the Mojave Desert. Its main attractions are the speedway, and Nellis Air Force Base which sometimes puts on air shows.

By plane
Air travel to the city of North Las Vegas is handled by, which sits just south of the Las Vegas Strip, and about 15 miles south of North Las Vegas.

By car
Interstate 15 can be traveled northbound from the Los Angeles metro area, and southbound from Salt Lake City to the Las Vegas metro area.

By train
Although the Union Pacific Railroad (UPR) provides freight train service to the Las Vegas metropolitan area, that doesn't help those in need of passenger train service. Until 1997, Amtrak's Desert Wind train used to provide service into Las Vegas using UPR tracks. Amtrak trains will provide motorcoach bus service into Las Vegas; generally after a train ride getting you somewhat close, such as to Kingman, Arizona, or Bakersfield, California. From there, and as part of your Amtrak ticket, a motorcoach will then provide bus service into Las Vegas. For a rapidly growing metro area like Las Vegas, this isn't sustainable. There are studies and plans in the works to provide rail service once again on (UPR) tracks, and high-speed rail to Southern California.

By car
A car will provide the best option for getting around North Las Vegas, as well as the Las Vegas metro area itself. Cars also tend to be relatively inexpensive to rent in the metro area. Although you may hit the occasional traffic jam, freeways are usually not severely clogged. Because the region is laid out on a grid pattern, navigating is not too difficult in the area.

By bus
If you must get around by bus, it's not totally horrific in the Las Vegas area as it could be in many western U.S. cities. Bus service in North Las Vegas, as well as Las Vegas and Henderson, is provided by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). Fares are $2 per bus ride. However, it may be more useful to purchase a 24-hour pass for $5 when boarding the bus. If you plan to be in the area for a while, RTC also sells a 5-day pass for $20 at many supermarkets and check cashing institutions, but this pass is not available on the bus itself.

By taxi
Taxi service in North Las Vegas is handled by calling for a taxi and then waiting for it to come and pick you up. Do not expect to hail a cab off the street as though you were in New York City or Chicago. Taxis are only plentiful and easily accessible at McCarran Airport, hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, or Downtown Las Vegas where they are queued up waiting for passengers. Outside of these areas, expect to call a cab and generally wait 20-40 minutes for it to come to you.

Golf
If golf is your thing, there is plenty of that to do in North Las Vegas.

Driving
Although they are not in North Las Vegas, these attractions are recommended to all automobile enthusiasts.

Eat
North Las Vegas has numerous restaurants and fast food places to choose from. It does not have as many high-end establishments as Las Vegas does, but still has a large variety of options and many of them are open 24 hours a day.

title: Las Vegas/North Las Vegas


text:
North Lebanon

Northern Lebanon uniquely blends the outdoors with extensive historical and cultural attractions. With the country’s highest mountain, Qornet es-Sawda (3,090m), as well as the highest ski resort, The Cedars, this region offers a rocky, rugged terrain that makes Lebanon unique in the Middle East. At the far northern end of the Mt. Lebanon range, the Akkar region is the most remote area of the country, housing traditional villages and beautiful scenery.

Cities

 * – the country's second-largest city
 * - one of the oldest cities in the world
 * — Beautiful mountain city; worth a visit.
 * - one of the oldest cities in the world
 * — Beautiful mountain city; worth a visit.
 * — Beautiful mountain city; worth a visit.

Other destinations

 * - Highest peak in Lebanon
 * - Highest peak in Lebanon
 * - Highest peak in Lebanon

Understand
Arabic and French are spoken as well as English mainly in the shopping district by workers who want to help tourists, although there are locals who speak basic English.

See

 * The ancient castles in Tripoli

Do
Throughout northern Lebanon, mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, caving, and other outdoor opportunities abound.

title: North Lebanon


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North Little Rock

North Little Rock is in the Central region of Arkansas. Previously known as Argenta, it became known as North Little Rock after an unsuccessful annexation attempt by Little Rock.

It's prudent not to go flouting your collection of prized jewelry when roaming the streets of North Little Rock, as the community can be a little sketch.

By plane
You can fly into North Little Rock through Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock (LIT). You can also fly in through North Little Rock Municipal Airport.

