Geographical location of South Korea. North Korea

A state in northeast Asia occupying the southern part of the Korean Peninsula (sometimes called South Korea). In the north it borders with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. In the east it is washed by the Sea of ​​Japan, in the south and southeast by the Korea Strait, in the west by the Yellow Sea. The country's area is 98,480 km2. South Korea also owns several islands, the largest of which are Jeju, Jedo and Kojedo. The country's territory is mostly mountainous. The main mountain range, Taebaek-San-Maek, runs north-south parallel to the eastern shore. The highest point of the country is located on Jeju Island - Mount Hala-san (1950 m). The valleys occupy less than one-fifth of the country's territory and are concentrated along the western coast. The country's main rivers, the Nehtonggan and Hangan, originate in the Taebek-San-Maek Mountains and flow into the Korea Strait and the Yellow Sea, respectively.
The country's population (estimated for 1998) is about 46,416,800 people, with an average population density of 471 people per km2. Ethnic groups: Koreans - 99.9%, Chinese. Language: Korean (state), Japanese (mostly older people know it from the time of the Japanese occupation). Religion: Buddhism - 47.4%, Christianity - 48.6%, Confucianism - 3%, Chondokyo. The capital is Seoul. Largest cities: Seoul (10,612,000 people), Busan (4,082,000 people), Daegu (2,432,000 people), Incheon (Chemulpo) (2,340,000 people), Gwangju (1,424,000 people). The government system is a republic with a strong central government. The head of state is President Lee, Myung Bak (in power since February 25, 2008). The head of government is Prime Minister Kim Hwan-sik (since October 1, 2010). The monetary unit is won (won). Average life expectancy (as of 1998): 67 years - men, 75 years - women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 16.1. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 5.7.
At the beginning of the 1st century, three early feudal states emerged on the territory of the Korean Peninsula: Baekje, Silla and Koguryo. At the end of the 10th century, the peninsula was united under the rule of the Goryeo dynasty. In the 13th-14th centuries the country came under the rule of the Mongols. Korea was later ruled by Chinese emperors at various times. At the end of the 19th century, according to the Japanese-Chinese treaty, Korea was recognized as an independent state. However, already in 1910, Japan occupied Korea, incorporating Chosun Province into the Japanese Empire. In 1945, according to the documents of the Potsdam Conference, the 38th parallel was designated as the line dividing the occupation zones of Soviet and American troops. In 1948, two Korean states were formed. The Republic of Korea was proclaimed on August 15, 1948. In 1950-1953, the country experienced a devastating war with the DPRK. The war practically destroyed the country's economy. On May 16, 1961, a military coup took place in the country, after which the military ruled the country for more than two decades. The most brutal was the rule of President General Chun Doo-hwan, which lasted from 1979 to 1987, when the first free elections brought President Roh Dae-woo, Chun Doo-hwan's protege, to power. His administration became involved in financial fraud and Kim Yong Sam won the elections in December 1992. Two former presidents are currently on trial on charges of financial fraud and treason. The Republic of Korea is a member of the UN, GATT, IMF, ILO, WHO, UNESCO.
The country's climate is mainly continental with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. The January temperature in Seoul ranges from -9 degrees. C to 0 C. July temperature - from 21 degrees. From up to 29 gr. C. Rains are most frequent in summer (June to September). About two-thirds of the country's territory is covered with mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. Main trees: pine, maple, spruce, poplar, elm, aspen. Bamboo, evergreen oak and laurel are characteristic of coastal regions. At one time, the country was home to a large number of tigers, leopards, lynxes and bears, but due to poaching and deforestation, they almost disappeared.

North Korea (DPRK) is a state located in East Asia, in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, bordering the Korea Gulf and the Sea of ​​Japan, between China and. It borders with China in the north, South Korea in the south, and Russia in the northeast. The total area of ​​the country is 120,538 sq. km. The length of the coastline is 2495 km.

North Korea Map

The main territory of the country is hills and mountains separated by deep narrow valleys. The west of the country is characterized by wide coastal plains. North Korea is one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The country is 70% covered by mountains. The climate of North Korea is temperate, with rainy summers.

North Korea is extremely rich in flora and fauna, thanks to its mountainous and forested terrain. The forests mainly consist of broad-leaved and coniferous trees. In the mountains in the central part of the country and on the plateau you can see trees such as cedar, thuja, aspen, larch, birch, spruce and Korean pine. Some large mammals also live here, such as the Far Eastern leopard, tiger, sika deer, bear and wolf. Natural resources: coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron ore, copper, gold, pyrite, salt.

Administrative division: 9 provinces and 2 municipalities. The capital is Pyongyang. The largest cities: Chongjin, Nampo, Sinuiju, Wonsai, Kaesong.

The country's population is 24,720,407 people, mostly Koreans. The country is also home to a small Chinese community and ethnic Japanese. Korean is the official language. Religion: Buddhists and Confucians, there are also Christians and adherents of Chondogye (religion of the heavenly way). Autonomous religious activity practically does not exist at present. Literacy - 99% men, 99% women. Urban population: 60% of the total population. Population density: 199.03 people/km². Average age: for men - 31.6 years, for women - 34.8 years. Average life expectancy: 65.65 years - men, 73.55 years - women.

