lupinetravel

This is correct. Whilst the DPRK is incredibly strict, it is rare for them to detain anyone without them having committed an infraction. Where the huge prison sentences come from is that these crimes, when committed by a foreigner, are considered acts of sedition rather than simply stealing a poster for example.

• James from Lupine Travel

I've taken the train in and out a bunch of times, although I've got less experience with PY airport.

Border checks have gotten much easier over the last few years. On the way in there tend to just make an inventory of electronic devices and also check books and newspapers. The rough rule of thumb is items printed in the US may cause an issue, regardless of content, and then any book that contains negative info. about the North. Some Lonely planets are ok, but some years and not allowed.

On the way out there rarely even check cameras for photos these days. In a standard group of 20 people they may check one or two cameras. When I first visited years ago it was extremely thorough, but these days you've got hundred and hundreds of westerners visiting every month. This April must have been well over 2000 westerners in total.

• James from Lupine Travel

I was quite surprised to see they do in fact have a Zamboni at the main ice rink, was expecting to see one of the Russian or Chinese ice resurfacers! The Korean guy operating it seemed to be enjoying his job though so I wouldn't hold out :).

• James from Lupine Travel

There are many aspects of how NK is portrayed that are justified, but it's an extremely complicated subject and certainly not as black and white as much of the media would like us to believe. I certainly think there's a strong element of creating a bigger enemy of DPRK.

The overwhelming hope of the normal citizens of the DPRK is that their country is reunified. From the people I've spoken to, I get the feeling that this is what they are living and fighting for. They genuinely believe that this is what their government are fighting for, this is what has been told to them since birth. When I've been asked myself of my thoughts about reunification and I've given my honest answers, the look of despair and horror on their faces is upsetting to see.

The media attacks on DPRK and military exercises in the area by the US and SK do absolutely nothing to help the situation. Instead it plays into the narrative that that helps the regime. They can claim that the US are circling and getting ready to attack / they're making threats in the media etc...it all helps them to focus on creating a militarized society in constant fear.

I believe without doubt that DPRK poses no threat whatsoever to the Western world. Domestically clearly it's a different matter but as for internationally, no chance. All they want to to is to protecting themselves. They are not stupid. They know exactly what would happen if they made the first move and attacked elsewhere. They are only concerned about self preservation. They have seen what's happened to regimes such as Iraq and Libya. They know the only way to guarantee protection of themselves is with a nuclear deterrent.

I have had many discussions with local citizens. Many of them will happily admit that life is difficult there, but as for matters of the State - they will never speak about them negatively, even if the subject is brought up.

Dylan - Lupine Travel

You need to be part of a tour really. Day tours to Sinuiju are possible, with both the option to overnight or not. These can be arranged at pretty short notice but we've never chosen to advertise them as we don't feel the price is worth a day in Sinuiju.

Rason in the North East has some special rules that allow more relaxed trips. Chinese citizens at one point could do a self driving trip to this area, but I'm not sure where that stands at the minute.

• James from Lupine Travel