I have to write a story taking place in Eastern Asia. I've decided to write about a South Korean exploring life in North Korea. Would they need to sneak in or are they permitted to go?
Scroll down about a third of the page for the information you need.
http://wikitravel.org/en/North_Korea
To depict the scenario accurately, it is important to understand the current situation regarding travel between South Korea and North Korea. As of now, the border between the two countries is heavily guarded, and direct travel for South Korean citizens to North Korea is restricted.
The relationship between North and South Korea has been tense since the Korean War ended in 1953. A ceasefire was established, but both countries remain technically at war. There have been some efforts at reconciliation and diplomacy over the years, resulting in limited interactions, but unrestricted travel between the two countries is not allowed.
However, there are exceptions to this general rule. In certain circumstances, South Koreans can obtain special permits to travel to North Korea for specific purposes, such as humanitarian work, cultural exchanges, or reunions of divided families. These permits are typically arranged through the South Korean government and require strict supervision and adherence to specific guidelines.
Given this information, it is more realistic for your story's protagonist to have to sneak into North Korea, rather than being permitted to go. It would create a sense of tension and reflect the current situation. Remember to research further and consult recent news sources to accurately portray the dynamics between the two Koreas and the current travel restrictions.
To determine whether a South Korean can freely travel to North Korea or if they would need to sneak in, we can analyze the current situation between the two countries.
As of now, the relationship between South Korea and North Korea is complex and heavily influenced by political tensions. The Korean War, which ended in 1953, resulted in the division of the Korean Peninsula into North and South. The two countries technically remain at war, and their border is considered one of the most heavily fortified in the world.
In general, South Koreans are not permitted to travel freely to North Korea and vice versa. Both countries have strict travel restrictions and require special permits for any official visits across the border. However, there can be exceptional cases where individuals from South Korea may be granted permission to travel to North Korea, usually for diplomatic or humanitarian purposes.
If your story is set in the present day, it would be more realistic to portray a South Korean character needing to find alternative means to travel to North Korea or even resorting to sneaking in. This could involve unauthorized border crossings or covert operations. Such fictional elements could add intrigue and tension to your story.
To gather more accurate and up-to-date information, it is essential to research the specific political climate and travel regulations between North and South Korea at the time your story is set.