Meet Nicholas Bonner, the founder of Beijing-based Koryo Tours, which since the '90s has specialized in taking tourists to one of the last undiscovered nations: North Korea
When I read about the tourism in the DPRK I marvel that my experience is so unique.
I've been invited to teach in high schools 3 times and given booths at the Book Fairs twice. I've also been to events near the Marshal, but not with any contact.
All as an unsupported individual with no oganizational support, following 2 tourist trips (for some reason, ostracized by the other tourists in these groups).
I'm usually allowed to wander alone among the locals and visit local stores and such. The only foreign contact during these outings has been with a few Russians.
Other than the first 2 tours, Ive been invited 5 times and once on a private tour with my wife and an American author.
I was invited back in 2020 but it was cancelled due to COVID.
Hi David, Wow! Why do you think you've been given such access? Especially as you don't seem to be encountering many other (non-Russian) foreigners during your visits?
I think it has to do with my being both friendly to people, without prejudice, and willing to engage with knowledge, experience and understanding without requiring financial returns, though I do practice economy.
The first topic I was given to teach was "The Mind and Creativity". It went better than I could imagine. My first question for the students was "What is the mind?" I expected a negative attitude to my views but found respect instead. I hesitantly wrote on the board "The soul is as a lamp and the mind is its light". The explanation was both understood and welcomed.
Much progress has been made from there and I found a welcoming relationship with many people there.
It is a much brighter place than most people in the rest of the world ever see.
When I read about the tourism in the DPRK I marvel that my experience is so unique.
I've been invited to teach in high schools 3 times and given booths at the Book Fairs twice. I've also been to events near the Marshal, but not with any contact.
All as an unsupported individual with no oganizational support, following 2 tourist trips (for some reason, ostracized by the other tourists in these groups).
I'm usually allowed to wander alone among the locals and visit local stores and such. The only foreign contact during these outings has been with a few Russians.
Other than the first 2 tours, Ive been invited 5 times and once on a private tour with my wife and an American author.
I was invited back in 2020 but it was cancelled due to COVID.
Hi David, Wow! Why do you think you've been given such access? Especially as you don't seem to be encountering many other (non-Russian) foreigners during your visits?
I think it has to do with my being both friendly to people, without prejudice, and willing to engage with knowledge, experience and understanding without requiring financial returns, though I do practice economy.
The first topic I was given to teach was "The Mind and Creativity". It went better than I could imagine. My first question for the students was "What is the mind?" I expected a negative attitude to my views but found respect instead. I hesitantly wrote on the board "The soul is as a lamp and the mind is its light". The explanation was both understood and welcomed.
Much progress has been made from there and I found a welcoming relationship with many people there.
It is a much brighter place than most people in the rest of the world ever see.
Fascinating - wonderful photos too !
Agreed! I really want to visit now.