DPRK 2016 for web - Stephen Codrington

The Geographical Society of
New South Wales Study Tour to
North
Korea
North Korea
and neighbouring areas of China
Core trip and optional extension September 2016
North Korea Study Tour 2016
Core trip - 1st to 17th September
Optional extension - 17th to 23rd September
with Stephen Codrington
This ground-breaking study tour to
the world’s least known, least
understood country offers
unparalleled access to this secretive,
beautiful and fascinating nation. Two
options are offered:
For those who want a thorough
understanding of North Korea, the
Core Study Tour offers a 17 day
experience that covers Pyongyang,
Nampo, Mount Kuwol, Sinchon,
Sariwon, Haeju, Kaesong, Panmunjom
and the DMZ, Pyongsong, Mount
Myohyang, Mount Kumgang, and the
rarely visited East Coast centres of
Hamhung and Wonsan.
The Optional Extension will take
participants to the seldom visited and
isolated north and north-east of the
country - places that very few
foreigners have ever seen such as
Samjiyon, Mount Paektu, Hoeryong,
Chongjin and Mount Chilbo.
Meals are included as follows:
B = Breakfast included; L = Lunch included; D - Dinner included.
CORE TRIP
Thur 1st Sept - Arrive in Beijing (by own arrangements) in time to attend a pre-tour briefing
starting at 4:00pm. Overnight at Holiday Inn Express Dongzhimen, Beijing.
Fri 2nd Sept - We will travel by charter bus from the Holiday Inn Express Dongzhimen to Beijing
Airport, where we will board Air Koryo flight JS152 from Beijing to Pyongyang (half hour time
change upon arrival). On the way into central Pyongyang from the airport, we will stop at the Arch
of Triumph. Overnight at Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang. B,L,D
Sat 3rd Sep - Morning introduction to Pyongyang (capital city of the DPRK), beginning with a visit
to Fountain Park, followed by the Mansudae Grand
Monument (huge statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il), where
we will show respect by presenting flowers and bowing. We will
proceed to the Chollima Statue and then walk down to see
Pyongyang’s biggest and best street propaganda posters, after
which we will inspect the Grand People’s Study House,
which has fabulous views across Kim Il Sung Square as well as a
fascinating adult education program - and more than 3 million
books. The busy morning will continue with visits to the Foreign
Languages Bookstore, Kim Il Sung Square, and the
Stamps Museum. After lunch at the Yanggakdo Hotel
Revolving Restaurant, where we can admire elevated 360° views of
Pyongyang, we will visit the Mansudae Arts Studio, where
most of the country’s propaganda statues and posters are created, and meet with local artists. The
art theme will continue with a visit to the Central Art Gallery on Kim Il Sung Square before we
have an extended visit to Kang Bank Sok Secondary School, including time with staff
and students. After dinner, we will have an evening walk through Kim Il Sung Square to the
Pyongyang Grand Theatre. Overnight Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang. B,L,D
Sun 4th Sept - Following a visit to Kim Il Sung University, we will board some of
Pyongyang’s beautiful retro trams to get a local perspective on travelling through the city, as well
as having some great photo opportunities and hearing interesting stories about their years of service
and kilometres travelled. We will then visit the Paekdusan
Architecture Institute which details the construction of
Pyongyang from liberation in 1945 to the present day, and features a
wonderful mural depicting Pyongyang city in the entrance hall. After lunch, we will drive along one of North Korea’s ‘freeways’ to
the port city Nampo, where we will visit Chollima
Steelworks, and the Tae’an Heavy Machine Tool
Complex (if they are operating - if not, we will visit the Kangso
Mineral Water Factory) and the Nampo Orphanage. Overnight at Ryonggang Hot Spa Hotel, Nampo (where each room has
its own hot spa bath using local mineral water). B,L,D
Mon 5th Sept - The morning will begin with an inspection of the
West Sea Barrage, a major 8 kilometre long dam that has
converted a large inlet of salt water into a huge reservoir of fresh water for irrigating farmlands. We
will cross barrage and drive to Mount Kuwol for a picnic lunch and a visit to the historic
Woljong Buddhist Temple. After lunch, we will drive to Sinchon and visit the very graphic
Museum of US War Atrocities. Not for the faint-hearted, the
museum details the alleged massacre in the area of more than
35,000 people during the Korean War under US military occupation.
