Destination North Korea

North Korea's troubled present and its tightly controlled borders make it a difficult and unlikely destination for even the most intrepid travelers. Independent travel is not possible, with all visitors taken around the country by guides from the Ministry of Tourism. However, North Korea has been reaching out to tourists in recent years, talking up its heritage, from the ruins at Kaesong to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the Pyongyang Mausoleum where founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il lie perpetually in state. The spectacular Heaven Lake, on the Chinese border, is a natural wonder to match anything else in Asia.

North Korea's troubled present and its tightly controlled borders make it a difficult and unlikely destination for even the most intrepid travelers. Independent travel is not possible, with all visitors taken around the country by guides from the Ministry of Tourism. However, North Korea has been reaching out to tourists in recent years, talking up its heritage, from the ruins at Kaesong to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the Pyongyang Mausoleum where founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il lie perpetually in state. The spectacular Heaven Lake, on the Chinese border, is a natural wonder to match anything else in Asia.

National Institute of Ecology/google.com

The heavily armed DMZ separating North and South Korea has become a wildlife haven

Between North and South Korea lies the demilitarized zone (DMZ), one of the world's most heavily armed borders. The 160-mile stretch is barred with fences and landmines and is largely empty of human activity.

Kyodo News/Getty Images

This country is finally reopening after Covid. But it still requires a one-week quarantine

Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Beasts of the skies and bomb-ravaged city tours

Charlie Miller/CNN

In a trendy Seoul neighborhood, a taste of repressive North Korea

AFP/Getty Images

North Korean flag carrier Air Koryo to begin direct flights to Macao

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