Contrary to popular U.S. perceptions and dominant media coverage, North Koreans are eager to rebuild relations with both the United States and their South Korean brothers and sisters.

North Korea continues to be shaped by events from the middle of the 20th century. The division of Korea in 1945, the Korean War of 1950 to 1953, which has still not been satisfactorily resolved, and the consequent separation of the two Koreas have left deep wounds in the people of both nations. The United States retains a military presence in South Korea while North Korea develops its nuclear program. North Korea experienced widespread famine during the 1990s, and has since been dependent on foreign food aid.

North Korea's nuclear program has brought the country much attention over the past few years. Relations between the United States and North Korea have been tense since President Bush labeled the nation a member of the "Axis of Evil" during his 2002 State of the Union address. Since 2003 both countries have participated in the Six-Party Talks, meant to address the threat posed by a nuclear North Korea. In February 2007, North Korea agreed to shut down its nuclear facilities in exchange for fuel oil and economic aid. The United States and Japan also agreed to discuss the possibility of normalizing ties with North Korea -- something that Pyongyang has been seeking for some time.

Given the history and legacies of the Korean War, decades of economic sanctions on the DPRK by the U.S., and current political tensions on the Korean peninsula that have been exacerbated by both increased U.S. military presence on the border and the DPRK's emerging nuclear program, we feel it is vital for Americans to travel to this misunderstood country to help establish people to people ties.

The Citizens Diplomacy Reality Tour to North Korea will give participants a chance to see inside this much-maligned nation and gain first-hand experience of the effects of the political policies of both the United States and North Korea. Participants will have a chance to put a human face on this ongoing political dispute and help facilitate understanding and respect between people of different nations.

Read a past participant's article about her experiences in North Korea: Another Side of North Korea

Program Highlights:

• View a sample itinerary

Cost: $2900

Price Includes:

• Double room accommodations in a 3 or 4 star hotel (singles will have a supplemental fee of $850)
• Two meals a day
• All ground transportation including a roundtrip flight from Shenyang, China to the DPRK
• North Korean visa (budgeted at $105)
• Global Exchange guides
• 1-2 North Korean guides/translators
• All program activities, entrance fees and reading materials
• Flights from home country to Shenyang, tips, additional beverages, and personal expenses are not included.

How to Register:

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Malia with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 233.