North Korea is a communist state with a one-man dictatorship. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister.

North Korea has one of the most centralized and least open economies in the world. Since 2002, the government has allowed private "farmers' markets" to begin selling a wider range of goods. In December 2009, North Korea redenominated its national currency. Attracting foreign investment is a key factor in improving the overall standard of living and economy of the country.

Exported goods: minerals, metallurgical products, textiles, agricultural and fishery products. Export partners: China, South Korea, . Imported goods: oil, coking coal, machinery and equipment, textiles, grain. Import partners: South Korea, European Union.

The length of highways is 25,554 km. The length of the railways is 5242 km. The length of the waterways is 2250 km. Pipelines: oil - 154 km. There are 81 airports in North Korea.

Participation in international organizations: ARF, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO.

Geographical position

North Korea (DPRK)

located in eastern Asia, the country occupies the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and the adjacent part of the mainland. The state borders on China in the north and Russia in the northeast. In the south, the DPRK borders the Republic of Korea. From the west the country is washed by the Yellow Sea, from the east by the Sea of ​​Japan. The country owns several small islands in the West Korean Gulf. The capital of the state is the city of Pyongyang. The country's territory is 120,540 km². The terrain of the country is mainly mountainous, with a large number of valleys and ravines. The largest coastal plain areas are in the southwest of the country.

A whole network of short and low mountain ranges and plateaus cover the entire northern and eastern parts of the peninsula. The highest point of the country is Mount Paektu (2750 m). It is located on the border with China.

There are a large number of rivers on the territory of the DPRK: Taedongan, Cheryongan, Choncheongan, Yalujiang (Amnokkan), etc.

In winter, the DPRK receives cold continental air from the mountainous regions of the Asian mainland. The average winter temperature is -4°C in the southern regions and -8°C in the northern regions. In mountainous areas of the country, winter temperatures can drop to -18°C. Quite often there is warming in winter.

In summer, oceanic air masses make the country's climate very humid. The average temperature in summer is +18-22°C.

Precipitation in the Pyongyang area ranges from 800-1000 mm per year, in mountainous areas on the east coast - up to 1500-2000 mm. the greatest amount of precipitation falls during the monsoon (mid-summer) and late autumn. In winter there is usually little snowfall and strong winds often blow.

The best time to visit North Korea is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October).

Visas, entry rules, customs rules

Currently, entry into North Korea is only possible as part of an officially organized group. Visas are issued only for groups. You can obtain a visa through a travel company or at the consular section of the embassy, ​​which is more difficult and will take longer. The travel company must be officially recognized by the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The cost of a tourist visa is about 40 US dollars. Registration of documents usually takes up to 1 month. The visa may be without explanation.

The import and export of foreign currency is permitted; it will need to be declared. For the entire amount spent in foreign currency, the tourist will have to provide documents confirming the legal purchase of goods.

In case of currency exchange, you will need a certificate from the bank. The import and export of national currency is strictly prohibited.

Small amounts of tobacco and alcoholic beverages, as well as personal items, can be imported into North Korea duty free. You will have to declare any souvenirs, products made of precious metals, personal computers, photo and video cameras, watches, tape recorders.

It is prohibited to import mobile phones, pagers and laptop computers into the country. If you declare them, they will be returned upon departure from the country. You also cannot import photo, audio, video and household appliances into the country in larger quantities than required for personal needs.

The import of propaganda literature, foreign books about North and South Korea, literature in Korean, pornographic materials, weapons and ammunition, explosives, binoculars, seeds, drugs and narcotic-containing medications is prohibited. Pets, plants and groceries can be imported if special certificates are available.

Customs rules in a country can change quite often.

Population, political status

The population of North Korea is about 24 million people. Ethnically, the largest part of the population is represented by Koreans ("Joseon saram"), there are also a small number of Chinese and Japanese in the country.

The official language of North Korea is Korean. He belongs to the Altai group of the East Asian race. The phonemic letter "Hangul" is used. This is one of the few forms of writing that have survived unchanged from the Middle Ages to the present day. However, the language of the DPRK is different from that of South Korea. People here speak with a distinctive accent and use a large number of idioms borrowed from China and Russia.

The country's largest cities: Pyongyang (2,470,000 people), Chongjin (754,000 people), Nampo (691,000 people), Sinuiju (500,000 people), Wonsai (350,000 people), Kaesong (345,000 people).

North Korea is a democratic republic with a communist form of government. The head of the state and government is the Secretary General of the Workers' Party of Korea and the Chairman of the Defense Committee of the DPRK - Kim Jong Il. The highest government body is the Defense Committee of the DPRK (National Defense Committee).

Legislative power is exercised by the unicameral Supreme People's Assembly. This assembly consists of 678 deputies elected by the people for 5 years.

Administratively, the DPRK consists of 9 provinces (“to” or “do”) and two cities under central control. These cities have the status of provinces.

What to see

Pyongyang is one of the most ancient cities in northeastern Asia. After the Korean War it was rebuilt.

The appearance of Pyongyang is very original and contradictory.

