North Korea Travel Forum

I just read up on the KFA 2008 trip to NK, and I must admit that it's pretty expensive. Over 2000 euros for a week in NK?

Is there a way to get into NK alone? I am in Sydney at the moment. My plan would be to fly into Beijing and then fly to NK. Doable?

Knowing the weekly prices set by Russian tour operators I would say, it's inflated by at least factor 2. But maybe you have no other choice. There could be a loophole - worth to try, does not cost much (see the end of my posting)

You can save - alas not very significantly - by taking the train both ways. Here is the cover of corresponding MPT ticket: (what MPT means - see my home page about train tickets)

http://www.stat.ualberta.ca/people/schmu/ticket.html

Also maybe it's worth to see, what changes (if any) will come as the Olympics nears.

Last but not least: it is not really popularized, but you can take individual tour by yourself if you get visa support from Korea Int'l Travel Co.

Here are their parameters (at least according http://www.crowcroft.net/dprk.htm)
Korea Int'l Travel Co.
Jungsong-dong, Central District, PY, DPRK.
Tel: 850-2-18333
850-2-3818574
Fax: 850-2-3814645
Email: kitc_x@silibank.com

In general, look at http://www.stat.ualberta.ca/people/schmu/nk.html

2000 EUR does sound a bit pricey. But please know that due to past relations with communist Russia and China, those two nationalities can enter DPRK more economically than other foreigners.

I would rationalize that you would pay nearly the same cost if not more if you went solo as it would if you went with a group. Thre reason being is because a group would share the cost of a tour bus, going solo, you would have to pay for the use of a car. A Group would split the cost of 2~3 guides, you would be paying for 1~2 by yourself...

I've been there last year with Koreakonsult company from Sweden.
PRO: cheaper then other tour operators; smaller group; almost the same itinerary as other tour operators give; easy and friendly communications (email only) till Beijing; they also offer individual tour (probably with guide but you can be alone)
CON: none

www.koreakonsult.com

Thanks for your advice guys!!

Hope you enjoy your visit! I went earlier this year.