A British tour information who reveals teams of vacationers round North Korea says everybody’s “flawed” concerning the nation — and it’s only a “regular” place to reside.
Zoe Stephens, 31, has visited North Korea 30 instances since March 2016 — taking numerous “foreigners” from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia together with her.
She says there are set guidelines the group has to comply with to be able to keep away from bother — like touring in a two guide-to-one vacationer ratio, and by no means taking foolish photographs of artwork resembling dictator Kim Jong Un.
The tour information posts movies of regular life in Pyongyang, North Korea, on TikTok — and says folks within the feedback accuse her of spreading propaganda.
However Zoe desires folks to see the “wonderful” facet of the nation — from hikes with wonderful views to the “beautiful people” that reside there.
Zoe, a global tour and advertising and marketing supervisor, initially from Liverpool, mentioned: “I need to present folks the human facet of North Korea — numerous foreigners suppose folks there are ravenous and attempting to flee.
“However in actuality, folks simply go about their on a regular basis life there.
“I really like going for hikes in rural North Korea — and in Pyongyang, my favourite issues to do are actually simply grabbing espresso and getting my hair accomplished.”
Earlier than North Korea closed its borders as a result of COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020, Zoe used to go to the nation as soon as a month.
However in March 2025, she went again for the primary time in 5 years.
Her excursions normally start in Beijing, China, and head in the direction of Pyongyang, North Korea — and each time she takes her group out, she must endure a one-hour briefing session on the foundations.
“I need to guarantee everybody’s security, and assist them problem cultural misconceptions,” she mentioned.
“There are three basic guidelines you comply with as a traveler; when taking photographs of any picture of the chief, it’s a must to stay respectful.
“You possibly can’t take any photographs of the navy or development websites.
“Stick collectively as a gaggle — solo vacationers aren’t allowed within the nation — and there must be two guides with you always.”
Even on her excursions, Zoe hopes to encourage folks to problem their “misunderstandings” of tradition in North Korea.
She desires folks to see how “regular” the nation could be, and believes it isn’t an unsafe nation to remain in, for those who comply with the foundations.
The tour information says there are even lovely, rural mountain climbing spots she typically enjoys.
Zoe added: “There are numerous misunderstandings between North Koreans and foreigners.
“Like, in Pyongyang, North Koreans don’t perceive why foreigners don’t need to get the bus.
“Of their thoughts, it’s one thing they’ve offered and constructed — so why wouldn’t anybody need to use it?
“However actually, it’s simply vacationers eager to stroll round, get on the market and get the vibe of the town.”
Regardless of social media trolls telling her she’s spreading propaganda, Zoe says she’s by no means felt unsafe within the metropolis, and has made many buddies by means of the years.
She struggles to remain involved with buddies from North Korea as a consequence of restrictions on worldwide calls and social media.
However Zoe says the persons are one of the best a part of the nation, and he or she loves assembly “regular people doing regular issues.”
“I completely see how my content material could possibly be seen as propaganda,” she mentioned.
“However, I believe it’s as a result of folks aren’t comfy with seeing a non-negative facet of North Korea.
“I’m not attempting to advertise the nation.
“I’ve to say, my favourite factor about visiting is the folks — over the meals and the sights.”
