In recent years, North Korea has been one of the most isolated countries in the world, with its borders closed to foreign tourists for five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stringent government policies. However, in early 2025, the regime briefly reopened its doors to a limited number of non-Russian tourists, providing a rare glimpse into the secretive nation. One of the first to seize this opportunity was YouTuber Mike Okay, who documented his experience in a video shared with his 607,000 subscribers.
Mike’s journey began with an unusual directive: as his plane approached North Korean airspace, passengers were instructed to close their window blinds, prohibiting them from viewing the landscape below. This measure set the tone for a trip characterized by strict oversight and controlled interactions. Upon arrival, Mike and his tour group were accompanied by five North Korean officials—three guides, a driver, and a photographer—whose primary role was to monitor and manage the group’s activities. While these escorts were consistently polite and aimed to make the visitors feel comfortable, Mike couldn’t shake the feeling of being under constant surveillance.
The itinerary included visits to various sites designed to showcase the country’s advancements and cultural heritage. One such visit was to a mineral water factory. Upon arrival, Mike observed an apparent lack of workers, prompting him to inquire about their absence. The guide’s initial confusion about the day of the week, mistakenly thinking it was Saturday when it was actually Thursday, raised suspicions about the authenticity of the operations presented to the tourists.
Accommodations further reflected the controlled environment. Mike’s hotel room had windows that were sealed shut, preventing any unauthorized observation of the surroundings. Additionally, the room’s phone system was restricted, incapable of connecting to lines outside North Korea, thereby isolating guests from external communication.
A particularly striking moment of the tour was a visit to a local school, where students performed songs praising their leader, Kim Jong Un. The performance was set against a backdrop of footage depicting missile launches, blending expressions of national pride with displays of military prowess. This fusion underscored the regime’s emphasis on portraying strength and loyalty from an early age.
Viewers of Mike’s video shared their reactions in the comments section, expressing a mix of intrigue and concern. One user likened the experience to “The Truman Show,” suggesting that the entire scenario seemed orchestrated for the visitors’ benefit. Others empathized with the North Korean citizens featured in the video, acknowledging the immense pressure they might face during interactions with foreigners, where a single misstep could have severe repercussions for them and their families.
The reopening of North Korea’s borders, albeit brief, has reignited discussions about the ethics and implications of tourism in such a controlled environment. Tour operators like Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours have reported robust demand from travelers eager to visit one of the world’s most secluded nations. These tours typically involve carefully curated itineraries, including visits to local landmarks, cultural demonstrations, and guided interactions with residents. However, tourists are always accompanied by North Korean guides, ensuring that all activities align with the regime’s narratives.
Despite the allure of exploring an enigmatic country, potential visitors must weigh the risks associated with such trips. The U.S. Department of State has maintained a travel ban for its citizens to North Korea since 2017, following the tragic case of Otto Warmbier, a U.S. college student who was detained during a tour in 2015. Warmbier was accused of attempting to steal a propaganda poster and was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. He was released in 2017 in a comatose state and died shortly after his return to the United States.
Other incidents further highlight the potential dangers. For instance, in July 2023, Private 2nd Class Travis King, a U.S. soldier, crossed into North Korea without authorization during a civilian tour of the Joint Security Area. Having previously faced legal issues in South Korea, King joined the tour group and, upon entering North Korean territory, was promptly detained by North Korean authorities. This incident underscored the unpredictable nature of interactions with the North Korean regime.
The brief reopening also shed light on the regime’s efforts to control the narrative presented to outsiders. Tourists often participate in activities showcasing North Korea’s cultural heritage, such as traditional music performances and visits to historical sites. However, these experiences are meticulously curated, offering limited insight into the daily lives of ordinary citizens. The controlled environment ensures that visitors only see what the regime wants to portray, maintaining a facade that aligns with its propaganda.
For travelers like Mike Okay, the experience is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers a rare opportunity to glimpse a nation shrouded in mystery; on the other, it raises ethical questions about supporting a regime known for its human rights abuses. As North Korea continues to navigate its relationship with the outside world, the future of tourism in the country remains uncertain, leaving the global community to ponder the implications of engaging with such an isolated state.
In conclusion, while the brief reopening of North Korea’s borders provided a unique opportunity for a select few to experience the country’s tightly controlled environment, it also highlighted the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding tourism in such a regime. As the world continues to watch North Korea’s interactions with outsiders, stories like Mike’s serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between curiosity and responsibility when engaging with isolated nations.