After this unforgettable visit, we will drive to Sariwon, one of
North Korea’s most charming and typical mid-sized towns. Overnight
at March 8th Hotel, Sariwon. B,L,D
Tue 6th Sept - The day will begin with a visit to the new
statues of the Two Leaders in Sariwon, followed by a visit to
Sariwon Folk Village and its nearby lookout pavilion, before
inspecting Migok Co-operative farm, which should include a
visit inside a farmer’s home. After lunch in Sariwon, we will drive to
the southern town of Haeju where we will visit Gyenam Stock Farm, a livestock farm for
cows, goats and rabbits where they also process some of the main by-products of cattle such as milk
and methane. This will be followed by a visit to the beautiful Sokdam Ravine, an area that
features remains from the 16th century. Overnight at Haeju Hotel, Haeju. B,L,D
Wed 7th Sept - The morning will be spent in Haeju, a seldom visited city in North Korea, with
visits to the Central Square of Haeju, where there is a statue of
Kim Il Sung, Buyong Pavillion (which was built in 1500 and
renovated over time) and the Koryo Fortress, which is built
above a split 120 metre high waterfall in a prime defensive position. After lunch in Haeju, we will drive to Kaesong, the best preserved
town on the entire Korean peninsula, located just a few kilometres
north of the border with South Korea. Our visit to Kaesong will
commence with an inspection of the tombs of King Kongmin
and King Wanggon (from the Koryo Dynasty), followed by a
visit to Jannam Hill and Kwandok Pavillion for elevated
views over ‘old’ Kaesong, and then the Central Square of
Kaesong. Overnight at Jannamsan Hotel, Kaesong. B,L,D
Thur 8th Sept - The day will begin with a visit to today’s frontline of the Cold War, the border
with South Korea at Panmunjom. The group will enter the DMZ and inspect the negotiating huts
where the Korean War truce talks took place and the building where the armistice was signed,
before entering the JSA (Joint Security Area) and going right up to the South Korean border. This is
one of the few places where you can take pictures of (and even
with) members of the DPRK military. We will then return to
Kaesong to visit the Koryo Museum, which is set in the beautiful
grounds of an old Confucian university, and have a special local-style
lunch known as pansanggi (somewhat like Korean tapas). After lunch
we will drive through farmlands to the Concrete Wall, which is
far more interesting than its name suggests, being a concrete an antitank barrier allegedly built by the Americans across the entire
Korean peninsula in the southern half of the DMZ between 1977
and 1979 (when they were demanding that the Soviets demolish the
Berlin Wall). We will then drive back to Pyongyang along the
somewhat bizarre but very wide Reunification Highway,
stopping at the southern entrance of Pyongyang to inspect the
elegant archway that is known officially as the Monument to the Three Charters for
National Reunification. Overnight at the Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang. B,L,D
Fri 9th Sept - NATIONAL DAY HOLIDAY - This day will celebrate the 68th anniversary of the
founding of the DPRK. It is expected that there will be celebratory events such as mass communal
dancing, and we will join in these festivities wherever possible. We will start the day by going to the
Kumsusan Memorial Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum where North Korean leaders Kim Il
Sung and Kim Jong Il lie in state. This is a place of utmost importance for Koreans and visitors must
behave accordingly. Men should wear a shirt and tie; women should dress smartly. Next we take a
short drive to the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery. Here,
we will see superb individually-crafted bronze busts of the country’s
anti-Japanese heroes, including one of Kim Jong Suk (the mother of
Kim Jong Il). The cemetery was designed to overlook the city – the
idea being that the fallen martyrs should have a view of their country
being rebuilt. After a quick return to the hotel to get changed into
less formal clothes, and following lunch, we will visit
Mangyongdae, the native birthplace of North Korean President
Kim Il Sung, noting the humble beginnings of the man who later
became known as the Great Leader. Being National Day we should
expect to be joined by large numbers of local people specially
dressed for their visit. We will then proceed to Moranbong
Park. Located near the centre of
Pyongyang, this is a favourite place for local people to picnic and
during the holiday periods it is not unusual to come across groups
of Koreans dancing; you might even get the opportunity to join in.
