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North Korea's tourism plans - is it on your bucket list?

It's the most secretive country in the world & one of the most mocked  - but North Korea is hoping travellers will look past all that & book a holiday to the destination.

It’s the most secretive country in the world & one of the most mocked  – but North Korea is hoping travellers will look past all that & book a holiday to the destination.

The country’s leaders have released an ambitious plan to increase arrivals from just 100,000 per year to around one million by 2017.

In other words, the destination that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) is urging travellers to reconsider travelling to, is hoping to see a ten fold increase in tourism within two years.

But that’s not all.

North Korea

By 2020 leaders are hoping to welcome around two million international visitors, the Daily Mail reported.

This sudden focus on tourism allegedly comes straight from the guy on top – leader Kim Jong-un.

In a recent speech at the capital city of Pyongyang he is believed to have told his people that the country can ‘produce a lot of profit’ from tourism, which is why it is being made a top priority.

“Many people in foreign countries think in a wrong way about our country. Though the economic sanctions of the US imperialists are increasing, we are developing our economy.”

Kim Jong-un

Currently, the majority of tourists to North Korea come from China.

However, the East Asian country is hoping images of surfing and white-sand beaches will lure adventure-seeking Millennials.

North Korea 2

North Korea may very well meet its targets, but in the meantime DFAT continues to urge travellers to reconsider their need to visit.

The government agency takes this stance due to restrictions placed on foreigners and very different laws and regulations applying to behaviour.

“Travel by Australians is uncommon and foreign visitors have been subject to arbitrary arrest and long-term detention.”

DFAT

“Foreigners may be arrested, detained or expelled for activities that would not be considered crimes in Australia, including unsanctioned religious and political activities, unauthorised travel, or unwarranted interaction with local nationals.”

Nice to know.

Is North Korea on your bucket list? Why or why not?