Airlines and destinations(Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport)

 * Alliegant: Los Angeles World, Orlando-Sanford
 * American: Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Washington Reagan National.
 * Delta: Atlanta, Detroit,
 * Frontier: Denver.
 * Southwest: Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Phoenix, St. Louis.
 * United: Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston George Bush Intercontinental.
 * ViaAirlines: Austin-Bergstrom

By car
North Little Rock is located near the conjunction of Interstate 40 and Interstate 30. It is located slightly less than two hours west of Memphis, about five hours northeast of Dallas, five hours west of Oklahoma City, and about five and a half hours south of St. Louis.

Do

 * Walk across the Arkansas river to Little Rock on a converted train trestle, or a segment of the Arkansas River Trail, which can be accessed from places like Burns Park or the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum.

title: North Little Rock


text:
North Lombok

North Lombok is a region of Lombok, Indonesia

Townships

 * Bayan
 * Sembalun Walang
 * Gangga
 * Godang
 * Sambelia
 * Obel Obel

Other destinations

 * Mount Rinjani and one of the oldest villages on the island, Bayan
 * Senaru
 * Gili Pentangan, these three north western gili's all lie just a short distance from the beaches of the north east coast
 * Gili Islands Trawangan, Meno and Air of West Lombok are accessed from Bangsal or by speedboat from Teluk Nare.

Understand
North Lombok is dominated by the 3,726 m Mount Rinjani, an active stratovolcano. Rinjani is also the second highest volcano in Indonesia, second only to Mount Kerinci on Sumatra and is Indonesias third highest peak. The volcano last erupted at the Barujari site in May 2010 with active lava flows and ash projected high into the sky with ash plumes rising to an altitude of 5.5 km. Within its 50 square kilometre caldera sits the crater lake Segara Anak (Child of the Sea). Eruptions within the caldera have formed a small cone called Gunung Baru (New Mountain).

The Rinjani mountain and its the surrounding slopes form the Mount Rinjani National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani). The park is made up of 41,000 hectares within the park boundaries and a further 66,000 hectares of protected forest outside. In 2008, the Indonesian government proposed to UNESCO that Mount Rinjani be one of the world's official geoparks. If this is approved by UNESCO, Mount Rinjani will become the first such geological park in Indonesia. The highlands are forest clad and mostly undeveloped. The lowlands are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, cacao, cloves, cassava, corn, coconuts, copra, bananas and vanilla are the major crops grown in the fertile soils of the island. The slopes are populated by the indigenous Sasak population. There are also some basic tourist related activities established on Rinjani primarily in or about the village of Senaru. Gunung Rinjani Observation Post Rinjani Sembalun is located in the village of Lawang, Sub Sembalun 12.5 km (4000 feet) northeast of G. Rinjani) in the District of East Lombok. Observers at this post monitor G.Rinjani, G.Barujari/G.Tenga within the Segara Anak Caldera.

The northern part of Lombok has deep traditions and still holds a repository of original Sasak beliefs and customs. The Waktu Telu people still have a strong presence in the north. Waktu Telu ("Three Prayers"), as the name suggests pray only three times daily, instead of the five times stipulated in the Quran. Many of the Waktu Telu beliefs are entwined with animism. Waktu Telu has influences not only of Islam, but also Hinduism and pantheistic beliefs. There are also remnants of Boda (people without a religion) who maintain Pagan Sasak beliefs in the north. Please see the main Lombok article for more detailed information on the history and culture of Lombok.

Talk
In northern Lombok the people speak in local dialects of the indigenous Bahasa Sasak language of the Sasak peoples of Lombok. Bahasa Indonesian is spoken by many people especially the younger generations. In the tourism areas of Senaru some people may speak limited English. In areas catering to tourists there is slightly more likelihood of English speakers being available.

Get in
Public buses and bemo run to and from the west coast and the city of Mataram. northward via Tanjung to access Bayan. Similar services are available to connect through to the north of the island via Pusuk pass and on to Pemenang near the small Bangsal harbour that serves as the primary access point from Gili Islands. The northern hub for buses and bemo is in nearby Tanjung.

Airport taxis and other Lombok Taxi services such as Bluebird and Express travel into North Lombok and are available to arriving passengers at the airport. All taxis are clearly marked and use a meter, the charge is determined by both time and distance. A Rp 17,500 airport taxi surcharge is payable when departing the airport in a taxi. Coupons are available at the Taxi Service counter immediately outside the airport terminal doors.

Private cars can be rented with or without a driver to access this region.

Motorbikes are also a popular means of transport for visitors.

