J. E. Hoare, who is a leading scholar of Korean affairs, and a recently retired diplomat, was responsible for setting up the first British Embassy in Pyongyang during 2001-2002. As charge d'affaires and consul general over a period of nearly two years, he had unique access to many aspects of the North Korean administration, the functioning of business and industry, and the country as a whole. Written in conjunction with his wife, Susan Pares, former editor of Asian Affairs, who lived through the experiences, and coauthored with him an earlier general introduction to Korea, this volume is an up-to-date primary reference source on North Korea and will become essential reading for anyone visiting or researching the country. Special consideration is given to North Korea's foreign policy, the functioning of the administration, the North's relationship with the South, and the question of reunification and nuclear issues.