Tiktoker's lens on north Korea: An inside look at a secretive nation

North Korea is known for many stories. Escapees describe it as a country of propaganda, where the value of human life is negligible. The media focuses on both the country's citizens and its leader, Kim Jong Un, who is described as an impulsive tyrant who will do anything to subjugate his people. Death penalties for even the most minor offences are the norm in North Korea. It’s no wonder that the government of Kim Jong Un dictates everything in the country, from citizens' hairstyles to the music they listen to and even the content that reaches Western media.

Many people, when asked about the country they would least like to visit, do not point to North Korea. The threat of prison for taking a bad photo or not following the rules of worshipping the Great Leader doesn't exactly boost the desire to visit the country. However, some people take the risk. Few of them, however, decided to take the bold step of publishing photos or videos taken during the trip.

A TikToker known as skinnhandske visited North Korea. His profile contains videos and many photos showing life in Pyongyang, the country's capital. The materials depict ordinary people hurrying to work, chatting, and riding bicycles. The buildings, cars, and people look like time has stood still in the 1980s. However, there is no sign of the extreme poverty described in the media. So, where is the catch?

Trips to North Korea are only possible as part of a tour organised by a travel agency with government approval. Most tourists choose one of two Chinese travel agencies: Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours. Individual trips are rare and usually happen by invitation of a North Korean diplomat. During a trip to North Korea, you only visit what the government wants to show, the capital, Pyongyang. The city is a showcase in North Korea, so only this place can be shown to tourists. The real issues related to poverty occur in the countryside, to which foreigners have no access.

What can’t be brought into North Korea are books from South Korea, drugs, weapons, Bibles and other holy books, and GPS transmitters. You can get a mobile phone and a camera, but not telephoto lenses.