Travel Guide to Kaesong Folk Hotel, Kaesong, North Korea

The Kaesong Folk Hotel is a unique accommodation located in the historic city of Kaesong, North Korea. It's designed to give visitors a taste of traditional Korean living. Getting there is not as straightforward as travel to other countries due to the strict rules and regulations of North Korea. Here are the steps you need to follow to reach the Kaesong Folk Hotel:

Travel Documentation

Before you can even consider traveling to North Korea, you'll need to ensure your paperwork is in order. You'll need a valid passport and a North Korean visa. Arrange your visa through a specialized travel agency that is authorized to provide guided tours to North Korea. Independent travel to North Korea is not allowed.

Arriving in North Korea

You'll most likely enter North Korea via a flight to the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) aboard the state airline, Air Koryo. There are also limited routes via China with Air China or by train from Beijing.

From Pyongyang to Kaesong

Once in Pyongyang, you'll need to join a state-approved tour group to travel to Kaesong. You cannot travel independently. Your journey will be managed by your tour operators, who will arrange transportation—typically a bus or a car—to Kaesong, which is about 160 kilometers south of Pyongyang. The journey can take approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the condition of the roads.

Stay at Kaesong Folk Hotel

Upon arrival in Kaesong, the tour group will facilitate your check-in at the Kaesong Folk Hotel. Note that while in North Korea, your itinerary, including accommodation at hotels like the Kaesong Folk Hotel, is predetermined and strictly controlled by the government.

Points to Remember

• Always follow the local laws and the directives of your tour guides. The rules in North Korea are very strict, and infractions can have serious consequences.
• Photography may be restricted in certain areas, and you should only take photos with permission.
• Respect local customs and etiquette to avoid any cultural insensitivity issues.

Tips

• Bring cash in euros, US dollars, or Chinese yuan, as credit cards and ATMs for foreign usage are virtually nonexistent.
• Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that provides cover for trips to North Korea.
• Prepare to be without internet or global communication for the duration of your stay.

Remember, traveling to North Korea and staying at the Kaesong Folk Hotel is an experience that must be well-researched and carefully planned with the help of expert tour operators specializing in North Korean travel.