So, I've got a chance to go to North Korea for a few days in November. But, I'm having some moral qualms about it...

I mean, in a way, I'd be fascinated to see North Korea (although I'm aware that it won't be the "real" North Korea, just what the Gov't wants me to see... but even that would be fascinating, like a post-modern Rome, so to speak).

However, I have serious qualms about my money being used to support such a brutal regime.

Final question: if I do go, shall I wear my LVMI Austrian-Economist series t-shirts? "Free markets or serfdom", anyone?

Yeah, you should go. You will never see anything like it. Document your journey and post it here after!

It's worth the opportunity, i'd say. Ultimately giving money or not giving money to them isn't going to make a difference, as larger forces of foreign aid than any individual Briton haven't really helped them better themselves.

Don't wear anything provocative, though. You'll have handlers, and they won't be stupid. Though you could give the 24-hour news cycle something to discuss for a time...

Yeah, I know it won't have any practical difference... but, well, you know my views on anything "state".

I've pretty much decided that this won't stop me, though, as NK is pretty much going to collapse, with or without my help, within the next couple of years.

Now, I just need to talk to work, and look at my finances. Best case scenario, I can go in a few weeks. Worst case, I'll have to wait 'til early next year.

I would definitely go. You should come back and write an unbiased opinion about them.

Why not, even if they're not showing you what really happens, not a lot of people get to go. And I wouldn't wear anything to piss them off while over there if I was you.

And that was the last we heard from mr.smith, government agent.

You should definitely go.
take pictures to share with us.
My family is from N. Korea. If you spend some time in Pyonyang, look up Cho Yosoop and say 'what's up'.

I don't think they will let you wear anything with any words on it.