I Went to North Korea. Here's the Shocking Truth 🇰🇵

Summary

In this video, Drew Binsky recounts his eye-opening journey to North Korea, one of the world's most isolated nations. As one of the last Americans to visit before a ban, Drew shares his experiences touring Pyongyang, interacting with locals during the Pyongyang Marathon, and riding the world's deepest metro system. He reflects on the stark contrast between North and South Korea, expresses empathy for the people living under a strict regime, and discusses the human rights issues that persist. The video also touches on his personal growth as a filmmaker and the evolution of his travel content creation.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The video recounts the creator's experience in North Korea, which was his 104th country visited and marked a turning point in his content creation journey with over 10 million views on his travel video.
• 🚫 North Korea is currently closed for U.S. passport holders, and the creator was among the last Americans to visit due to subsequent travel restrictions.
• 🏞️ The creator had previously lived in South Korea, where he taught English, learned the language, and immersed himself in Korean culture, which was his gateway to Asia.
• 🏛️ Visiting North Korea requires joining an organized group tour, with strict rules including no speaking ill of the leaders and no photographing construction sites.
• ✈️ The tour price includes flights from Beijing to Pyongyang on Air Koryo, North Korea's only airline, which uses Soviet-era airplanes.
• 🏨 In Pyongyang, tourists follow a set itinerary, which feels staged as it only shows areas the government wants to be seen.
• 🏃‍♂️ The creator participated in the Pyongyang Marathon, using it as an opportunity to interact with locals and experience a unique aspect of North Korean life.
• 🚇 Riding the Pyongyang Metro was a highlight, offering a rare glimpse into the daily lives of North Koreans and their deep, Soviet-built public transportation system.
• 🏢 The hotel in Pyongyang is a place of confinement after 7 PM, with amenities like a revolving restaurant and bowling alley, but no internet access.
• 🌍 The creator reflects on the stark contrast between North and South Korea, expressing sympathy for North Koreans and concern for their human rights.
• 🔄 The video concludes with a call for reflection on North Korea's situation and a hope for eventual peace and reunification with South Korea.

Q & A

How many countries had the narrator visited before going to North Korea?

The narrator had visited 103 countries before going to North Korea.

What was the narrator's profession in South Korea?

The narrator lived and taught English in South Korea for two years.

What martial art did the narrator learn while living in South Korea?

The narrator learned Taekwondo and got a black belt during their time in South Korea.

What was the name of the company the narrator used to visit North Korea?

The narrator went with a company called Choreo Tours.

What was the mandatory briefing about before entering North Korea?

The mandatory briefing was about the do's and don'ts of what one can and cannot do in North Korea.

Why were pictures of construction sites not allowed in North Korea?

Pictures of construction sites were not allowed because they might show that the country is not perfect.

What event did the narrator strategically time his visit to North Korea with?

The narrator strategically timed his visit to coincide with the annual Pyongyang Marathon.

How did the narrator interact with North Koreans during the Pyongyang Marathon?

The narrator interacted with North Koreans by high-fiving kids on the street, talking to them, and asking them about their feelings meeting an American.

What is unique about Pyongyang's metro system?

Pyongyang's metro system is the deepest underground public transportation system in the world.

What was the narrator's overall impression of North Korea?

The narrator found North Korea extremely interesting, isolated, and depressing, with a controlled society and a noticeable lack of happiness among the people.

What was the narrator's opinion on the contrast between North and South Korea?

The narrator found it unbelievable that just south of the border, there is one of the most futuristic and modern societies on the planet, contrasting sharply with the isolated North.