One of the main attractions is the Juche Tower of Ideas. The height of this monument is 170 meters. In front of the tower there is a 30-meter sculptural group of the same name.

The Arc de Triomphe is located on the spot where Kim Il Sung gave his speech about the unity and independence of the nation. It looks very much like Paris.

Nearby you can see the Pyongyang Tower with a panoramic restaurant. The famous huge stadium named after Kim Il Sung is also located here. On the river island of Rungnado there is a stadium named after the First of May. Koreans consider it the largest stadium in the world.

In the city center, on Mansu Hill, you can see the monumental sculptural ensemble of Kim Il Sung and the Museum of the Korean Revolution. The huge statue has become a traditional place of pilgrimage for local residents. The museum building is decorated with a huge mosaic panel of Mount Paektu. This mountain became famous during the war with Japan.

The Liberation Monument stands on Moranbong Hill. It is dedicated to the Soviet wars. The ancient Eulmildae gazebo is also located here. Another famous attraction is the Chollima Monument, or Chollima, a huge statue of a winged horse. It symbolizes progress and prosperity.

Kim Il Sung Square hosts army parades, demonstrations and various events. Here stands the People's Palace of Study. The height of its tower is 55 meters. Tourists must also be shown Kim Il Sung’s home. It is located in Mangyende, near the capital. Here you can also visit an amusement park and the Mangyongdae Revolutionary School. The Kumsusan Memorial Palace is considered a very important attraction. It formerly served as the Palace of Conventions and now houses Kim Il Sung's mausoleum. The Korean Unification Monument was erected above Thongyir Avenue at the southern entrance to Pyongyang.

Of great interest to tourists are the ruins of the Anhakkung Royal Palace and two cascades of fountains on the Taedong River. These fountains are considered to be the tallest fountains in the world.

Pyongyang has many parks and recreation areas. Particularly popular are the Mangyongdae and Daesongsan amusement parks, the Kaesong Youth Park, the Central Zoo and the Central Botanical Garden. The Revolutionary Memorial Cemetery is located nearby. Here you can also see a park with color and musical fountains.

Near the city there are many interesting historical sites: the tomb of King Tangan, the Anak tomb. There are also hot springs and waterfalls here.

The city is located 40 km south of Pyongyang Nampho. It is the main international port and commercial center of the DPRK. The main attraction of the city can be called the Western Sea hydro complex. This structure is a complex 8-kilometer system of dams, dikes and locks at the mouth of the Taedong River.

Near Nampo, tourists can see ancient frescoes from the Goguryeo Empire era, three tombs in Gangso and tombs in the villages of Tokhung and Susan.

75 km southwest of the capital there is a rock massif Kuwolsan.This place is distinguished by its beauty . The Samson resort is located here. Tourists will be interested in the medieval Wolyongsa Temple and ancient fortresses. This place features hot springs and small waterfalls, as well as shrines and palaces from the Silla Kingdom and Joseon Dynasty.

The main attractions of the city are: Goryeo Museum, Seongjuk Bridge, Great South Gate, Yeongbok Temple, Hyunghwa and Gwanum Temples, Songin Monument and Pyeochung Monument. A commemorative stele with a facsimile signature of Kim Il Sung is also of interest.

Around the city you can see the tomb of the first king of Goryeo - Wang Gon, the tomb of King Kongmin and the mausoleum of Queen Kongmin. Not far from Kaesong there is a famous town Panmunjom. The Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed in this city during the war. The famous “38th parallel” is located here - the nominal border between North and South Korea. A separate permit is required to visit Panmunjom.

mountain range Myohyang located 150 km north of the capital. These places are famous for their picturesque nature. In addition, there are historical sites in the area. The main one can be called the active Buddhist temple of Pohyeonsa. This temple houses various religious objects and collections of ancient Korean books. The museum of gifts to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il is quite interesting. In this area you can see the large cave at Ryongmun and the very beautiful Manphok Gorge. The Valley of Nine Waterfalls is also famous. Lovers of outdoor activities and mountaineering come to this place.

Mountains Paektu are one of the most picturesque places in the DPRK. These mountains contain the country's highest peaks: Paeksabon (2103 m), Sobaeksan (2172 m), Paektusan (Baitoushan, 2750 m).

Dormant volcano Baekdusan is located on the border with China. It is the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the local nature attracts tourists with its beauty. This mountain is white due to hardened light pumice. In 1989, Paektusan received the status of an International Biosphere Reserve. Here you can see the giant crater lake Chongji, or Tianchi (“Heavenly Lake”). The lake is located at an altitude of 2194 meters above sea level. The water in the lake is always very cold. This place is sacred to the people of North Korea. It is believed that it was in this place that the son of the God of heaven appeared on Earth. In addition, it is generally accepted that the revolutionary movement of the Korean people originated here. Historians claim that Kim Jong Il was born here on February 16, 1942. At the foot of Mount Paektusan there is an area of ​​three lakes Samzhi. Here you can visit an entire historical complex dedicated to the revolutionary activities of Kim Il Sung.

