Do any sources indicate additional risk for being a (South) Korean-American visiting North Korea?
I'm an American-born (South) Korean, and I have a week to sign up for a surfing expedition in North Korea. I've read several pages of Google results about Americans traveling to North Korea, the official travel advisory, blogs, etc. But I can't find anything about an American born to South Korean parents—as you can imagine, adding the keyword "South" only brings up South Korea in political contexts, or information for South Korean nationals, e.g. How possible is it for a South Korean to visit North Korea?
Based on the information I've read for (non-Asian) Americans, I'm pretty comfortable going on this trip. But I'm uncertain what additional trouble I might get in for being South Korean by heritage. For example, I'm not too worried about being detained for a month, even longer, but official and non-official sources mention that "death" as a possible sentence, which uh, I guess is kind of worrisome, as adventurous as I am.
From recent times, Kenneth Bae was a South Korean who had emigrated to America and was visiting North Korea when he was detained then sentenced to 15 years of hard labor; ultimately, he was released in a few months. However, Bae was clearly violating North Korean laws with his religious involvement.
Can anyone point to any article from the perspective of a South Korean American or any information related to such? Or, does anyone have pertinent deductions I might not have come across that might persuade or dissuade me from going? (I promise not to hold anyone responsible for detainment or death :-)
Best Answer
US Department of State has a level 4 travel advisory. Level 4 is "do not travel," and was updated December 19,2018.
Pictures about "Do any sources indicate additional risk for being a (South) Korean-American visiting North Korea?"
Are South Korean tourists allowed in North Korea?
Citizens of South Korea require special permission from both governments to enter North Korea and are typically not granted such permission for regular tourism except in special tourist areas designated for South Koreans.Why are we not allowed to go to North Korea?
Do not travel to North Korea due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals. You cannot use a U.S. passport to travel to, in, or through North Korea without a special validation from the Department of State.What nationalities are not allowed in North Korea?
Which countries cannot visit North Korea? The only country that North Korea restricts visitors from is South Korea (the Republic of Korea), whose citizens need special permission (from both governments).Are North Koreans ever allowed to travel?
Can North Koreans travel abroad? It's a question that frequently arises on our North Korea Tours. In short \u2013 Yes they can, but only with the necessary permission. While waiting for your train to Pyongyang at Dandong station or your flight from Beijing you will encounter hundreds of Travelling North Koreans.North Korea's Slow Motion Military - North Korea parade in Slow Motion
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