Agent tells of sweet memories of tours to N. Korea

Few Singaporeans know much about North Korea, and even fewer have visited it. But there are some in Singapore who have not only visited the reclusive state but also worked and done business with its people. The Straits Times speaks to them about their experiences and hopes of the Trump-Kim summit outcome.

Mr Khoo Boo Liat, 68, who runs Universal Travel Corporation, said his request to run tours in North Korea was approved after he visited the country in 1994 for the first time. He was impressed then by how modern it was.
Mr Khoo Boo Liat, 68, who runs Universal Travel Corporation, said his request to run tours in North Korea was approved after he visited the country in 1994 for the first time. He was impressed then by how modern it was. ST PHOTO: SONG TAO
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When Singapore lifted the travel ban to North Korea in 1993, tour agent Khoo Boo Liat quickly travelled to Beijing where he could angle for a chance to conduct tours from there to one of the world's most reclusive states.

He had tried to contact its embassy here as soon as the ban was lifted, but his requests had gone unanswered.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 11, 2018, with the headline Agent tells of sweet memories of tours to N. Korea. Subscribe