Why I Travelled to North Korea

When I told people I was going to North Korea, I almost always heard:
“Oh my gosh, isn’t it dangerous?”
That’s exactly why I went.

In April 2016, I joined a small group tour with Koryo Tours, travelling solo from Shanghai to Pyongyang for a long weekend. I’ve always been drawn to places people don’t typically visit—not to be extreme, but to understand the world with my own eyes, beyond the social media headlines and hype.

North Korea felt like the ultimate unknown. I wanted to see and feel the culture, people, and environment for myself.

One unforgettable moment was watching the North Korea vs. South Korea women’s football match at Kim Il Sung Stadium. Foreigners were placed in one isolated section, while locals filled the rest of the stadium. Each section had a conductor directing how and when to clap. If North Korea had the ball, we clapped in perfect rhythm. If they scored, we were instructed to do the Mexican wave. If South Korea scored, we had to stay silent and it was forbidden for any spectator to clap.

I also ran the 10K Pyongyang Marathon. The night before, we were told the race would end exactly four hours after it started. Anyone still running would be picked up by a yellow truck and driven back. Thankfully, the 10K gave me a fascinating glimpse of the city landscape—pastel-coloured buildings, wide streets, and an audience who lined the streets and cheered us on with great enthusiasm.

Exploring Pyongyang, we were always accompanied by a tour guide. We couldn’t leave the group or roam freely. On the streets, people wore muted colours, and many of the interactions felt orchestrated—often leaving us wondering if those we encountered were everyday locals or carefully selected individuals placed there for our tour.

So no, it wasn’t dangerous. It was controlled, yes—but not unsafe. Being there gave me what social media never could: real, grounded insight. I didn’t go to make judgments—I went to stay curious, ask questions, and witness a place often spoken about, but rarely experienced.

For me, travel is about challenging assumptions—especially my own. It’s about choosing presence over perception. North Korea wasn’t a typical destination, but it offered me a deeper reminder: real understanding begins when we dare to step outside our comfort zone.