Asia
Monumental avenues, mountain scenery and tightly controlled visits.
North Korea occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula and is one of the most closed countries on earth. Pyongyang is a showcase of wide boulevards, monuments and the Juche Tower, and tours have also visited the Demilitarised Zone at Panmunjom, the old capital of Kaesong and Mount Myohyang. Mount Paektu, a volcano with a crater lake on the Chinese border, holds a central place in national identity.
Tourism, when permitted, has only been possible on organised tours with state guides, fixed itineraries and strict rules on photography and movement. Many governments advise against all travel, and some prohibit it, so check your government's current travel advice first. Meals feature Korean staples such as cold noodles and kimchi. Climatically, spring and autumn are most pleasant; winters are very cold and summers humid.
May, September, October.