North Korea welcomes tourists after 5 years: What they saw was shocking

North Korea has opened its doors to tourists for the first time in five years. A small group of Western travelers, from the UK, France, Germany, and Australia, journeyed into the isolated nation. Their visit, which took place in the Rason region, revealed a strange and shocking experience. It was the first opportunity for outsiders to see North Korea since the country shut its borders in 2020 due to the pandemic. What these tourists saw was unsettling and surreal. From bizarre performances to strict controls, their trip was nothing like they expected.

A disturbing school performance

One of the most shocking moments came when they watched a performance by North Korean schoolchildren. The children danced and sang with an unsettling backdrop. The screen behind them flashed images of ballistic missiles launching and striking an unknown city. The violent explosions on the screen were jarring. For the tourists, it was a bizarre and unsettling experience. “If this is the best they can show after five years, what else is hidden?” one visitor remarked. This chilling display was just the start of the surreal journey that awaited them.

A strict and controlled experience

The tourists quickly realized they were not in a typical vacation destination. North Korea tightly controlled everything they did. They had no internet access. The authorities banned cell phones. They couldn’t find any ATMs or typical modern conveniences. Everything followed a strict plan. The tourists received guidelines to follow. These included not insulting North Korea’s leaders, not mocking their ideology, and avoiding any judgment on their way of life. Minders closely watched the entire trip, making sure no one stepped out of line. They monitored every move. The minders stayed with them at all times, ensuring the tourists didn’t break the rules.

“Bathroom permission” surreal moments

The tourists were not free to do as they pleased. One of the strangest parts of the trip was the constant surveillance. Mike O’Kennedy, a British YouTuber, had to ask permission to use the bathroom. “I’ve never had to do that anywhere in the world,” he said. Such moments served as a constant reminder of how tightly controlled their movements were. The group couldn’t even use the restroom without permission. This level of control was unlike anything they had ever experienced. Every detail was scrutinized by the minders.

The long-awaited return of tourism

This trip marked a significant moment. After five years of lockdown, tourism returned to North Korea. The government had kept its borders closed since the pandemic started. Now, Young Pioneer Tours, a company that arranges trips to North Korea, could finally restart its operations. Rowan Beard, who runs the company, explained how quickly the slots filled. In just five hours, tourists booked all available spots. This wasn’t a typical vacation, though. It offered a highly restricted and controlled experience. Tourists had to follow strict guidelines and stay under the watchful eyes of their minders. Despite the restrictions, the chance to visit North Korea was too intriguing for many to pass up.

No internet, no freedom

The tourists disconnected from the outside world. They had no internet and no cell phone service. They felt isolated from their friends and family. This made the trip feel strange. They couldn’t share moments on social media. The lack of connection made it feel like they were in a completely different time. They couldn’t make spontaneous choices. Every part of the trip had a set plan. North Korea controlled their movements, leaving little room for personal decisions. This strict structure turned the trip into a highly supervised tour, not a vacation.

Visits to controlled locations

The tourists visited carefully selected locations. They saw a beer factory, a well-stocked pharmacy, and a school. But these were all part of the tightly controlled itinerary. One of the most surreal moments came during a school visit. A group of eight-year-old children performed for the tourists. They danced and sang while a large screen behind them displayed images of missiles launching. The missiles struck an animated city in a violent explosion. This disturbing display left many tourists feeling uneasy. It was just one example of how North Korea curates its image for outsiders. The regime carefully chooses what to show and what to hide.

The “true” North Korea: A dismal reality

What the tourists saw was very different from the polished images North Korea projects to the outside world. The government often releases official photos showing gleaming cityscapes. These photos are meant to create an image of a thriving, modern country. However, the reality was far different. The roads were rough. The pavements were uneven. The buildings were poorly constructed. Joe Smith, a former writer for NK News, noted how dilapidated the hotel was. The décor reminded him of “his grandma’s living room.” This stark contrast between the government’s portrayal and the reality on the ground was jarring for the tourists.

An uncomfortable moment

Despite the strict rules, O’Kennedy faced an awkward moment. During a visit to a North Korea-Russia Friendship House, they asked him to sign a guestbook. He wrote, “I wish the world peace.” His guide immediately told him this was an inappropriate message. O’Kennedy felt paranoid. “That made me paranoid,” he said. He had tried his best to follow the rules, but his Western sensibilities didn’t always align with the strict guidelines. These moments made the tourists feel even more controlled. They never felt truly free to express themselves.

Cultural exchange – A double-edged sword?

Even though the trip was tightly controlled, there was some benefit for the North Korean people. Tour groups like Young Pioneer Tours argue that these visits allow North Koreans to engage with foreigners. This rare cultural exchange helps them come into contact with new ideas. In a country where access to the outside world is limited, this interaction is valuable. Greg Vaczi from Koryo Tours explained how important it is for the locals. “North Koreans get the chance to engage with foreigners. This allows them to come up with new ideas, which, in a country this closed, is so important,” he said.