Get around

 * Rent a car
 * Rent a motor bike
 * It may be easier to seek a rental car or motorbike in Senggigi or Mangsit to the south as there are more suppliers based there.
 * Please see the main Lombok article article for more detailed information on driving in Lombok and ensure you obtain and use a helmet when riding a motor bike.

 * Metered taxis normally operate in the northern areas of Lombok however they will be hard to find in the more remote areas. Bookings can be made in advance by calling their radio dispatch service.
 * Bluebird *
 * Express *

See

 * Senaru waterfalls
 * Gunung Baru in the caldera lake of Mount Rinjani
 * Desa Beloq, traditional North Lombok Sasak village, very traditional and non-touristic, best to have a skilled and knowledgeable local guide accompany you, nice walk to nearby waterfall

Do

 * Visit the waterfalls of north Lombok:
 * Tiu Tega waterfall
 * Sindang Gila waterfall and Tiu Kelep waterfall at Senaru
 * Jeruk Manis waterfall.

 * Climb Rinjani with an overnight stay at the Segara like
 * Go for a walk in the Rinjani national park

Buy
In and around Sembalun Lawang and in Bayan you can purchase unique and high-quality hand-woven cloth.

Eat
The area has quite limited facilities catering to tourists and those are centred about Senaru and Sembalun and Tetebatu to the immediate south. Senaru has a few restaurants and cafes attached to the lodges and small hotels in and near the village. Nearby Tanjung township in West Lombok has plently of warungs and small local eating houses serving local traditional food. Also in nearby Tanjung are the upmarket Oberoi Lombok Resort, Tugu Resort, the new Lombok Lodge and the nearby medium priced Medana Resort, all have restaurants and cafes that provide food and drinks with western oriented menus and prices. Otherwise the region does not support tourism oriented dining and a trip to Gili islands or further south to the Senggigi region may be required.

Drink
There are few licensed premises such as hotels and some restaurants that serve alcohol in the north Lombok region. The north of Lombok is a quiet and often conservative area. Please respect local sensibilities by avoiding drinking openly in public whilst in Lombok especially in the north unless actually inside a tourist oriented establishment that serves alcoholic drinks. Local coffee, tea, fruit juices, coconut juice and softdrinks (sodas) are normally readily available.

Stay safe
Rinjani park access requires payment of a fee and climbing should not be attempted without registration and an accredited guide. Please see the Rinjani article for more information on this.

Try to keep off the roads at night and avoid travelling in the more remote areas on your own.

Lock up your possessions and never leave your luggage or personal items unattended.

Please see the main Lombok article for more details on health and safety.

Go next

 * Gili Islands a short distance off the west coast near Bangsal and Tanjung
 * South Lombok, Kuta, Tanjung A'an and the many remote surf beaches, Sekotong and Gili Gede in the southwest corner of the island
 * Central and East Lombok, traditional weaving, rice padi walks and forests on the slopes of Rinjani, Tetebatu on the southern slopes of Rinjani
 * West Lombok, Senggigi, Sire Beach with its 18-hole golf course and at Medana bay in Tanjung a boating marina
 * Bali
 * Sumbawa
 * Java
 * Singapore
 * Kuala Lumpur

Connect
North Lombok has varying terrain and land use from small towns to remote mountain peaks and valleys. Accordingly, mobile telephonary varies from to patchy to non-existent.

The towns and more built up areas sometimes have some coverage from the two main operators.

 * Telkonsel is operated by Indonesia's Telkom. They provide GSM 2G coverage and in some areas 3G reception and broadband wireless connections may be possible but are unlikely.
 * XL is also provides 2G coverage and in some areas 3G reception and broadband wireless connections may be possible but are unlikely.

Post office services are available in Mataram at the central post office. It may be prudent to use the main office in Mataram at Jalan Sriwijarya, Mataram, if required.

Post offices are described as Kantor Pos in Indonesia.

Hospitals

 * Please see the Lombok main article for a more comprehensive list of medical facilities available in Mataram.

Emergency service

 * Ambulance +62 370 622254, +62 370 623489 In emergency dial - 118
 * The reality is that unless within the confines of the main city of Mataram/Ampenan/Cakranegara an ambulance is normally too far away to provide prompt transport in the case of a true emergency. Most often a taxi, police vehicle or a private car is used to get someone requiring urgent medical attention to a hospital. The ambulances in Lombok are more often used in the role of assisted patient transport rather than for first responder/paramedic supported emergency assistance and transport.

title: North Lombok


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North Luangwa National Park

North Luangwa National Park is a national park in Eastern Zambia, a short flight away from South Luangwa National Park. It was until 2005 the domain of a limited number of safari operators who held a government concession. Since 2005, day visitors have been allowed.

