When British traveler Daniel Wilkins set foot in North Korea, he knew he was entering one of the most secretive and tightly controlled nations in the world. But nothing could have prepared him for what he experienced over two weeks inside the Hermit Kingdom.
Now, after returning home, Daniel is exposing the truth about what it’s really like to visit North Korea—and how much of what tourists see is carefully staged propaganda.
A Tour Unlike Any Other
Daniel’s trip was organized through an official state-approved travel agency, the only way foreigners can visit the country. From the moment he arrived in Pyongyang, he quickly realized that every aspect of his visit was controlled.
“There’s no such thing as independent travel in North Korea,” he explained. “You are constantly monitored, escorted by government-assigned guides, and only taken to places they want you to see.”
He was not allowed to explore on his own, and even taking photos was strictly regulated. His phone and camera were checked regularly by authorities, ensuring he wasn’t capturing anything that could contradict the country’s carefully crafted image.
The ‘Perfect’ Illusion
One of the most unsettling experiences, according to Daniel, was the feeling that everything was staged.
“They take you to spotless streets, beautifully maintained parks, and perfectly stocked supermarkets. But you quickly realize there are barely any real people shopping, and the shelves are mostly for show,” he revealed.
He recalled being driven through Pyongyang’s wide, empty highways, wondering where all the cars were. “It’s a city designed to look modern, but it feels eerily deserted.”
The group was taken to a school filled with smiling children, all eager to answer questions and show off their English skills. But when Daniel asked an unexpected question—what their favorite food was—the entire class went silent.
“It was as if they didn’t know how to answer,” he said. “Our guide quickly changed the subject.”
What Locals Told Him
Although tourists are kept away from ordinary North Korean citizens, Daniel managed to have a few brief, unfiltered interactions.
“One night at the hotel, I spoke to a worker who quietly told me, ‘Life is difficult here. But we cannot say anything,’” Daniel recalled.
He also noticed power cuts happening regularly, even in tourist areas. “Imagine what it’s like in places we’re not allowed to see,” he wondered.
The Reality of Leaving
As Daniel’s trip came to an end, he felt a mix of relief and sadness. “It’s a country frozen in time, where people are living in fear but forced to pretend everything is perfect.”
When he landed back in the UK, officials checked his phone and laptop, making sure he hadn’t smuggled out anything sensitive.
Now, he’s sharing his experience to give the world an unfiltered look at life inside North Korea—a place where reality is dictated by the regime, and the truth is a carefully controlled illusion.
