North Korea is increasingly in the news, shrouded in mystery and nuclear threat. And yet, it can also be an alternative holiday destination. Of course, don’t expect a thriving nightlife – however, the Arch of Triumph, Kumsusan Palace of the Sun and the Military Exhibition Centre are worth a visit. The micro-brewery in Kaesong and light trekking to Mount Kumgang are also on most tourist itineraries. And once outside the cities, the rural landscape is beautiful.

The only problem is getting there. You cannot enter from South Korea and you must fly direct. Once there, you need a visa and you cannot travel independently – you must book a pre-planned tour and must always be accompanied by North Korean guides. These guides are specially appointed by the Ministry of Tourism.

Once in North Korea, you are treated as a privileged guest of the North Koreans, which means that you must abide by the rules while in the country. These include not walking aroundunaccompanied and not taking photos of certain locations.