Americans are not welcome in North Korea. Even journalists and business people are not allowed entry except in extremely rare circumstances.
Apply for a visa from a third party country such as China if you must attempt entry into the country, but there is no guarantee of success here either.
Be aware that the U.S. government does not issue visas to private Americans.
Even military travel is extremely restricted in and out of North Korea.
U.S. citizens who actually make it into North Korea are subject to detainment and arrest.
There is no UN Embassy in North Korea, and no help for tourists once inside. Most local citizens are extremely wary of helping foreigners for fear of government repercussions.
South Koreans and some Europeans are allowed into North Korea, but have only limited access to tourist sites and cannot enter the capital city of Pyongyang.
Kim Jong-il is only to be spoken of as the "Dear Leader" and a number of other praising phrases.
Accommodations in Pyongyang are not cheap and are heavily guarded by soldiers who monitor your every move as a rule.
There are very few amenities in Pyongyang accommodations, including only a few TV channels and some restaurants.
Pyongyang is the only place you'll find accommodations even remotely westernized, although tourists are not allowed to enter this city.