The Kumgang (Kumgangsan) mountain range is located in the southeast of the country. This place is considered one of the most beautiful in North Korea. This region has an unusual topography with a large number of tiny lakes and waterfalls. There are forests here. Mineral springs, valleys with Buddhist shrines.

Until 1945, Korea was a colony of Japan. When World War II ended, the territory of the country north of the 38th parallel was occupied by the USSR, and the southern part was occupied by America. The USSR and the USA were unable to resolve the issue of Korean unification. For this reason, in 1948, two separate governments appeared here - Soviet and American.
The Republic of Korea was formed in the south of the Korean Peninsula. After this, on September 9, 1948, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) appeared in the north. Political power in the country was monopolized by the WPK. A planned economy was established in the DPRK economy. Since 1949, the state has taken control of almost all of the country's industry, as well as its domestic and foreign trade.
In 1950, North Korea launched an armed attack on South Korea. After this, a war broke out between the two states, in which other countries also took part.
The war dealt a heavy blow to North Korea's economy. Industrialization helped restore it. The standard of living in the DPRK grew even faster than in South Korea.
In 1960, there was a breakdown in relations between the USSR and China. This had a negative impact on the DPRK economy.
In the 70s of the last century, the pace of economic development here slowed down significantly. This was also influenced by the high cost of oil after the 1974 oil crisis. The country began to spend too much money on the army and the development of heavy industry. In 1980, the North Korean economy went into default. The volume of industrial production began to increase only in the early 90s.
Kim Il Sung died in 1994. His son Kim Jong Il came to power in the country. The economic situation in the DPRK continued to remain quite difficult.
In the period from 96 to 99, the country experienced a severe famine, which killed a large number of people. The country continued to spend a lot of money on military needs.
In July 2002, reforms began in the country. There was a devaluation of the state currency. To support the country's agricultural market, it was decided to lower prices for agricultural products. In the villages of the DPRK, collective farming has been replaced by family farming. All this led to an increase in foreign investment in the country's economy.
In 2007, the President of South Korea paid a visit to the DPRK. After this, both Koreas turned to the UN with a request to promote the unification of the countries.

International trade

The DPRK maintains trade relations with more than 100 countries.
The main export items to the DPRK are ferrous and non-ferrous metals, anthracite and seafood.
North Korea imports mainly oil and oil products, coking coal, chemical fertilizers, and food.
The country's main foreign trade partners: South Korea, China, Japan, EU countries and Russia.
North Korea has a fairly large external debt.

The shops

Prices in the country are quite high; foreign tourists can only pay in foreign currency. In the DPRK foreign exchange stores, the cost of goods is also not low. The selection of goods is small. Prices in all stores in the country are fixed, they are the same throughout the DPRK. Tourists can only bargain at street markets, but they won’t be able to get a big discount. Typically the cost is reduced by no more than 10%. You need to bargain very politely.

Very popular among tourists hand embroidery. Such things are expensive. Even an experienced craftsman takes about a year to embroider a large canvas. You can buy paintings in souvenir shops. These paintings are almost no different from Chinese landscapes, but cost much more.

Very often tourists buy famous ginseng and products made from it. Traditional porcelain from Kaesong is popular. Herbal and mushroom teas, bear bile, stamps, and commemorative coins with images of leaders are sold. You can buy printed products, wood and stone carvings.

The official holiday in North Korea is Sunday.

Demography

The ethnic composition of the population is quite homogeneous.

The life expectancy of the country's population as a whole is
71.65 years old. Life expectancy for men is 68.92 years, for women - 74.51 years.

The fertility rate is 2.1 newborns per woman.

Industry

In the DPRK, the share of industrial production in the country's GDP is about 50%. This industry employs up to 40% of the country's population. In recent years, production has declined slightly in all major industries.

The country is developing such industries as oil refining, chemical, textile and food.

Mechanical engineering accounts for about 30% of the value of all industrial products. The DPRK produces locally assembled Fiat cars and also produces jeeps.

Flora and fauna

The mountainous regions of the DPRK are covered with coniferous forests and mixed forests. The main species here are pine, spruce, Korean fir, maple, poplar, elm and aspen. Rice, soybeans, barley, corn and beans are grown in the valleys.

A large number of medicinal plants grow in the DPRK. The most famous of them is ginseng, which is sold for export to many countries around the world.

The country is home to such large predators as: tiger, leopard, bear (Ussuri and white-breasted), lynx and wolf. Common birds here are: eagle, snipe, crane, heron, pheasant, black grouse and hazel grouse.

The forests are home to foxes, wild boars, gorals, roe deer, sika deer, wapiti, weasels, otters, and squirrels.

There are many different species of birds found in the coastal areas of the DPRK. Here live: passerines, herons, cranes, storks, geese, ducks, waders, gulls, cormorants, razorbills, guillemots and guillemots.

The country's coastal and inland waters are rich in a variety of fish and other seafood.

Banks and money

There are no direct flights from Russia to North Korea. Transport links between North Korea and other countries are quite rare. The national airline Air Koryo operates twice-weekly flights from Pyongyang to Beijing, China. One flight in the same direction is operated by the Chinese company Air China.
You can also get to North Korea from Russia by rail. Every week a trailer train runs from Moscow to Pyongyang. The train goes through China, the journey time is six and a half days. For such a trip you must obtain a transit visa. The same train includes carriages from Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk.

