North Korea woo Russian tourists, Says it's 'Safer than London'

North Korea has opened a travel agency in Russia, promoting itself to tourists as "safer than an evening walk in London".

The tour company, which is based in Moscow, promises a "full immersion" in the rogue state's culture as Pyongyang grapples for money. Hit by economic sanctions for two intercontinental ballistic missile tests in July, North Korea is offering Russian punters a 15-day stay for £1,500 each.

The tour includes visits to a farm, a mineral water factory, a Buddhist temple, museums, walks in the mountains and an introduction to national cuisine. But long talks with locals "are not recommended". Other less demanding tours include relaxation on a beach, an aviation show and even a beer festival.

Groups of up to 10 people can book through the NKOREAN.RU website, which claims it wants to "show travellers the multi-faceted life of this most closed of countries". Any guests will still be subject to strict surveillance and inspection, with a guide appointed who will monitor the "adequate behaviour of the tourist and guarantee his safety".

It is unclear how popular these trips will be among Russians, who have already developed a fondness for visiting Europe and cheap resorts in Turkey and Thailand.