North Korea still is one of the most reclusive countries of the world. The country, but above all the regime, goes out of its way to survive by isolating itself almost completely from the outside world. This is what makes the country so interesting. North Korea consists mostly of rugged mountains, separated by deep, narrow valleys. The eastern coast is rocky and steep with mountains rising from the water, the western coast is characterized by coastal plains.

North Koreans are still devoted to Kim Il Sung, the country's eternal president, even after his death in 1994. Tourists in Pyongyang can see the massive statue of Kim (to whom they must bow down once out of respect), visit the Arch of Triumph and view the ornate metro station.