The visit will also include a visit to the Monument to KoreanSoviet Friendship. We will finish the day watching mass
dancing or whatever celebrations are scheduled. Overnight at
Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang. B,L,D
Sat 10th Sep - We will start the day with a visit to the newly
constructed, spectacular Victorious Fatherland Liberation
War Museum, where we can learn the history of the Korean
War from a North Korean perspective. The museum’s different
rooms explain the origins of the conflict, and include highly impressive dioramas, tanks, planes, and
much more. As part of the visit, we will step into the USS Pueblo, an American spy ship captured
by the DPRK navy in 1968. This will be followed by an extended ride through six stations on the
Pyongyang Metro. With a depth of 100 metres, it is the deepest subway system in the world.
The designs of the main stations are stunning, and particularly notable for their superb lighting and
mosaics. This is a great chance to interact with local people, especially if you are prepared to learn
some basic greetings in Korean. After lunch, we will visit the Party Founding Monument, an
iconic sculpture featuring a hammer, sickle and calligraphy brush,
which was constructed to celebrate 50 years of Workers’ Party
rule. This will be followed by a tour of the Pyongyang
Maternity Hospital, and then a visit to the Tower of the Juche
Idea. With a height of 150 metres, and topped with a flickering red
torch, this is the highest stone monument in the world (higher
than the Washington Monument). We will take the lift to the top
for stunning views over Pyongyang. Overnight Koryo Hotel. B,L,D
Sun 11th Sept - We will start the day with a visit to the
Railway Museum, which showcases the electrification of
North Korea’s railways, before continuing to the Pyongyang
Feature Film Studios – the Hollywood of the DPRK – where
some of the most iconic DPRK feature films were shot and produced. It was visited hundreds of
times by Kim Jong Il who wrote a book entitled ‘On the Art of the Cinema’, the ‘bible’ for Korean
filmmakers. We will tour the sets and learn about film as art and
propaganda in North Korea. We will then drive 40 minutes north
to the town of Pyongsong, stopping at the new Cemetery for
Heroes of the Korean War on the northern outskirts of
Pyongyang. We will check into our hotel in time for lunch, stopping
off at the Central Square for some photos on the way. After
lunch, we will inspect the Paeksong Revolutionary Site,
which is where Kim Il Sung University was moved to in 1952
during the Korean War – a hidden academic base. We will walk
through the old classrooms, kitchens and living quarters. We end
the day with a tour of Pyongsong Taedonggang Clothing
Factory, a factory that produces clothes to ship all over the
world. Overnight in Jangsusan Hotel, Pyongsong. B,L,D
Mon 12th Sept - We will drive to Mt Myohyang, the Mountain of Mysterious Fragrance, two
hours north of Pyongyang. The first visit of the day is to the area’s main attraction, the
International Friendship Exhibition. Built in 1978, these two huge subterranean halls are
filled with thousands of gifts to the leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, presented to them by people
from all over the world, including heads of state, as well as
ordinary citizens. It is estimated that if you spent one minute in
front of each gift it would take over a year to see the whole
exhibition. Before stopping for lunch, we will inspect the nearby
thousand-year-old Pohyon Buddhist Temple, which was
destroyed during the Korean War, but rebuilt as a working temple,
complete with North Korean monks. After lunch we will return
to Pyongyang and visit the Pyongyang Schoolchildren’s
Palace to tour the classrooms of this after-school co-curricular
Gifted and Talented children’s extension program, and then watch a
performance by the talented children who perform for the public
as an essential part of their training. Overnight in Koryo Hotel,
Pyongyang. B,L,D
Tue 13th Sept - We will drive to the seldom visited east coast of the country. After about two
hours we will stop at Sinpyong Lake where there is a rest house with bathrooms and
refreshments. We then continue on for about one hour to Ulim Waterfalls, where we will stop
for a picnic lunch. These beautiful waterfalls were discovered in 2001 by Korean People’s Army
soldiers, and they are a popular place for locals to come and relax. After lunch we will drive to
