‘Visit North Korea’ advertising board appears at non-league Blyth Spartans

Fancy a January getaway?

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea - or as it is most commonly known, North Korea - is one of the most secretive and closed-off nations in the world. Its human rights record is widely viewed as diabolical, travel from and around the country for citizens is heavily restricted. The tightly controlled media keeps out any Western influences, with propaganda instead fostering feverish devotion to leader Kim Jong-in amongst the population. It is not somewhere you would really consider going on holiday, is what we are saying. The North Korea tourist board wants to change that though, building water parks and ski resorts in the hope of luring foreign visitors. But it seems what is really missing is advertising at non-league English football matches. This "Visit North Korea" sign was spotted on Boxing Day at Croft Park, the home of Blyth Spartans. https://twitter.com/nonleaguenomads/status/1077945740511625216?s=12 The advertising was for "Visit North Korea", and organisation that "help foster greater understanding and engagement with the country in productive ways. " "Although it is certainly, it is unique and unconventional, Visit North Korea is nevertheless proud to be able to help support the great English game at a local level and secure publicity for clubs in the North of England," said a blog on their website. "In the process, by promoting our programs we aim to help people broaden their horizons and think differently about the world." Blyth play in the National League North, which is the sixth tier of English football. The commercial deal was also announced in the matchday programme for the side's 2-2 draw with Spennymoor Town. Blyth Sparatan's commercial director Mark Scott tweeted, thanking Visit North Korea for their support. http://twitter.com/BSAFCCommercial/status/1078253535526113280