North Korea Journal

It is fair to say that travel shows have come a long way since Judith Chalmers "remember to bring your own tea bags" programmes in the 1980's. Michael Palin was the first to introduce viewers to more exotic destinations through his trailblazing Equator and Pole to Pole series and, more recently, Simon Reeve has taken the baton to chronicle his travels to some even more extravagant destinations. Like the Timur Tambalane in the 14th century, TV producers now lament there is no more of the world to conquer. Except one place that is. The mysterious DPRK.When I saw this book on Amazon I instinctively looked to see when the accompanying show would be on TV. I was even more amazed to learn that I had missed it. Apparently it was on Channel 5 in late 2018. That explains it then.This was a relatvely short (15 day) trip and both the TV show (2 episodes) and the book are relatively short. That is not say there is nothing of interest, quite the opposite. The DPRK represents the last bastion of the world that has not been touched by capitalism and this makes for a spectucular and unusual experience that Micahel Palin describes expertly. This is a totalitarian state like no other. A small country that has been cut off from the outside world for over 70 years. As ever, it is the people that we meet along the way that make this a great story. Michael Palin was keen to understand their lives and naturally wanted to probe certain aspects of DPRK and, althoguh was pushed back a couple of times, there was more in common that we might initially have thought.The photos in this book tell a lot of the story. Roads without cars and giant statues which are statements in themsleves to the power of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il and the prestige in which they are held by the people of DPRK. Michael Palin's accompanying words which are as witty as ever are in the form of diary entries from this short visit to this strange land. There is also an interesting afternote from the producer of the show who talks about the "reece" visit in advance of the filming to outline what was on / off limits. The filming was made shortly after the historic meeting between Kim Jong-un of North Korea, President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, and President Trump making this even more poignant.

I bought this book recommended by a friend.There are very interesting stories of how backward and ruthless the regime is but every time the author tries to justify the government's behaviour.When I read the lines "...They [the North-Koreans] are locked in a system that demands unbending loyalty, but which in return offers security...and the chance for some to enjoy life and to excel." I nearly threw the book out of the window.I wonder if Michael Palin would like to live in North Korea and enjoy life and excel under that oppressive regime.

A great account of Michael’s trip to the DPRK. Having visited the DPRK myself last year was interesting to read what he thought of this secretive country, his views very much the same as mine. Anyone interested in visiting the DPRK this book is highly recommended to read before travelling there.

This is a great account that accompanies the TV series well. It brought back memories of my own trip to North Korea and it was great to see Michael finally close the Pacific circle after being denied real entry to North Korea in Full Circle. I just wish they would release the series on DVD to complete my Palin travels collection.

Such a excellent piece of work with the words simply sounding like Michael. We a seriously looking at visiting