Hamhung, stopping on the way to inspect the Tongbong
Co-operative Farm where we enjoy a detailed explanation of
how co-operative farming works in North Korea and the
economic reforms that were recently introduced. There is a shop
on the farm where we can buy locally-made products (some great
kitsch stationary and even wellington boots). We will also see a
kindergarten and a farmer’s house. Overnight at Sin Hung
San Hotel, Hamhung. B,L,D
Wed 14th Sept - The day will begin with a visit to the
Hungnam Fertiliser factory, where we will see some local
DPRK industry. This will be followed by a visit to the ancient
home of Ri Song Gye, the founder of the Ri Dynasty. This is
a beautifully-restored traditional palace with some interesting stories, including one about a giant pair
of shoes. We then proceed to the city centre to see the exterior of the beautifully retro
Hamhung Grand Theatre and the statues of leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il before
having lunch. After lunch we drive to the eastern port city of
Wonsan, with stops for photos. In the Wonsan district, we will visit
the Songdowon Schoolchildren’s Camp where talented
schoolchildren come between April and October to learn outdoor
education skills such as camping. This will be followed by a visit to
Wonsan Agricultural University, the most important
agricultural university in the country. It was visited by the leaders on
many occasions and we can even see marks dotted around the
beautiful grounds showing where they stood for photos. There will
be an optional evening walk on the city pier; this requires a
payment of of €1 for access, but is well worth it for the great views
of the Wonsan skyline. Overnight at Dongmyong Hotel,Wonsan. B,L,D
Thur 15th Sept - After breakfast we will check out of the hotel
and drive south approximately two hours to the beautiful Mt Kumgang area., which contains
perhaps the most stunningly beautiful mountain scenery on the entire Korean peninsula. Upon
arrival we take a short walk around Samil Lagoon before having lunch at Mokran Restaurant,
which is located at the foot of the Kuryong (Nine Dragon) Waterfalls. After lunch we visit
the Kumgangsan Revolutionary Museum, which highlights
the anti-Japanese exploits of those who fought against colonialism
in this area. This will be followed by visits to several beautiful
temples, hermitages and unusually shaped rocks (or, for
those who prefer, you can arrange an optional spa for €10). Overnight at Kumgangsan Hotel. B,L,D
Fri 16th Sept - We will drive back to Wonsan after breakfast,
and then visit the Wonsan Old Railway Station in the city
square and nearby art gallery. After lunch, we will drive to
Pyongyang with some stops. Upon arrival in Pyongyang, we will
visit the newly renovated Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s
Palace, visiting classrooms and watching a performance. Overnight
at Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang. B,L,D
Sat 17th Sept - Those not continuing on the optional extension will go to airport and fly on Air
Koryo flight JS151 to Beijing, where the tour ends. The flight departs at 08:30 and arrives in Beijing at
10:00 (half hour time difference). B
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
Sat 17th Sept - The day will begin with a visit to the Three
Revolutions Exhibition, which consists of six halls showcasing
the nation’s technological, cultural and ideological progress following
the Korean War. The visit will include inspections of two of the
exhibition halls. This will be followed by visits to the
Pyongyang Textiles Factory and the new Military
Exhibition Centre, which houses exhibits of thousands of
weapons and combat equipment from small firearms to tanks,
armoured vehicles and aircraft. The last visit before lunch will be the
Kwangbok Department Store and Supermarket, a large
Chinese-Korean joint venture multi-story shop selling all manner of local and imported goods. This
is a rare opportunity to mingle with locals as they do their daily shopping, and significantly it is the
one place in the DPRK where foreigners can legally obtain and use local currency. After lunch, we
will attend a spectacular performance of the National Circus, a circus unlike any other in the
world. The afternoon will conclude with a visit to the Miniature Folk Park, which lies just
beyond the city limits and features scale models of many of Pyongyang’s ancient and modern
buildings, including a 5 metre high version of the Ryuggyong Hotel.