Minerals

The country is quite rich in mineral resources. Natural resources such as coal, lead, tungsten, zinc and graphite are mined here. Magnesium, iron, copper, gold, pyrite, salt, fluorspar, etc. are also mined.

Agriculture

North Korea's agriculture accounts for about 20% of the country's income. The country is dominated by mountainous terrain, which leads to a shortage of land resources. The total area of ​​agricultural land is about 20% of the total territory of the country. Arable land occupies only 16%.
On average, one resident of the DPRK has 0.12 hectares of cultivated land. This is several times less than in almost all European countries.
The basis of the country's agriculture is crop production. The following crops are grown here: soybeans, cotton, flax, tobacco and sugar beets. There are also ginseng plantations in the country. The cultivation of vegetables and fruits is quite well developed.
The basis of livestock farming in the DPRK is the breeding of cattle, pigs, and poultry. Sericulture is also developed here. Fish and other seafood are actively harvested.

The country's authorities are quite intensively developing and supporting traditional forms of art and culture. Quite often they can even be intertwined with official ideology.

The country does not officially celebrate the usual Christmas and New Year. All traditional holidays of the DPRK are celebrated according to the lunar calendar. The main ones are: the First Full Moon Festival and the Chuseok Festival. The latter is dedicated to harvesting and commemorating deceased ancestors. On this day, it is customary to visit the graves of ancestors, performing the ritual of sacrifice there.

The main official holidays of the country are: May Day and Independence Day. On these days, parades and festive performances take place throughout the country.

Children are also very important members of society. It is customary to get married quite late in the country. They always try to dress children as best and brightly as possible. The government organizes many activities for children. It is not customary to punish children; they are given great independence.

Citizens of the DPRK greet each other with a slight half-bow. Handshakes are also common, with both hands. It is not customary to look directly into the eyes of your interlocutor. It is absolutely not customary in the country to apologize. It’s not often that you hear words of gratitude here. Gifts are usually simply left at the entrance to the house. No need to thank the service staff.

The people of the DPRK are very hardworking. They are used to working even in the most difficult working conditions. They are also distinguished by their love for cleanliness and order. Every morning, volunteers clean up the city streets.

Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. When entering a house, you must always take off your shoes. You cannot stand on the threshold to prevent evil spirits from entering. You should not be bare-legged in the presence of elders.

Traditionally, Koreans eat a lot of rice, noodles, and seafood. They drink little, and local vodka or fruit liqueurs are always served at the table. Beer is very popular. You cannot appear in public places drunk.

Korean restaurants usually offer something like a set menu right away. There are usually no menus in restaurants; there is a special sign hanging on the wall. There are problems with transliterating Korean names and proper names into Russian and English.

Traditional Korean music is vaguely reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese. The main instruments here are strings, drums and percussion. Household choral singing is very popular. Fine arts are also quite well developed here. It includes a special school of landscape painting and traditional calligraphy.

It is customary to dress very modestly in the country. Most often, local residents wear paramilitary clothing. Sometimes traditional national clothes are worn. The feet are usually worn in cloth slippers with rubber soles. European costume is used only on special occasions. To visit the Kim Il Sung Mausoleum and memorial cemeteries, you need to dress brightly. It is considered indecent for women to wear trousers in public places.

Men and women usually cut their hair quite short. Elderly people wear long hair, which is collected in a braid and placed at the back of the head.

North Korea has a very low crime rate. Local law enforcement is everywhere. The attitude towards foreigners in the country is somewhat wary. Tourists are usually accompanied by a special guide. He makes sure that the tourist does not break the laws and ensures the safety of the tourist himself.

There are some restrictions on movement around the country. Tourists should not go into the city without a guide. The guide is responsible for preparing the route, menu, and meeting times. It is not recommended to have long conversations with local residents. It is prohibited to photograph military personnel and any objects even remotely related to defense (airports, bridges, aqueducts, bases, ports, etc.). You can only photograph ordinary people with their permission.

Healthcare

It is best for all tourists to take out international medical insurance. No special vaccinations are required to travel to the DPRK. However, you should be very wary of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatitis B and E, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and dengue.

Tourists are advised to bring personal hygiene items and an individual first aid kit. This first aid kit must contain all the medications necessary to provide first aid. You should also take medicine for colds and stomach upsets with you.

Almost all major hotels in the DPRK have their own medical center with the necessary supply of medications. In case of serious illness, the patient will be sent to clinics in the capital: Korean Red Cross Hospital, Pyongyang Emergency Hospital, Pyongyang Hospital for Foreigners and Kim Mann Yu Hospital. There may be problems with evacuation from the DPRK by air.

All tap water in North Korea is chlorinated. However, it cannot be consumed raw. For drinking, brushing your teeth or making ice, it is best to use only boiled or bottled water.

Milk and dairy products are most often not pasteurized. It is recommended to heat them before use. The same applies to meat, fish and seafood. Vegetables and fruits can be consumed only after pre-treatment. Fruits are best peeled.

