NEW YORK - Few Americans have visited North Korea not because of restrictions by the U.S. government but because North Korea does not usually permit them in.

However, North Korea is issuing visas for travel between Aug. 10-Oct. 10, and several tours are being offered by U.S.-based companies.

The New York-based Korea Society and Chicago-based tour operator Asia Pacific Travel are offering a 13-day trip, Sept. 2-14, that will visit both North and South Korea . The North Korea itinerary includes ancient sites like a Buddhist temple that dates to 1042; monuments to the country's late leader, Kim Il Sung, and Panmunjom, the site of the Korean War armistice signing in 1953 along the demilitarized zone. Visitors will also get to see the massive Arirang synchronized gymnastics exhibition featuring 100,000 performers.