Location

Like the South Park, its eastern boundary is the Luangwa River, while it rises to cover a stretch of the Muchinga Escarpment to the west. The Mwaleshi River flows east–west through the centre of the park, the area to its south being a strict wilderness zone.

History
For many years its wildlife suffered greatly from poaching, but poaching has almost entirely stopped. However, the park has generally suffered from a lack of investment and interest compared to the much more popular South Luangwa National Park, although its flora and fauna are very similar to its southern counterpart. In 2003, black rhinoceroses were re-introduced to the park.

Flora and fauna
Wildlife is widely found, including Cookson's wildebeest, Crawshay's zebra and many antelopes and birds. Elephant numbers have recovered from poaching in the 1970s and 80s. The struggle against poaching in the park was described by Delia and Mark Owensin their book The Eye of the Elephant.

By plane
Charter flights operate from Mfuwe (at the entrance to South Luangwa) to the Mwaleshi airstrip. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

By car

 * From the south. A 4X4 track links North Luangwa to South Luangwa National Park. It is slow going and takes approximately 8 hours to traverse the 200-km stretch.
 * From the east. Another 4X4 track winds down the escarpment from the main Lusaka to Dar es Salaam trunk road. There are very few roads and you are unlikely to see anyone else for the duration of your trip.

Get around
The bush camps and one lodge are self-suffient, operating their own airstrips, safaris, accommodation and meals.

See
Known for its bush walking, photographic safaris, you will see on foot:
 * Massive herds of buffalo.
 * Lion in large prides.

Buy
There are no shops or restaurants. The local people trade in handcrafts.

Eat
The lodges provide visitors with all meals. Other visitors will have to be self-sufficient.

Lodging

 * Mwaleshi Camp.
 * Buffalo Camp

Camping

 * West. Natwange A community operated camping area is just after the western entrance. Private camping enclosures with shared ablution block.  The camp ground is unfenced and elephant come right into the camp site at night.
 * East. Chifunda Another community camp ground is across the Luangwa River which borders the park on the east. This is an enclosed campground and safe.

title: North Luangwa National Park


text:
North Maharashtra

North Maharashtra is a region of Maharashtra, India. It consists of Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nandurbar and Nashik districts.

Cities

 * — a village famous for having no doors

 * — a pilgrimage site, famous for the shrine of Sai Baba

Eat

 * Bhaji Bhakri (bajri, Nachni)
 * Chapati (wheat)
 * Puran poli
 * Matan Bhakri
 * Phede (kandi)
 * Bharit Bhakri
 * Rice (khichadi, varan bhat)

title: North Maharashtra


text:
North Miami Beach

North Miami Beach is a city in Florida.

Get in
From Miami Airport, you can take the J or 150 bus to Collins Avenue for a northbound S or 120 bus. From Fort Lauderdale Airport, you can take the #1 Broward County bus to Aventura Mall for the Miami-Dade E,S, or 120 buses.

Get around
Miami-Dade Transit operates local bus service around North Miami Beach.

Go next
North Miami

title: North Miami Beach


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North Montenegrin Mountains

Northern Mountains is a region of Montenegro.

Cities

 * – Transportation hub between Belgrade and Podgorica.
 * – A great hub for hiking trips into the Albanian Alps—Peaks of the Balkans, Theth, and Lepushë.
 * – A picturesque mountain town home to few luxurious hotels, and great hub for treks into the Biogradska Gora National Park.
 * – The easternmost major Montenegrin town, on the junction of the roads leading to Pejë, Kosovo and Novi Pazar, Serbia.
 * – The center of Montenegrin mountain tourism, and also close to Tara canyon for rafting and white water.
 * – The easternmost major Montenegrin town, on the junction of the roads leading to Pejë, Kosovo and Novi Pazar, Serbia.
 * – The center of Montenegrin mountain tourism, and also close to Tara canyon for rafting and white water.

Other destinations

 * – Some of the last remaining untouched forests in Europe, with convenient, locally serviced mountain huts.
 * – Rafting through the Tara Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe, is one of the most popular activities in Montenegro here, beside lots of hiking opportunities.

By train
Kolašin, Mojkovac and Bijelo Polje are conveniently located along the regular served rail link from Podgorica.

By bus
Irregular buses serve this region—check the day before when they go or you might miss the last one.