The level of solar radiation in the country is quite high. Tourists should wear sunglasses with glass filters, hats and light protective clothing.

Avoid swimming during tidal currents and surf.

On the world map there is a state isolated from the whole world - North Korea. The lack of Internet, bank cards and mobile phones for local residents is a completely normal state of affairs, but tourists in this country are an extremely rare and surprising phenomenon.

Brief historical excursion

Previously, the following states were located on the territory of the modern country: Joseon, Buyeo, Mahan, Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje, Koryo. The history of North Korea dates back to the end of World War II - from 1945. In 1948, the DPRK was proclaimed. Since then, the independent country of North Korea has gone its own way. Its political and social development differs from that of any other state in the world.

State structure

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a sovereign socialist state. Officially, power in the country belongs to the working people. The ideology of the state consists of the Juche idea - the system of “reliance on one’s own strength”. North Korean leader Kim Il Sung independently took part in the development of state ideology. It combines the ideas of Marxism-Leninism and ancient Korean philosophy.

North Koreans have a very vague understanding of the world system. People can travel abroad only for training or on government affairs, and they are tested for their ideological stability. A person has no right to talk about what he saw in another country. Despite the fact that the DPRK has total control, residents believe that they live in the most prosperous state in the world.

Leader

Now the head of state is the Supreme Leader, leader of the party, army and people, Chairman of the Presidium Kim Jong-un. His official biography is very scant and kept secret. The place of birth is known for certain - Pyongyang, the date of birth varies. Kim Jong-un's education is also kept secret. Rumor has it that he studied in Europe.

In January 2009, he was officially proclaimed the heir to the leader of the people. The new leader of North Korea has shown himself to be a daring and uncompromising politician. From the first steps, he activated the nuclear program, and space projects were developed.

As for his personal life, it is known that he is married, has two children, loves Hollywood films and American baseball. His character is characterized by impulsiveness and emotionality; too often (in the understanding of North Koreans) he appears in public with his wife.

In world politics, Kim Jong-un is compared to Stalin and is recognized as a strong leader. He continues his father’s work, boosts the economy, and carries out reforms. Kim Jong-un behaves firmly and confidently.

Capital

In the northeastern part of Asia there are many ancient cities, rich in history and traditions. The capital of North Korea is one of them. Pyongyang is translated as “cozy area”, “broad land”. On a historical scale, this city has long been the capital of the entire northern Korean Peninsula.

During the Korean War, Pyongyang was turned into ruins and rebuilt in a short period of time. Now the city has a modern look and... provincial status. It is located near the Yellow Sea on the banks of the Taedongan (Tedong) and Pothongan rivers. The appearance of Pyongyang is contrasting.

Identity and contradictions are expressed in wide and empty avenues, huge government buildings and numerous ideological monuments, clean streets and the absence of advertising. On the other hand, there are unsuitable neighborhoods and buildings that have been preserved from the post-war period.

Geography

In East Asia, in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula is the DPRK, which borders China, Russia and the Republic of Korea. But on the political map of the world there are two official borders - with Russia and China. What does it mean? And the fact that the state of North Korea has a map has its own peculiarity. The border with neighboring South Korea is drawn conditionally. The two countries are separated by a demarcation line. It was held in 1953, after the end of the war. Today this place is a negotiation area.

Residents of the DPRK do not even think that their country is North Korea. The map shows the borders of a single state, which includes the northern and southern parts. It is believed that the southern part of Korea is currently occupied.

The country is washed by the Yellow and Japanese Seas. The DPRK includes several islands located in the West Korean Gulf. Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea. The area of ​​the country is 120,540 square meters. km.

Mountains occupy most of the territory. They belong to the North Korean system. They consist of plateaus, mountain ranges, ravines and valleys. The highest ranges are Nangnim, Hamgyong, Machollen, Pujollen. On one of the plateaus, called Chengbeksan, traces of modern volcanism have been preserved. Previously, a volcanic eruption was observed in 1597-1792 on Mount Paektusan.

This area is rich in natural resources. It contains the main reserves of timber, hydropower, furs and minerals. There is also a complex of Samzhi lakes. Mountain ranges are the source of rivers. Some of the longest waterways are considered to be Yalujiang, Tumangan and Taedongan. The climate in the country is monsoonal.

Attractions

North Korea is full of attractions. The pride of the state is the incredible architectural composition on Mansu Hill. There is a statue of the leader surrounded by an ensemble of 109 figures. The monument is a symbol of the revolutionary struggle of the Korean people.

The Arc de Triomphe is very similar to the one in Paris, but 3 meters higher. The opening of the structure is timed to coincide with the victory over Japanese troops, the unification and independence of the nation.

The Peoples' Friendship Exhibition is located 160 km from Pyongyang, in the area of ​​Mount Myohyang. Gifts from all over the world that were given to leaders are collected here.

The People's Youth Palace is located in the central square. She goes by the name Kim Il Sung. The palace area is 100,000 square meters and contains 600 classrooms. It is a place for self-education. There are computer classes and an Intranet - the country's internal computer network.

