Posted September. 29, 2002 22:49,
On September 29, 2002, the government announced, Any South Korean wishing to visit Shinuijoo area, shall abide by the laws and regulations. Thus, the person has to go through all the necessary procedures for visitation to North and has to apply for the permission for contacting North Koreans, pursuant to the provisions of Act for Exchange between North and South. A couple of days ago, the head of Shinuiju Special District made public that any visitor to Shinuiju does not have to obtain a visa.
One high-ranking official stressed, North Korea has not announced details about their no-visa plan. Under these circumstances, we cannot bend our principles of law. If a citizen gets in there without the government permission, the person may be prosecuted for violation of law.
The current provisions of the act penalizes a person up to three years in prison or fines the person up to 10 million won (approximately, $8,800), or both, if the person visits North without a prior government permission.
But, after the no-visa announcement by the head of Shinuiju District, in the bordering Chinese City, more and more people including businessmen and reporters, who wish to visit the district, have already been flocking. Thus, it is doubtful whether our governments policy will be enforced.
In order to obtain the permit to visit North Korea, it is necessary to submit the application, statement of custody and an invitation from North Korean government providing the security of the visitor. But it takes a long time due to the slow reaction on the part of the North Korean government.
In addition, it is practically impossible to check out visitors who visit Shinuiju District without obtaining the permit.
In the meanwhile, the Chinese immigration authority in the bordering city announces that it will not allow entrance to North if a person does not have a visa. Thus, it seems that China, for some time to come, will allow the visit to Shinuijoo by only those who have North Korean visas.