Visiting North Korea (訪問北韓)
In 2015, visiting North Korea (北韓) required careful planning, and the process was quite different from traveling to other countries. Here's how I paid a visit (參觀) to North Korea (北韓):
1. Apply for a Border Pass (邊防證) in Dandong (丹東)
To enter North Korea (北韓), I first had to apply for a border pass (邊防證) in Dandong (丹東), a Chinese city near the border (邊境). The pass is required for foreign visitors (外國遊客) crossing into North Korea (北韓).
2. Two-Day Visit to Sinuiju (新義州) and Other Places
I spent two days (兩天) visiting Sinuiju (新義州), a city near the Yalu River (鴨綠江), and other selected tourist sites (旅遊景點). The trip was carefully planned and organized by a tour guide (導遊), as all travel within the country is controlled by the government.
3. Transportation (交通)
The transportation (交通) between Dandong (丹東) and Sinuiju (新義州) was by train (火車), a common way to travel across the border (邊境). There were also buses (巴士) for local travel, but everything was organized through the tour company.
4. Restrictions on Photography (拍照禁令)
One important rule was the ban on photography (禁止拍照) in certain areas to avoid causing trouble (麻煩). I was warned not to take pictures, especially of military areas (軍事區域), government buildings (政府大樓), or anything considered sensitive. This was strictly enforced to maintain national security (國家安全).
5. Street Vendors and Officials (街頭小販與官員)
In North Korea (北韓), I noticed that street vendors (街頭小販) were rare and often controlled by the government (政府). Officials (官員) were everywhere, ensuring everything was under control (控制). Visitors are not allowed to wander freely; the tour is structured, and the official guides (導遊) accompany you at all times.
6. Visit Important Sites (重要紀念地)
During my visit, I was able to see important places (重要地方) such as the Kim Il-sung Memorial (金日成紀念館), monuments (紀念碑) dedicated to the Kim dynasty (金氏王朝), and other historical sites (歷史遺址). These sites were carefully chosen by the tour, as they are important to the North Korean regime (北韓政權).
While the experience was unique (獨特) and strict (嚴格), it was an opportunity to see a very different part of the world, with restricted freedom (受限的自由), and deep insight into North Korean culture (北韓文化) and history (歷史).
