Tourism and political ideologies: A case of tourism in North Korea

This study examines the politics of tourism in North Korea. Unlike other socialist countries, North Korea has characteristics of Juche ideology which influences all aspects of political, social, and economic life, including tourism. The main aim of this study is to understand domestic tourism in North Korea, including its patterns and constraints. Based on a survey of North Korean defectors to the South, this study examines their perceptions of tourism in the North and their travel experiences prior to migrating to South Korea. While many countries use tourism as a political tool in unstable economic situations and strict political climates, North Korea is likely to resist a rapid increase of inbound tourists in the short term. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.