Overnight at Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang. B,L,D
Sun 18 Sept - After an early breakfast, we will head to the airport
in time to catch our flight to Mt Paekdu (1 hour). Straddling
North Korea’s border with China, Mt Paekdu is the tallest mountain
in Korea (2750m), and is regarded as sacred by both North and
South Koreans as it was the birthplace of the mythical founder of
the Korean nation, King Tangun. It is also important to North
Koreans as it is where Kim Il Sung based himself when fighting
against the Japanese before Liberation, and because Kim Jong Il was
allegedly born here in a humble log cabin under an array of
supernatural signs. Upon arrival at the mountain, the bus will wait at
the car park and we take a hike to the top which takes around 45 minutes. Here (weather
permitting) we will have stunning views over the area and of the mirror-like Lake Chon, the highest
crater lake in the world. We will spend around two hours in the
area, including (if it is operational) a cable car trip down to the crater
lake and back again. We will leave Mt Paektu and stop in an alpine
meadow for a picnic lunch before visiting the famed Paekdusan
Secret Camp that was the base of the Korean People’s
Revolutionary Army during the fight against the Japanese occupation.
It is also, according to official DPRK accounts, the birthplace of
Kim Jong Il, and we will visit the log cabin where he was born. We
can even see the toys he played with as a child. Next we head to a
local lumberjacks’ settlement to see the beautiful Rimyongsu
waterfalls and famed slogan trees before heading back to
Samjiyon Town where our hotel is located. Overnight at the
Pegaebong Hotel, Samjiyon. B,L,D
Mon 19 Sept - This morning we make our way back to Samjiyon airport to catch our flight to
O’rang, stopping off at the Samjiyon Regional Museum and the very impressive Samjiyon
Grand Monument on the way, where a statue of President Kim Il Sung and huge sculptures of the
guerillas who fought against the Japanese were built in 1949 to immortalise the revolutionary
exploits in the area. We then board our flight to O’rang airport (around 45 mins). Upon arrival,
we take the very interesting drive to Hoeryong. Situated close to the Chinese border, Hoeryong
is the birthplace of Kim Jong Suk, wife of Kim Il Sung and mother of Kim Jong Il. Upon arrival, we will
have lunch in Hoeryong at the hotel, after which we will visit the statue of Kim Jong Suk, where
we will lay flowers and pay our respects. We also visit her native birthplace, a thatched cottage
which is where she was born and spent the early years of her
childhood. Next is the Revolutionary Museum, which tells of
Kim Jong Suk's exploits during the anti-Japanese struggle, before
inspecting the city centre of Hoeryong, a city that was closed to
foreigners until 2012. Overnight at Hoeryong Hotel. B,L,D
Tue 20 Sept - We will start the day with a visit to Kim Ki
Sung Middle School, named after Kim Jong Suk’s younger
brother. We will then drive to Chongjin with several stops for
photos. After lunch at the town’s hotel, we will visit Chongjin
Revolutionary Museum, which details the history of the
area, followed by the Central Square to see the Kim Il Sung
Statue. We will visit the Steelworks Kindergarten, catering
to the children of steelworkers. Here we will visit a few
classrooms and view a performance put on by the young children. The afternoon will conclude with
a visit to the Jipsam (3 Generals) Revolutionary sites, which are located one hour from
Chongjin on a very nice beach area with fishing villages at either end. After dinner we will visit the
Fisherman’s Club. Every port city in North Korea has one of these, but the one in Chongjin is
the only one that foreigners are allowed to visit. It is a rare
opportunity to mingle with local people and experience typical
North Korean nightlife- and a very unexpected drinks selection
awaits us here too. Overnight at the Chongjin Tourist Hotel. B,L,D
Wed 21 Sept - The day will begin with visits to the newly
renovated Chongjin Regional Library and Chongjin
Foodstuffs factory, followed by a tour around town in a local
bus to see the city from the perspective of local people. After an
early lunch at the town’s hotel, we will drive to Mount Chilbo.
