When it come to the question of if journalists can visit North Korea there are a lot of misunderstandings and downright falsehoods. Many state that journalists are banned from the country entirely. This is not the case at all, but there are certainly nuances and rules that need to be followed.
To read if journalist can go to Socotra click here
Is North Korea open?
To deal with the first elephant in the room North Korea is not currently to open to any travelers due to Covid-19. And while there are lots of rumors about when it might reopen, the reality is this will be very unlikely in 2023.
From our inelegance the soonest that North Korea might open for tourism is the summer of 2024.
To read about China opening, but not North Korea click here
Can journalists visit North Korea?
Contrary to popular belief North Korea welcome journalist to the country that wish to do stories that are not just unashamed bashing of the country. A prime example of this would be the visit and documentary of Michael Pailin.
This was far from sycophantic, nor did the North Koreans insist on editorial control, but it was also not there to ridicule the country.
If you are looking to do something like Vice, or the like then not only can we not help you, but you are at risk of endangering others.
Guerrilla journalism in North Korea
We do not recommend nor condone guerrilla journalism or documentary making in North Korea. If you do this as part of a group you endanger them. If you do this by yourself it means lying on your visa application and risking arrest.
Keep in mind just how serious North Korea take things like this before engaging in such behavior.
Can you arrange journalist visits to North Korea?
When North Korea is open we can arrange journalistic trips to North Korea, cultural exchanges, business meetings and indeed interviews with members of the government.
This though is very much a process and takes a long time to arrange and is not always successful. YPDR though do work with more branches of government as well diplomats than any other organization, so if anyone can get you into North Korea it is us.