The National Feature Film Studio is the pride of North Koreans. For natural filming, about a million square meters of pavilions stylized for different eras were built. The plots of the films are filled with ideology, and the heroes constantly perform heroic deeds and do the right thing.

The Tower of Juche Ideas rises 170 meters into the sky. At its top there is a torch 20 meters high.

Army

The armed forces in North Korea appeared 83 years ago. They are older than the country itself. The army began as an anti-Japanese guerrilla militia. Today it is the most respected institution in the DPRK. North Korea is a militarized country, with one of the largest armies in the world. Both men and women serve in it.

It is a huge closed structure designed to spread ideas and suppress. Serving in the army is an honor. The military profession is one of the highest paid. The service life in the ground forces ranges from 5 to 12 years, in the air force and air defense - 3-4 years, in the navy - 5-10 years.

The equipment in service with the army is outdated, which they are trying to compensate for by increasing the number of military personnel in the country.

National tourism

A tourist trip to the DPRK has a flavor unique to this country. For the entire duration of their stay, tourists are assigned two guides; travel takes place in a personal car with a driver. It is forbidden to move around on your own; you can only take a walk around the hotel alone. Excursion programs are very meager, reduced to listing numbers and mainly have an ideological connotation. The organization of the tour is perfect.

Despite the fact that North Korea is permeated with an atmosphere of totalitarianism and the cult of personality, the presence of social problems and a low standard of living, we can talk about the uniqueness of this state. In the DPRK there live simple, very kind and somewhat naive people. Poverty, lack of knowledge about other life and faith in the bright ideals of the gods-leaders are a widespread phenomenon. In this country, everyone builds their life with their own hands. There is no crime, no discontent, just pure happiness and joy...

Despite all the negative changes at the end of the twentieth century, our country remains the largest in the world. And therefore, it has a large land and sea border. At the same time, as is known, the longest border of the country is with a neighboring power - the state of Kazakhstan, which lies to the south. In addition, the Russian Federation neighbors eighteen countries. In the west there is a troubled border with the Baltic states and Ukraine, in Central Asia - with the former republics of the USSR, with which relations are still uncertain. A large border along rivers and mostly deserted expanses exists with China. And finally, with the DPRK - little-known due to its tiny size and low significance. Nevertheless, the Russian-North Korean border still appears on world maps, has its own past and, probably, future. More on this below.

general characteristics

However, there is no special “friendship” between the countries. This is evidenced by the fact that there are virtually no vehicular and pedestrian crossings between the two neighboring states. And such a length, which is completely insignificant for the Russian Federation, clearly reduces tension in relations between the two countries.

Koreans in Russia

In the course of turbulent events, a relatively large migration river crossed the border of Russia, starting from the nineteenth century. The mighty migration river from Korea first to the Russian Empire, then to the Soviet state flowed mainly from the 1860s to the 1930s, giving rise to the existence of the Korean layer of more than five hundred thousand people. This situation arose due to the growing shortage of land, constantly recurring years of famine and weather disasters, and, since 1910, pressure from the Japanese military administration.

The Koreans played a major role in the formation of the agricultural sector in the Russian Far East, especially considering the shortage of Russian peasants and the strict need to provide food for the Russian army, which periodically sought to push back the next occupiers. An important specific feature of the Korean stratum was the massive acceptance of new residents of Russian citizenship. Only the Koreans were able to easily connect with the ethnocultural national landscape of the population of the Russian Far East. This helped North Korea a lot in the future. The border with Russia, the USSR, and the presence of Soviet Koreans contributed to the successful resistance of the DPRK against the United States. All this played a political role.

Relief

Although the length of Russia's border with North Korea is short, there are plenty of natural problems. The geographical relief of the border has always been unfavorable for the Russian (Soviet) side. Since the opposite Korean bank of the river is elevated and rocky, and the Russian bank is flatter and lower, for centuries during spring floods the main channel of the border river Tumannaya shifts towards Russia (the same phenomenon can be seen on the border with China along the Amur River), thereby reducing the general territory of our country and creating a rather dangerous threat of flooding in the village of Khasan and at the strategically important border outpost “Peschanaya”. Since the summer season of 2003, regular work has been carried out in this area to fill low-lying areas of the coast with local soil to protect them from spring water.

History of the border before 1917

Russia, which had been moving towards the Pacific Ocean for several centuries, reached Korea in the mid-nineteenth century. A common border between Russia and Korea (North after the division of the country in 1945) emerged. The official mutual cordon between the two countries was adopted in 1861. It almost immediately gained significance as a factor of strategic influence, since this section cut off the then strong China from access to the coast of the Sea of ​​Japan. Then, when Japan occupied Korea for almost the entire first half of the twentieth century, the Russian-Korean border practically became part of the Russian-Japanese border, and then, after the well-known events in our country in 1917, the Soviet-Japanese border.

Socialist transformations of the 1920-1930s. these places were also affected. The new government never forgot where the border between Russia and Korea (Northern Korea in modern times) is. For the effective development of local natural resources of the Soviet southern Primorye and the defense of its borders from the aggressive Japanese invaders at that time, the construction of a short railway line from Baranovsky to the town of Kraskino with a total length of 190 km began in 1938. Construction was completed, or rather stopped, due to the outbreak of war, in 1941. After the victorious end of the Great Patriotic War and the defeat of Japan in 1945, the Baranovsky - Kraskino railway line was brought to the state border of the USSR with the DPRK, and its total length reached 238 km.

