How Kim Jong Il’s death threw the North Korea tourism industry into flux



Evergreen How Kim Jong Il’s death threw the North Korea tourism industry into flux Even local guides didn’t seem to know what would happen as the country mourned leader’s passing 11 years ago this month Gareth Johnson December 21, 2022 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON An oversized portrait of Kim Jong Il during the former North Korean leader's funeral procession on Dec. 28, 2011 \| Image: Rodong Sinmun (Dec. 29, 2011) The following article is part of a series by Gareth Johnson of Young Pioneer Tours about being a North Korea tour guide. Views expressed in columns are exclusively the author’s own and do not represent those of NK News. North Korea marked the 11th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s death over the weekend, and while the country has long since moved on, the former’s leader passing was a momentous occasion for both the DPRK and the wider world. For everyone, it created uncertainty and insecurity, not least for us in the North Korea tour industry. I was in London for © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by Trending

Evergreen

How Kim Jong Il’s death threw the North Korea tourism industry into flux

Even local guides didn’t seem to know what would happen as the country mourned leader’s passing 11 years ago this month

Gareth Johnson December 21, 2022

How Kim Jong Il’s death threw the North Korea tourism industry into flux

An oversized portrait of Kim Jong Il during the former North Korean leader's funeral procession on Dec. 28, 2011 | Image: Rodong Sinmun (Dec. 29, 2011)

The following article is part of a series by Gareth Johnson of Young Pioneer Tours about being a North Korea tour guide. Views expressed in columns are exclusively the author’s own and do not represent those of NK News.

North Korea marked the 11th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s death over the weekend, and while the country has long since moved on, the former’s leader passing was a momentous occasion for both the DPRK and the wider world. For everyone, it created uncertainty and insecurity, not least for us in the North Korea tour industry.

I was in London for

How Kim Jong Il’s death threw the North Korea tourism industry into flux

Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most –

as selected by

One more step!

Error!

Trending

Recent Stories

About the Author

Gareth Johnson

Start your day with
the North Korea stories that matter most –