North Korea

North Korea has to be one of the most intriguing and fascinating destinations in the world of travel, a mix of depressing stereotypes and wonderful revelations.

The last bastion of communism, it is on the one hand austere and drab - there are no shop signs or advertising bill boards, although the bombast of the revolutionary posters is North Korea's equivalent - but there are moments of smiles and laughter. It is all too easy to portray the Koreans as humourless and robotic people, however this stereotype is soon broken by travelling there and discovering a proud people who, in spite of their daily struggle, have humour and warmth.

Uniform is de rigueur, whether school or military, ancient costume or the ubiquitous Kim Jong Il jumpsuits. There is also uniformity of colour, with muted dark tones being prevalent (with the colourful exception of the ancient costume of the women, which are not worn as an everyday item). There is little no self-expression or sense of individuality with the exception of women's shoes, the one concession to fashion. It is fascinating to observe not least as it is so very different from life in the UK.
A visit now will surely leave a lasting impression in your mind.

Pyong Yang
Built within the last fifty years - it was largely destroyed during the Korean War - Pyongyang is well laid out, spacious and green. Memorials and monuments to the people and the workers party are omnipresent.

Kim Il Song is deity. Although he died some fifteen years ago he is still considered president and referred to as the 'Great Leader' (confusingly his son Kim Jong Il is referred to as the 'Dear Leader'). His smiling charismatic face adorns walls, posters, buildings and the pledge pins worn by every man and woman. His statues occupy pride of place in vast squares and the impressive entrance halls of cavernous buildings.

One of the largest of such statues is the imposing twenty metre bronze statue at Mansudae Grand Monument. A place of pilgrimage for most Koreans and a key sight to be photographed in front of on your wedding day, millions of Koreans visit annually to pay their respects to the leader, laying a wreath of flowers at the foot of the statue and bowing.

DMZ
The DMZ is some one hundred and sixty kilometres south from Pyongyang. The road is relentlessly straight. The landscape was denuded, every inch of land is under cultivation, only a vestigial crown of trees lines the very top of the hills.

Arriving at the DMZ you will see the hall where America and North Korea came to an agreement to end the Korean War. The spin is consummate yet it is fascinating not least looking across into South Korea and watching the American and South Korean soldiers.

Mt Myohyang
Two hours north of Pyongyang Mr A is the surprisingly beautiful region of Mount Myohyang. The water in the streams and rivers is crystal-clear, there are waterfalls, scenic views out across the forest.

The nearby Buddhist temple of Pohyon is exquisite. Remote, in the foothills, the soughing of the wind through the fir trees, the tinkle of wind chimes, it has atmosphere, character and peace. A charming refuge, this temple is a hidden treasure both literally and metaphorically.