With a name meaning ‘The Mountain of 7 Treasures’, this area is
one of the most famous scenic spots in the DPRK. Upon arrival,
we will explore the area’s beautiful mountain scenery, rock
formations, and then visit a local beach. Overnight in your choice of home stay accommodation or a
local hotel. This is the only place in the DPRK where it is possible for foreign visitors to stay in the homes of
local people. Expect basic facilities where the homes are scrupulously clean and hygienic. Some houses have
western toilets but most are squat. The local residents will be extremely friendly and hospitable but they do
not speak English. The alternative accommodation - your choice - is the nearby Outer Chilbo Hotel, a basic
hotel with limited hot water and electricity, but set in a stunning setting nestled in the mountains. B,L,D
Thur 22 Sept - After farewelling our hosts for the night, we drive to O’rang Airport, enjoying a
picnic lunch en route. We will have an early afternoon flight to Pyongyang, and upon arrival take
time to inspect the Air Koryo fleet with its eclectic mix of immaculately maintained Soviet
airliners and more modern equipment. Farewell dinner at Duck BBQ restaurant. Overnight at Koryo
Hotel, Pyongyang. B,L,D
Fri 23 Sept - Fly from Pyongyang to Beijing on Air Koryo flight JS151, departing at 08:30 and
arriving at 10:00 (Note there is a half hour time difference). The study tour ends upon arrival at
Beijing Airport, leaving participants free to catch a connecting flight or extend their stay in China. B
Notes: This itinerary has been agreed by the North Korean authorities, who nonetheless always retain the right to make changes
as deemed necessary. We are expecting to arrange a discussion with an NGO representative while in Pyongyang, but this can
only confirmed after arrival in North Korea.
Mass Games (gymnastics) have not been held in North Korea since 2013, and their future is
unknown. If mass games are scheduled during 2016, they will be scheduled during the
period of our visit, in which case the opportunity to attend will be offered to participants.
As per past practice, the probable cost would be €80 per person.
APPLICATION
A tour application form
is found on pages 12 and
13 of this brochure. To
In the unlikely event that the group size is smaller than 10 people, the Geographical
reserve a place on this study
Society of New South Wales reserves the right to request a small additional fee to ensure
tour, please return the
completed form with a
the study tour is viable and can continue as scheduled.
deposit of $250 per
person, to the ACR
Please note that journalists may not enter North Korea on the type of visa that will be used
Travel office.
for our group tour. US passport holders may not stay at the hotels in Sariwon or Haeju, or in
home-stay accommodation at Mount Chilbo.
THE COST:
Core Trip (17 days; 16 nights)
Twin-share cost (Beijing to Beijing) = $5800 (AUD) per person
Single supplement extra cost = $930 (AUD) per person
Optional Extension (7 days; 6 nights)
Twin-share cost (Pyongyang to Beijing) = $2450 (AUD) per person
Single supplement extra cost = $310 (AUD) per person
Included in cost: Visa for North Korea. All three meals every day in North Korea, including some beer,
water and soft drinks. One night’s accommodation in Beijing plus all accommodation in the best available
hotels or equivalent on a twin-share basis while in North Korea. All travel (bus, air, etc) starting in Beijing on
2nd September until reaching Beijing Airport upon exit from North Korea. All transfers from 2nd September
onwards, all admissions, including museums and national parks, except if indicated in the itinerary above.
