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Chinese travel agency offers trips to NK for the holidays

dameonmac14

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 16, 2011
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-10-02/who-wants-to-go-to-north-korea-for-christmas
“What is your most cherished Christmas memory? Novelty knitted jumpers, overcooked Brussels sprouts and family arguments? Time to try Christmas in North Korea!”

That’s the pitch from Taedong Travel, a Chinese tourist agency that’s advertising a unique holiday getaway: “the first opportunity to spend the Christmas in North Korea.” The tiny dictatorship has long banned Christmastime tourists, according to various travel agencies. For little more than $1,000, plus extra fees for those who want a single room or require additional travel, international visitors will set out from Dandong, China, by train and spend five days and four nights in the totalitarian state’s capital city, Pyongyang. “Will you be visited by Santa Claus, enjoy Ginseng flavored Turkey or listen to familiar Christmas carols?” reads the promotional e-mail. “Just how is the festive period celebrated in North Korea? No one knows. No tourist has ever been allowed in the country at this time before.”
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Oh, that sounds fun! We should book a trip as a group and go see North Korea for ourselves! :lol:
 
Nano tchi said:
Can you imagine the forum regulars taking a photo shoot with Kim jong un lol
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Ooh, I can imagine...in story mode!

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It's Christmas Eve. When normally we would be at home, caroling and eating, spending time with our families, we are here instead, alone, and no bright celebrations.

We look at each other uneasily; we have only officially met back in China, and despite only having the DEFCON Warning System membership in common, have fast bonded, for we are the outsiders in this grim and strange land known as North Korea. We took the offer to travel here on a dare, perhaps out of a sense of boredom with our lives back home, perhaps out of a bout of insanity, but whatever the reason, we're here now. Whatever led us here, whatever insane idea we had, we are here now, and the feeling of isolation and hopelessness has never been stronger as it is now...

We've been in North Korea for at least two days. It's snowing, dreary, and I want to write more, but our agent does not let us see or take notes, so I remember as much as I can. There is no one besides us and the guards in the streets, and no sound except a tinny sound emitting from long broken speakers, distorting the well known song of North Korea. I shiver, but I'm not sure if it's from the weather or from the sound of the music, and I try not to show fear as we continue being led on the main road...

We are back from a "guided tour" of Pyongyang. Although we are very aware things are not what they seem, we try to remain polite and pretend to accept the reality they pretend is real on a daily basis. Our tour guide then says that, as a present from the Supreme Leader, we are to have a photo taken with him. We nod and murmured what an honor it was for the North Korean dictator to want our picture. They happily lead us to the dictator's house, but a feeling of dread takes hold of each of us. We are about to meet someone who we have written about, who we have tried to analyze, but have not been able to pinpoint. If we are able to leave here, we will be some of the privileged few who could say that they got to know the reclusive dictator, and could do better analysis in the future on our forums...

We are escorted to the main city, where Kim Jong Un awaits us. Myself, Ryan, Nano tchi, and at least three other members of the DEFCON Warning System website walk along the lonely and isolated roads, surrounded, and unable to talk to one another as we make our way. Me, being from the sunny Deep South, am especially cold, and the agent looks at me, concerned. I shake my head and indicate we can go on; I'm just going to freeze as the citizens actually do, I think to myself. It's far more realistic than the tour we just went through.

Defcon, concerned leader that he is, looks back, and makes sure that no one was left behind at the hotel, where agents are no doubt searching our possessions for evidence, fabricated or otherwise, of any criminal activity. We make our way forward, and Ryan stomps his feet in the ground, trying to warm himself up. This goes on for a few minutes, but soon we are going to wish we were still outside...

Our tour guide stops in front of Kim Jong Un's headquarters, and announces that we are here. We gaze upon the statute of Un, and our guide tells us we must bow to it, and demonstrates how. Not wanting to be arrested, we agree, and do as he says. Once we're inside, we're amazed to find that the inside walls are heavily decorated, as it would be in our own homes. Everywhere, there are holly wreaths and tinsel. I smile, but only for a brief moment, because our tour guide leaves us to go get the North Korean dictator. One comes back, hastily informing us the proper way to greet him, and to bow, and reminds us that everything must be done right.

All of us look to Defcon, and he looks back at us, nodding an assuring nod, and reminds us that as long as we do as they say, we should be fine, but adds "I hope" under his breath, knowing that in this country, anything can happen. We are stunned as the North Korean dictator comes out, and do as we were told for a greeting.

Surprisingly, he is outgoing in person, seemingly longing for respect and support from these people who have appeared before him. He starts speaking in Korean, which is translated to us from his female assistant. We have no idea what is being said, but three words stick out that make our blood freeze: DEFCON Warning System.

Our hearts pound. Is he about to arrest us? Was this photo op just a trap?

It seems not, at least for now, because he nods and tells us to come closer to him, and we take a picture, thanks to the tour guide. As the picture is printed out, and more are taken for each of us to have, my mind turns our new situation. What will become of us when the facade of picture taking fades away?

------

*looks back* geez, I can tell a story.

So, the ending? You get to finish it. Add on, forum members!
 
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