By thumb
Hitchhiking is possible and not hard.

Go next

 * Peja – A popular city with mountaineers in northwestern Kosovo.

title: North Montenegrin Mountains


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North Moravia and Silesia

North Moravia and Silesia is a region of the Czech Republic.

Cities

 * - vibrant industrial and cultural center, capital of Moravian-Silesian Region.
 * - university city with a large historical center.
 * - historical border town where Czech and Polish cultures meet.
 * - a young city, with the Socialist Realist center.
 * - spa town in the Ash Mountains.
 * - historical town in the Litovel Morava River Basin.
 * - former capital of Czech Silesia.
 * - birthplace of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis.
 * - city with historical center and former major Jewish community.
 * - historical town under the Ash Mountains.

Other destinations

 * (Jeseníky) - mountain range north of Olomouc.
 * - floodplain of the Morava River, north of Olomouc.
 * (Poodří) - wetlands along the Oder River near Ostrava.
 * - mountain range bordering Slovakia with primeval forests, meadows and pastures, and lynxes, bears and wolves.

By plane
Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport  serves the region, with LOT flights from Warsaw and Ryanair flights from London Stansted. Buses connect it to Ostrava city centre.

 Katowice Airport is 120 km northeast of Ostrava, a 75 minute drive. It has flights from many destinations across Europe.

By train
And see Rail travel in the Czech Republic.

The principal railway hubs in the region are Ostrava and Olomouc; lesser hubs are Bohumín and Přerov. International trains run from Warsaw, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Berlin. Czech trains ply from Prague, Brno, Pardubice, Zlín and Pilsen.

Stay safe
With the very notable exception of Ostrava, North Moravia and Silesia has an average crime rate by Czech standards. Ostrava, despite its charm, has suffered greatly from deindustrialization and the fall of the Soviet Union: it is seen as the "drug capital" of the Czech Republic and aggravated assaults are not unheard of.

title: North Moravia and Silesia


text:
North Moscow Oblast

North Moscow Oblast is a region in Moscow Oblast.

Cities

 * — a large, old town, famous for its beautiful kremlin
 * — the region's northernmost town is young with an impressive history of prominent work in the sciences, especially in physics, and is home to the world's largest Lenin statue
 * — a mid-sized city with a prominent historical role in the Soviet aerospace industry, but its mostly just a satellite city for Moscow commuters
 * — a small city best known as the former residence of Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky; the manor where he composed Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker is now a museum
 * (Kaliningrad) — the "cradle of space exporation," and home to the house-museums of Lenin and Marina Tsvetaeva
 * — a small city most famous for its apricot, neo-gothic 18th century Marfino Palace, but also for its other stately estates and old churches
 * — a fairly large city known for its 18th century aqueduct
 * — this city served as the summer retreat for poets Baratynsky, Tyutchev, and Mayakovsky; museums remember the writers at Muranovo Estate and Mayakovsky's dacha
 * — home to the Trinity Monastery of Saint Sergius, the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church
 * — a relatively large city to the northwest of Moscow on the Klyazma River
 * — a relatively large city to the northwest of Moscow on the Klyazma River

Other destinations

 * — Historical Art and Literary Museum Reserve
 * — manor house in 25 km from Moscow
 * — manor house in 25 km from Moscow

title: North Moscow Oblast


text:
North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is a small town in South Carolina with approximately 15,000 residents. North Myrtle Beach proudly has two claims to fame. It is the birthplace of South Carolina's state dance, the shag. It is also the hometown of Vanna White of "Wheel of Fortune" fame.

Understand
Prior to incorporation in 1968 North Myrtle Beach consisted of the individual towns of Cherry Grove Beach, Ocean Drive Beach, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill Beach. It is part of the Grand Strand, and usually advertised along with Myrtle Beach on the whole. Once there however, you'll see that it has a distinctly separate personality of its own. More laid back than its "big sister" you'll find that it is a close knit community with lots of community involvement, pride and spirit. There is more of a true family atmosphere and a less transient feel in the area.

Closer to the North Carolina border, commercial and residential development is not quite as advanced yet as Myrtle Beach proper since the city tries to balance that growth with quality of life for their residents. As desirable available waterfront property is rapidly disappearing however, North Myrtle Beach is also taking advantage of the current real estate market and adding marinas on the Intracoastal Waterway along with upscale housing and resort accommodations to keep up with demand.

