British Tourists Share Impressions from North Korea After 5-Year Hiatus

After a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has reopened its borders to foreign tourists, with a group of British travelers recently sharing their experiences. The tourists reported a highly controlled environment, where their activities were strictly regulated by local guides, and they had limited access to communication and the internet. YouTuber Mike O'Kennedy described the atmosphere as reminiscent of a school trip, highlighting the stark devotion of locals to Kim Jong-un. Visitors noted the absence of advertisements, replaced by propaganda, and a visible level of poverty that was not concealed during their tours. Despite the restrictions, the tourists expressed fascination with the unique aspects of North Korean life, such as a luxury goods market that felt more authentic. The resumption of tourism marks a cautious step for North Korea as it attempts to re-engage with the world after years of isolation.