Woman shows ‘true reality’ of North Korea in 2025 after finding way to explore without a guide

A woman has revealed what North Korea is really like after they reopened their borders to tourists following a five-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When it comes to the reputations of countries around the world, it's fair to say that North Korea isn't high up in anyone's estimations.

Kim Jong Un is known for his numerous scare tactics and flexing of the nation's nuclear resources, while his political relationships continue to raise eyebrows in the West.

He was pictured walking with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the latter's largest ever military parade in another warning to enemy nations, with US and UK leaders absent.

North Korea is also known for being a near-impossible place to escape from if you're born there, with it also being one of the stricter places to visit as a tourist.

Statues of the previous dictators of North Korea must be bowed down at by all tourists (KIM WON JIN/AFP via Getty Images)

The East Asian country has reopened their borders to pretty much everyone except Americans, even introducing an east coast beach resort - though it has only welcomed visitors from Russia.

YouTuber Drew Binsky is known for his outlandish experiences while travelling the world, but as he hails from the US, he was unable to visit North Korea this time around.

Having gone over 10 years ago, the content creator instead sent his Latvian friend over, who documented her own experience in Pyongyang to post on his channel.

Noting that she was 'shocked', Binsky explained in a voiceover that things are the same as they were in 2015 when it comes to being accompanied by an official tour guide.

You still aren't allowed to leave your hotel or do anything outside the pre-arranged activities lined up and approved by the Workers' Party of Korea.

But there is a way to have a sense of freedom in the elusive Asian nation without breaking any laws (which comes with severe punishments): run the Pyongyang Marathon.

Binsky explained: "If you run in the Pyongyang Marathon, you can go for a morning run outside of your hotel without a tour guide."

His friend noted that there was 'literally no-one' around her, though it was also pointed out that they will search for you if you miss breakfast.

She managed to wander the streets of Pyongyang on her own (YouTube/Drew Binsky)

After breakfast, tourists are taken to different monuments in the capital, including the main statue, which you have to bring flowers to and bow in front of.

Propaganda posters are up for sale at gift shops, while lunch, dinner, and drinks are also on the itinerary, though Binsky's Latvian mate shared something surreal that happened after her final meal of the day.

"It's Friday evening, about 9pm," she began, adding: "We're casually walking on the streets and right as we walked on that street, it suddenly started to play Korean music really loudly. Is that a coincidence or was it just for us to impress? We'll never know."

It may have opened its borders again, but North Korea remains mysterious to all of us, even those who visit.