Sight-seeing with experienced English-speaking guides, and all hotel and local tourism taxes.
Not included in cost: Visa for China (which may or may not be required depending on the flights you
choose). Return flights from your home to Beijing (own arrangements). Personal items such as extra
beverages, phone, laundry, insurance, medical expenses, excess baggage., souvenirs. Tips for the guides and
drivers are also not included (typically about €10 per person per day).
Transport: This trip begins and ends in Beijing to maximise participants’ flexibility. Participants may come
from any city using whatever airline they wish, sitting in whatever class of travel they desire, using points or
cash as they prefer. Clients in Australia would benefit by calling ACR Travel to obtain a quote for air travel
before booking flights. The group will have its own bus throughout North Korea. International and domestic
flights are with Air Koryo, the national airline of North Korea. Although not well known in the West, Air
Koryo has a very well maintained fleet with a perfect safety record.
The Tour Leader
Stephen Codrington
A well known geographer, writer, educationalist and speaker, Stephen is the author of more than 30
books and a former President of the Geographical Society who has led several study tours for the
Society in previous years. Stephen’s work and travels have now taken him to 134 countries, and he
describes travel to interesting places as part of his DNA. You are welcome to read his travel diaries
online at http://www.stephencodrington.com/Hub/Travel_Diaries.html. The photo above shows him
at Mount Paektu, overlooking Lake Chon in North Korea. This study tour will be his 10th visit to
North Korea.
Stephen’s most recent visit to North Korea was in September 2015 when he led last year’s
Geographical Society Study Tour, a trip which the participants gave an average rating of 4.9 on a scale
of 0 to 5. It would be extremely difficult to find a tour leader who knows North Korea better than
Stephen.
Stephen’s full biography can be seen at http://www.stephencodrington.com/Hub/Biography.html.
Stephen can be contacted by e-mail at stephen@acrtravel.com.au.
RESTRICTIONS:
North Korea is not like other travel destinations, and there are some restrictions. You will be
required to sign a form stating that you are not a journalist and that you will not publish anything
about your trip for profit because at the present time journalists are not permitted to enter the
country. You will be required to travel with the group, and there are restrictions on walking alone or
in small groups unaccompanied. You are free to photograph and video most things, but certain items
are off-limits, such as strategic facilities, soldiers (except paradoxically at the DMZ), people engaged
in manual labour and close-ups of individuals without their permission. You will be required to show
outward respect for the country’s leadership, including wearing formal attire when visiting the
mausoleum.
The other side of the coin is that North Korea is one of the safest countries in the world for
travellers. Crime is almost unknown, the quality of food served is good with excellent hygiene
standards, and anyone with symptoms of illness is whisked off for immediate medical attention.
There are so few vehicles on the road that motor accidents are very rare, and the national airline, Air
Koryo, has a perfect safety record.
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Lower Ground Suite D, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia - T: 02 8252 8777 F: 02 8252 8919
E-mail: sales@acrtravel.com.au
www.acrtravel.com.au
International Travel & Tours
AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL RESOURCES PRT LTD, T/AS ABN 82 065 794 452
Lic. No. 2TA5384
• International & Domestic Travel • Leisure Travel & Tours • Cruises • Travel Insurance •Corporate Travel
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
BOOKING: Australian Commercial Resources, trading as ACR International Travel & Tours, are hereby referred to as “the Company” ,and the
booking conditions apply to all tours of the Company as shown on the ACR Travel website (www.acrtravel.com.au) and on Tour Brochures
prepared by the Company. You must read and understand the following terms and conditions prior to booking any tours with ACR
International Travel & Tours.
TOUR PRICES: Tour prices quoted in the Company’s website or in its Tour Brochures are costed usually 12 months ahead of departure and the
Company cannot be held responsible for any changes in tour price which may occur and it reserves the right to vary the price of any travel
arrangements up to the date of departure. This includes adjustments for altered international currency exchange rates, fuel surcharges and
airfare increases.
