Seoul, South Korea – Koryo Tours, a China-based travel agency specializing in tours to North Korea, has released a set of guidelines for content creators visiting the country. The announcement, posted on the agency’s website on March 28th, comes as North Korea cautiously reopens its borders to tourism after a prolonged closure.
The Nine Useful Tips for Content Creators Visiting North Korea address concerns surrounding photography and videography within the country, highlighting the importance of respecting local regulations and sensitivities.
The guidelines emphasize the following points:
- Respect Restricted Areas: Adherence to no photography zones is strictly required.
- Seek Guidance: Travelers should consult their guides when unsure about photography or videography permissions.
- Courtesy is Key: Permission should be politely requested before photographing locals.
- Focus on Culture, History, and Daily Life: Content shared online should prioritize cultural insights, historical context, and everyday life rather than political topics.
- Drone Ban: The use of drones is strictly prohibited.
The release of these guidelines follows North Korea’s recent, albeit brief, reopening of the Rason Special Economic Zone to foreign tour groups at the end of last month. The program was abruptly suspended shortly after its launch. Analysts speculate that the decision may have been influenced by concerns over Western tourists sharing detailed accounts and photographs of their experiences on social media, potentially exposing aspects of life within North Korea to the outside world.
Koryo Tours’ proactive approach in issuing these guidelines suggests a concerted effort to ensure responsible tourism and manage the flow of information coming out of North Korea as the country gradually re-engages with the international community. The travel agency likely aims to strike a balance between allowing tourists to experience the country and mitigating potential concerns from the North Korean authorities regarding the portrayal of their nation.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, March 28). 中国旅行社发布赴朝游客拍照注意事项 [Chinese travel agency releases photography guidelines for tourists to North Korea]. Retrieved from [Insert URL if available, otherwise omit].
- Koryo Tours. (2024, March 28). Nine Useful Tips for Content Creators Visiting North Korea. Retrieved from Koryo Tours official website. (Note: Actual URL not provided in source material, so a general reference is given.)
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