The final destination of the completed route was the Khasan railway station (the famous Lake Khasan is located nearby). The Hasan station began operating during the Korean War (1950-1953), on September 28, 1951. Due to the turbulent events of those years on the Korean Peninsula, it did not retain its dead-end status for long: a temporary wooden bridge was built across the Tumannaya River, along the fairway of which the state border of the Russian Federation continues to this day, (later it was replaced by a permanent long-term bridge), and already in fifty In the second year, the first Soviet work trains moved to Korea. At this time, our country had good relations with North Korea. The border with Russia (USSR) was, in the full sense of the word, the border of friendship.

Geography facilitated the continuation of diplomatic relations with North Korea. The border with Russia (the distance between the two states, although small, is significant) required the regulation of contacts. The last events on the border occurred at the end of the twentieth century. In 1990, the Soviet Union and the DPRK ratified an agreement on changing the line of the state border along the fairway of the border river Tumannaya, due to which the territory of the former Noktundo island with a total area of ​​32 square meters. km was officially declared Soviet. True, the agreement was not recognized by the second Korean state - South Korea, which continues to believe that Fr. Noktundo is still Korean.

The Border Factor in War: Episode One

In no case should the importance of Russian relations with North Korea and the border with Russia (USSR) be downplayed. Interactions, rather forgotten in peacetime, increased dramatically with the outbreak of the Korean War on June 25, 1950. Officially, the USSR did not participate in this war. In practice, North Korea largely owed its independence to the large, completely free, military (equipment, weapons, spare parts), economic (food, equipment) and political (support for the DPRK on the world stage) assistance that it received from the Soviet Union. According to the agreement signed back in 1949, reached between J.V. Stalin and Kim Il Sung, in order to maintain the defense capability of North Korea, the USSR undertook to transfer military equipment, food, etc. to it. in the amount of about 200 million rubles (in reality it turned out to be much more) over three years - from 1949 to 1952. Until the end of 1949, 15 thousand rifles of various systems, 139 artillery pieces, 94 aircraft, a large number of various spare parts for them and 37 Soviet T-34 tanks were exported from our country to North Korea.

Help to the USSR

With the deterioration of the situation in Korea, the Soviet Union in September 1950 - April 1953 concentrated several dozen units of armored vehicles along with service personnel, as well as several types of small arms, in the northern regions of the DPRK, close to the Soviet border.

In total, about 40 thousand soldiers and officers took part in the undeclared war for the USSR, according to official data from the USSR Ministry of Defense for 1954.

All this property and people were overwhelmingly transported by rail. Some (mostly military personnel) crossed the border on their own or flew (by plane). Never before has the Soviet-North Korean border been so busy, and its transport arteries have never been so active.

Aviation umbrella border

With the outbreak of the Korean War, the importance of relations with North Korea increased. The border with Russia was without air cover. The advantage of US aircraft in the air was immediately revealed. Neither China, nor even the DPRK had military aviation as a branch of the military. Therefore, already in the first month of the war, from mid-July 1950, the USSR sent numerous fighter aircraft units to the regions of China located next to the DPRK. First, the 151st Fighter Division of the Red Army Air Force appeared there. Along with retraining local Chinese pilots for new, more efficient MiG-15 fighters, it begins, with the support of anti-aircraft air defense artillery, to conduct army exercises in the part of China located near the border with the DPRK.

At the beginning of October 1950, with the expansion of Soviet pilots' operations over the territory of the DPRK, it was decided to create a separate fighter air corps.

According to modern data, during the period of this war, Soviet pilots shot down 1097 enemy aircraft, losing 319 Soviet aircraft and 110 pilots. 212 enemy aircraft were destroyed by North Korean army anti-aircraft artillery, mainly Soviet-supplied.

In fact, an aviation umbrella was needed on both sides - both over the territory of the DPRK and over the territory of China. A certain danger loomed over the territory of the USSR.

The Border Factor in War: Episode Two

The beginning of the twenty-first century magically returns the world situation to the mid-twentieth century, to the period of the Korean War. Now, when many Russians, and even more so foreigners, doubt whether Russia has a border with North Korea, the Korean Peninsula has again become a hot spot where our country can easily be drawn into. Again, on the one hand, North Korea, and on the other, the aggressive United States. And again, Russia and China found themselves in one boat, and the United States and its supporters in another.

Of course, there are a lot of nuances. Both camps are not so monolithic and not so aggressive. And by and large, no one wants war. Even North Korea, despite its ostentatious ferocity.

Regarding the balance of forces, we note that the military structure of the DPRK is now among the most powerful on the planet. Disciplined, having been in a pre-war environment for decades, and having a clear structure that corresponds to modern realities, it can turn out to be a tough nut to crack even for world leaders such as the USA, China and Russia.

In this regard, direct relations between Russia and the DPRK across the border along the Tumannaya River can have a significant impact on politics, no matter how events develop.