DEPOSIT: The Company will confirm clients’ bookings in writing on receipt of a deposit of $250 per person (non-refundable), together with a
completed and signed Booking Form provided by the client and his/her party.
FINAL PAYMENT: The balance of the full payment is to be made 45 to 60 days prior to departure, depending on requirements for the particular
tour.
ALTERATIONS TO SERVICE: Itineraries, hotels, flight schedules, airfares and other components that make up the tour are subject to chage
without notice, but every effort will be made by the Company to achieve a sensible outcome in the best interests of all. Such changes should
occur either prior to departure, or during travel, but any change in cost (plus or minus) is chargeable/refundable to the clients involved.
TOUR AMENDMENTS: Clients may make minor alterations to their travel arrangements where these are easily achieved, but, after reservations
have been confirmed, a service fee of $30 per amendment will be charged, in addition to any costs incurred such as communications charges,
and fees charged by hotels, airlines or transport providers.
CANCELLATION FEE: Cancellation of a booking must be made in writing by the person who signed the Booking Form, and is not effective until
such cancellation has been received by the Company. The following charges apply to the cancellation of a tour by clients:
• Up to 60 days before departure: Loss of deposit
• Within 60 days prior to departure: Loss of original deposit, and all subsequent payments except those which can be refunded by the
overseas agents, tour operators, airlines and hotels.
REFUNDS: No refunds are possible on any portion of the tour not utilised once travel has commenced, unless a particular service or suitable
alternative is not, or cannot be, provided as set out in the tour itinerary. The company does not operate as an airline, hotel operator, or transport
provider, and all bookings are subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of liability imposed by those other service providers. Clients
understand and agree to such refund limitations.
CHANGES OR DELAYS: A number of factors may affect our planned itinerary. While we will make every effort to operate according to plan, ACR
International Travel & Tours reserves the right to alter itineraries at short notice in the interest of the traveller.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: It is the responsibility of the clients to be in possession of a valid passport (with at least 6 months to run), visa permits,
and vaccination and other medical certificates as may be be required for the whole tour and also any Australian re-entry requirements, as in the
case of foreign nationals.
AIRLINES: All Airlines do not, by virtue of their mention in this WEBSITE/FLYERS, represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser
of holidays from ACR International Travel & Tours or as having any other legal relationships with any such purchaser.
INSURANCE: Travel insurance is strongly recommended as soon as possible after making final payment for a tour. Insurance should cover the
traveller for the duration of the tour in case of medical, injury, illness, death, loss of baggage and personal items, cancellations and curtailment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Any special requirements must be brought to the attention of ACR International Travel & Tours by the client at the
time of booking a tour.
COMPLAINTS OR CLAIMS: In case the client is not satisfied with the tour at any time, the tour escort should be informed immediately so
prompt action can be taken to resolve the problem. If this does not result in client’s satisfaction, the ACR International Travel & Tours may be
contacted by telephone, e-mail or fax. If the problem is still not resolved then the client must provide details in writing to ACR International
Travel & Tours within 15 days of returning home.
COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Company and its associated agents involved in a tour’s transportation and operation assume no liability for
injuries, damages, losses and accidents incurred, or changes in the itinerary beyond the Company’s or agents’ control, and the client
understands and agrees that this is the case.
Lower Ground Suite D, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia - T: 02 8252 8777 F: 02 8252 8919
E-mail: sales@acrtravel.com.au
www.acrtravel.com.au
Tour Organizer:
The Geographical Society of New South Wales
School of Social Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797,
South Penrith, NSW 2751 Phone: (02) 4735 0959 Fax: (02) 4736 0150
Tour Leader: Dr Stephen Codrington
Tour Operator:
ACR International Travel & Tours
Lower Ground Level, Suite D, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney,
NSW 2000. Phone: (02) 8252 8777
Travel Agents Licence No: 2TA 5384