North Korea, the world's most secretive country, has plenty of secret surf spots to discover. But, will it be possible to ride waves in the land of Kim Il-sung, the eternal president?
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea, offers 2,495 kilometers (1,550 miles) of coastline, with the East China Sea and the East Sea in the Western and Eastern coasts.
If you had the opportunity to surf waves in North Korea, you'd rather head for the East Sea coast because the local sea currents circulate in the counterclockwise direction, clearly hitting the exposed coast.
From Hamhung up north to Sonbong, there are plenty of surf regions to explore. The coastline is dominated by small fishing villages, industrial complexes, jetties, endless dunes and white sand beaches.
Spots primarily exposed to North/Northeast swells have better chances of delivering perfect waves for surfing. Jungho, Pungeo, Gangsangni, Sinchang, Geonja, Iwon, Tanchon, Ilsin, Rajin are some of the names of the local train stations where you should stop to check the surf.
On our way to the Chinese frontier, we've found a long beach near the Man's Lagoon with a strong potential for wave riding - nearly two kilometers of empty and unexplored surf and green fields as background scenario. Meet Sonbong, probably the best surf spot in North Korea.
The opposite Southwest coast offers pristine, natural, crystal-clear waters and desert islands. The Ongjin region has multiple river mouths and may be a great alternative for surfers on North Korea's East China Sea coastal shores.
In this uncrowded land, you may be the first to catch waves and make history. North Korea is the ultimate surfing destination of the 21st century.
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