I Spent 5 Days in North Korea in 2025—Here Are the Photos and Stories

What’s it really like to set foot inside one of the world’s most secretive countries? For many travelers, even imagining a visit to North Korea sounds like something out of a movie. But thanks to one Reddit user, antmack94, we now have an up-close look at what five days inside the country actually looked like—with some fascinating photos to match.

Exploring Life Through North Korea Photos

North Korea is often shrouded in mystery. Most images that make headlines tend to focus on grand parades or political events. But what about everyday life? That’s where this rare set of North Korea photos stands out. The pictures offer glimpses of city streets, local markets, public parks, and ordinary people going about their routines.

There’s a calmness to many scenes—children playing soccer under watchful teachers; commuters waiting for the metro in Pyongyang; families strolling down wide avenues. The architecture is strikingly grand but also shows hints of Soviet influence. With each shot, you get the sense that life goes on quietly behind the headlines.

What You Can—and Can’t—Photograph While Traveling to North Korea

Traveling to North Korea comes with its own set of rules for visitors. Photography is tightly controlled—there are places you’re allowed to snap pictures and others where cameras have to stay tucked away. Here’s what stood out from the travel experience:

• Public monuments are usually okay to photograph—but only from certain angles.
• Local people may appear in your shots but always ask your guide before clicking away.
• Military personnel and checkpoints are strictly off-limits for photos.
• Daily street scenes are sometimes permitted but not always encouraged.
• The metro system (with its ornate mosaics) is one of the most photogenic spots you can visit.

Even with these restrictions, antmack94 managed to capture candid moments that tell their own story about traveling through Pyongyang and beyond.

Travel Surprises: Food, Culture & Daily Moments

Some things might surprise anyone thinking about taking a trip like this. For one thing, meals were hearty—lots of rice dishes, stews, and kimchi (yes, plenty of kimchi!). Tourist groups often dined separately from locals but occasionally shared meals with guides or hosts.

Cultural performances were another highlight—a mix of traditional music, dance routines by schoolchildren, and visits to museums showcasing local history. The city itself was clean and orderly. Shops carried basic goods; some had more variety than expected.

The people encountered along the way seemed curious but reserved. Smiles came easily during group activities or cultural exchanges. Despite language barriers, there was always someone ready with a friendly nod or gesture.

Anecdote From Day Three

On day three of the trip, there was a detour through Moranbong Park—a favorite spot for locals on weekends. It happened to be Children’s Day when dozens of families gathered for picnics under flowering trees. Music played softly from portable speakers while kids flew kites nearby. For a moment it felt just like any other park around the world—laughter mingling with birdsong and the faint aroma of barbecue drifting on the breeze.

Is Visiting North Korea Worth It?

Of course, there are plenty of questions about whether visiting is right for everyone. Travel is carefully guided—you’ll rarely wander far without someone by your side—and some experiences feel curated for tourists rather than fully authentic. Still, seeing these North Korea photos offers an eye-opening peek into daily rhythms few outsiders witness.

For many who scroll through antmack94’s gallery on Reddit or dream about future travels off the beaten path, curiosity wins out over hesitation. These five days didn’t answer every question about life behind closed borders—but they did provide rare insight into how ordinary people live their lives.

Where would you go if you could visit anywhere—even somewhere as unique as North Korea?