Some have reported that their rooms have been entered while they are out, with personal items being either deliberately or inadvertently moved.
Reflecting the nervousness of the populace about outside interaction, some shops in the capital will not serve foreigners and even ask them to leave if they try to enter. North Koreans will usually avoid eye contact and often pull their children away if foreigners or their offspring attempt any contact, even a smile.
Overseas visitors also routinely encounter pressure to bow to certain statues of North Korean leaders past and present and buy flowers from official sellers to present as an offering.
Images and statues of the country's founder, the late Kim Il-sung, known as the "Great Leader", and his son and current leader, Kim Jong-il, receive god-like respect in the North.
Pyongyang forbids most North Koreans to watch or listen to foreign media broadcasts, although cable channel CNN is available in some hotels used by foreigners.
Beijing-based Koryo Tours, a travel agent run by two Britons that organizes trips to North Korea, gives a frank assessment on its Web site (www.koryogroup.com) of the rules for visitors.
"In the DPRK you will be under close scrutiny from the guides and security," it said, referring to the acronym for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
"Leaving the hotel without the guides or the guides' express permission is not possible. If you are feeling the need for `a breath of air' then a casual stroll along the river is possible but only if accompanied with a guide."
RSS