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A tourist strolls with North Korean university students.[Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

North Korea remains uncharted territory for most travelers and an enigma to the western world. But Beijing-based Koryo Group, which offers tours to the country, is slowly prying the DPRK open and bringing its people closer to the rest of the world.

Koryo Group staff member Amanda Carr organizes tours to North Korea and recently returned from her 11th trip to the country.

"It's quite a different picture than is depicted in the western media," she said. "The main thing people say after their trip is that the people are friendly and they didn't expect that."

A trip to North Korea also reveals a different perspective of the world and an alternate interpretation of history.

"Their version is very different from what we learn," Carr said. "You don't need to agree with it, but just going and seeing it is worthwhile and helps you understand the country a lot more."

Tourists were first allowed into North Korea in 1987. Six years later, Nick Bonner and Josh Greene founded Koryo Tours to help westerners explore the country. While Koryo is also the name of North Korea's national airline, Bonner notes that the two companies are not related. Koryo refers to a dynasty (918-1392 AD) when the Korean peninsula was at peace.

Since its founding, Koryo Group has grown its business to include both tourism and various cultural exchange initiatives. It offers two main options for tourists heading to North Korea. Travelers either can join a group tour or an independent tour. Tours are always accompanied by North Korean guides, usually one male and one female. On group tours, at least one Koryo staff member will also accompany travelers.

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