Get in
The major area airport is Myrtle Beach International (MYR). Located about 15 miles south of the North Myrtle Beach border and east of Bypass Hwy. 17, it is served by the following airlines: Delta, Spirit, United, and U.S. Air. Direct flights may be difficult to find depending on the season, but flying to a major hub such as Atlanta then taking a short hop to the area should not be a problem.

Grand Strand Regional Airport is actually the closest airport to North Myrtle Beach, and serves mostly chartered or private flights.

From Interstate 95, the easiest way to town would be to take the exit for Hwy. 9 in Dillon, SC and continue south towards Myrtle Beach. Hwy. 9 will then merge with Hwy. 17, so just continue south on Hwy. 17 for the rest of the ride.

Vehicle travel will become easier once the direct connection from SC Hwy. 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) via the Main Street Connector (North Myrtle Beach Connector) is completed, but funding was only approved in June, 2005 and construction has just begun. Traveling in and out for hurricane evacuations, as well as north and south along the Strand in general will be much easier once the connector is complete.

Get around
Travel around North Myrtle Beach is best done with your own or a rented vehicle. Although taxi service is available, it can be a bit expensive. Yellow Cab of North Myrtle Beach (843-420-1200) operates in the area. Livery service is also available for hire. Be sure to call ahead with your itinerary for reservations, especially when making travel arrangements for a large group.

Do
Besides the obvious choices of visiting the beach or playing golf, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your visit to North Myrtle Beach. Summer visitors enjoy watersports ranging from deep sea or sport fishing on Capt. Juel's Charters or the Hurricane Fleet out of Little River Inlet, or jet ski rentals, parasailing, and banana boat rides through Bob's Watersports in Cherry Grove or MB Watersports in Little River. Year round from the Little River Inlet you can test your luck on casino cruises by the Southern Elegance fleet, although most prefer the SunCruz Casino. Along the Intracoastal Waterway you can take scenic or dinner cruises on the Barefoot Princess. Family activities in the area include mini-golf venues, the arcade in the Crescent Shores section at Ocean Drive Pavilion, and a visit to Alligator Adventure. There's plenty of shopping in the area, from outlet malls to art galleries and antiquing. Live theatre includes shows at the Alabama Theatre, the House of Blues, and Tribute! right on Main Street. Horseback riding is available in the Cherry Grove section at Inlet Point Plantation Stables. If you don't mind a short ride over the border to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, then don't miss the chance to visit the Ingram Planetarium. Motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy Bike Week each May and October in addition to the Atlantic Beach Bikefest over Memorial Day Weekend. A word to the wise here; be sure to check with your hotel or resort regarding motorcycle accommodations. Many homeowner associations and hotels do NOT allow bikes on property. So check in advance in order to avoid disappointment at arrival!

Buy
Over 64 Shops at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Barefoot Landing is a shopper's paradise with everything from high fashion to surf wear and for every age and style. Name brand shops and one of a kind boutiques can be found at Barefoot Landing.

Eat
There's definitely a wide variety of restaurants in North Myrtle Beach. One of the highest rated is SeaBlue Tapas Bar & Restaurant. One of the favored Italian restaurants is Umbertos Pittsburgh Italian Trattoria located in Barefoot Landing. With authentic cuisine, a continental atmosphere and reasonable pricing you'll be swept away. Or try Martini's Continental Dining & Piano Bar for some fun! At Barefoot Landing you'll also find Greg Norman's own Australian Grille overlooking the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway with spectacular sunset views. For a more special or intimate setting, you might want to try Chestnut Hill or The Parson's Table to make a lasting impression. Logan's Roadhouse is a locals favorite for casual dining. The food and service are super for the price. For some down-home southern cooking, try the Cracker Barrel. Whatever you're hungry for, you'll find it in North Myrtle Beach.

Drink
In North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing probably has it all in one easy location on Hwy. 17. Try the Mad Boar Restaurant and Brewery to sample house ales and beers. Head over to the House of Blues. Then take a short ride up Hwy. 17 north to Hwy. 9, head north on Hwy. 9 and you'll find H.B. Spokes Saloon in Longs, with drinks, entertainment, and good times. CrawDaddy's also has a great karaoke night, to accompany their shellfish selection.

If caffeine is your thing instead, try getting out to Seattle's Best Coffee, Port City Java, or the Atlanta Bread Company for gourmet blends.

Go next

 * Nearby is the small community Briarcliffe Acres.

title: North Myrtle Beach