North Korea is probably one of the most misunderstood countries in the world. Depending on who you ask, you'll hear either that everything shown to tourists is fake or that absolutely everything you see reflects everyday life. Both statements are false.

I spend a weekend in Pyongyang and went on a guided tour while the country is open to Russian tourists. I visit the landmarks included in the standard itinerary, but I also try to pay attention to everything happening around me to capture moment of the actual daily life in North Korea beyond the tourist itinerary.

This video is neither an attempt to glorify nor to demonize North Korea. It is a record of what I personally saw, what surprised me and what raised questions during my visit.

If you've watched the entire video, I'd be genuinely interested to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Filmed in June 2026.

Chapters:

00:00 - Morning walk in Pyongyang
01:50 - Foreign book store: propaganda books and military art
02:25 - North Korea view on the war history is not what you expect
03:46 - Inside the American spy ship
04:06 - Anti-American and pro-Russian narrative in North Korea
06:00 - Behind the scenes of the guided tour
07:14 - Can you hail a taxi online in Pyongyang and how much is it?
07:44 - Tables stuffed with food (for tourists)
08:21 - Inside Pyongyang Subway
14:30 - Triumphal Arch and views of Pyongyang
15:38 - Inside a brand new memorial to North Korean soldiers who helped Russia in Russo-Ukrainian war
18:38 - Captured NATO miltary vehicles
19:47 - Hotel room tour. Potential spy device exposed.
20:47 - Pyongyang at night
21:07 - Where are you, dear general? Listening to the most dystopian song in North Korea

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