Discover North Korea

Ep. 45 Living in Pyongyang Relatively... Freely? Life in North Korea with the UN (Pt. 2)

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT

With special Fragkiska Megaloudi, author of 'In The Land of Kim'.

I am joined by Fragkiska Megaloudi who spent two years living in North Korea under the UN, an organisation with a surprising amount of freedom to roam around the country. Or, so it used to be. Fragkiska is a fascinating individual with an incredible background. We couldn't help but chat for 2 hours, so this episode will be in two parts.

More from Fragkiska -

The Book (In the Land of Kim: Two years in North korea) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F98D8KJ8 (paperback & kindle)

Ebook: https://books.apple.com/us/book/in-the-land-of-kim/id6746357349

Website: https://fragkiskamegaloudi.com/

Substack account (in English): https://substack.com/@fragkiskamegaloudi

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Thanks as always to my Patrons!

Support me over at Patreon, it's free to join and you can choose your tiers for ad-free access!

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Ep. 44 Living in Pyongyang Relatively... Freely? Life in North Korea with the UN (Pt. 1)

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

More from Fragkiska -

The Book (In the Land of Kim: Two years in North korea) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F98D8KJ8 (paperback & kindle)

Ebook: https://books.apple.com/us/book/in-the-land-of-kim/id6746357349

Website: https://fragkiskamegaloudi.com/

Substack account (in English): https://substack.com/@fragkiskamegaloudi

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Thanks as always to my Patrons!

Support me over at Patreon, it's free to join and you can choose your tiers for ad-free access!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 43 Pyongyang International Film Festival (w/ Nick Bonner)

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

I chat to North Korea film expert Nick Bonner, who's attended every PIFF since 2002, for some insider knowledge on everything from how to process works to cute anecdotes like how acting can lead to getting yourself a husband.

Koryo Tours will be attending PIFF 2026 and will be posting on their Instagram and YouTube accounts. Make sure to follow along!

North Korean Films produced with Nick Bonner

Koryo Tours & Studio on Vimeo - Aim High in Creation / Game of Their Lives (Vimeo) / Centre Forward ("North Korea’s best football film ever made” - Simon Cockerell)

Comrade Kim Goes Flying Film Review (by me! Youtube).

Comrade Kim Goes Flying (Vimeo)

Anecdotes

Joss Stone in Pyongyang

Pyongyang International Film Festival Info

PIFF 2025

Bend it Like Beckham at PIFF

Koryo Tours North Korea Film Productions

North Korean Film Star Photography

The North Korean Film Studio

Yanggakdo International Cinema

PIFF 2026 entries - email nick@koryogroup.com

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Ep. 42 Did Influencers Close North Korea, & a Look at the Future of North Korea Tourism

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Just me on the show today as I get a bit passionate about a topic close to home; content creation on North Korea. As much as I have my qualms with some of the content that has come out from Rason and the Pyongyang Marathon - I don't believe it was 'influencers that closed North Korea'.

One big argument I forget to mention here is....

North Korea closed after just *one* group of tourists went in. About 20-30 of them - and not even half of those influencers.

Most of the content produced came out *after* it already announced it closed.

Anyway,

Enjoy!

And leave a comment below!

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Ep. 41 Content Creation in North Korea (with special guest Anna Pelova)

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Anna and I talk about some of the interesting content that has come out online since the marathon and what it's like to produce 'normal' or 'mundane' nuanced content on North Korea, away from the sensationalist headlines.

Follow Anna Pelova's work -

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@visiteverycountry/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/annapelova/

Contact me: zoediscovers@gmail.com / @zoediscovers /@zoediscoversnk

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Ep. 40 Behind the Scenes from the Pyongyang Marathon

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMT

I get together with Greg at the Beijing office for an impromptu meet-up and discuss all things behind the scenes at the Pyongyang Marathon.

Links mentioned:

Eastern Bhutan 2026 (with Greg)

https://koryogroup.com/tours/offbeat-eastern-bhutan

Bangladesh & Bhutan Combo (December 2025, with Greg & Zoe!)

https://koryogroup.com/tours/koryo-bhutan-and-bangladesh-adventure

International tours -

Koryo Tours may not be able to do DPRK tours at the moment but they have a great list of international tours!

https://koryogroup.com/international-tours

Kangwon Greehouse -

https://koryogroup.com/blog/new-north-korea-tour-itineraries

Info on Munsu Waterpark -

https://www.dailynk.com/english/n-korea-cracks-down-on-water-park-corruption/

https://www.dailynk.com/english/n-korea-arrests-water-park-manager-for-alleged-secret-leaks-to-foreigners/

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Ep. 39 To the Pyongyang Marathon (kinda)

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:32:07 GMT

A here there and everywhere episode as I take you into Pyongyang and for a bit of the behind the scenes of the Pyongyang Marathon.

Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Updates

PYM 2026 Early Bird (closes 1st Sept 2025)

Pyongyang Marathon Vlog

Koryo Tours & Afghanistan

Michael Palin in North Korea

Contact me: zoediscovers@gmail.com / @zoediscovers /@zoediscoversnk

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Ep. 38 Flying AIR KORYO & the Journey to Pyongyang (reunion with old friends)

Fri, 09 May 2025 05:25:51 GMT

On this episode of Discover North Korea, I take you on a much-awaited AIR KORYO flight back to Pyongyang for the Pyongyang Marathon. We start in Beijing Airport and finish with some conversations with North Korean colleagues at Pyongyang Airport. The next couple of episodes will be covering my time in Pyongyang & the Pyongyang Marathon!

The Pyongyang Marathon 2026 has not yet been announced. Watch this space for more info!

Follow me on:

@zoediscovers / @zoediscoversnk

Koryo Tours -

@koryotours / koryogroup.com

subscribepage.io/koryo-tours

Koryo Documentaries -

https://koryogroup.com/engagement/category/film

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Ep. 37 The One Where I Take You To North Korea (Rason, Pt. 3)

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMT

The final episode of our Rason trip! We enjoy our last few sights on the tour as well as have a little interview with our young guide Miss Kim.

Tune in next time when I TAKE YOU TO PYONGYANG.

Thank you to my Patrons and to the Koryo Tours gang for your constant support.

NOTE: North Korea borders are once again CLOSED indefinitely. Rason tours are now suspended. I will be posting updates on my Instagram & all other platforms. (@zoediscovers / @zoediscoversnk).

🔗 North Korea Tours - https://koryogroup.com/tours/dprk-north-korea/group

🔗 Read about my first trip here - https://koryogroup.com/blog/back-in-north-korea-the-return-to-rason

🔗 Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

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Ep. 36 The One Where I Take You To North Korea (Rason, Pt. 2)

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT

In the second of this 3-part episode, I take you on a tour around Rason in North Korea.

Thank you to my Patrons and to the Koryo Tours gang for your constant support.

NOTE: North Korea borders are once again CLOSED indefinitely. Rason tours are now suspended. I will be posting updates on my Instagram & all other platforms. (@zoediscovers / @zoediscoversnk).

🔗 North Korea Tours - https://koryogroup.com/tours/dprk-north-korea/group

🔗 Read about my first trip here - https://koryogroup.com/blog/back-in-north-korea-the-return-to-rason

🔗 Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

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Ep. 35 The One Where I Take You To North Korea (Rason, Pt. 1)

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 09:45:00 GMT

I am so excited to finally be able to take you on a trip to North Korea. In this 3-part episode, I take you on a tour to North Korea so you can experience yourselves what a North Korea tour is like - plus some extra insights from me throughout, too!

Thank you to my Patrons and to the Koryo Tours gang for your constant support.

NOTE: North Korea borders are once again CLOSED indefinitely. Rason tours are now suspended. I will be posting updates on my Instagram & all other platforms. (@zoediscovers / @zoediscoversnk).

🔗 North Korea Tours - https://koryogroup.com/tours/dprk-north-korea/group

🔗 Read about my first trip here - https://koryogroup.com/blog/back-in-north-korea-the-return-to-rason

🔗 Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

🔗 Listen on YouTube - https://youtu.be/4NPtU7ORW0M

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Ep. 34 Grab a Coffee, Let’s Catch Up

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Discover North Korea I catch up with you all on what on earth has been going on, as well as giving you a bit of an inside scoop on life working in North Korea tourism. Hint: it’s been a bit crazy.

Tours to Rason -

https://koryogroup.com/tours/dprk-north-korea/group

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Ep. 33 BACK IN NORTH KOREA - Rason Edition.

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 12:30:00 GMT

North Korea has been closed for 5+ years. And we all waited for it to open. Finally, now the day has come. Well, is coming. Rason will open on the 20th Feb and maybe Pyongyang soon after, let's hope.

For now, I chat to special guest, friend, and colleague Greg who just got back from Rason in North Korea after being invited there on a special delegation.

Tours start on the 20th Febuary, tours open for booking that I'm leading in March are as follows;

March 1-8 (from Beijing)

https://koryogroup.com/tours/koryo-rason-north-korea-budget-tour-beijing

March 19-25 (from Yanji)

https://koryogroup.com/tours/koryo-rason-north-korea-tour-yanji-long

Want to support Greg or see more of him? Check out his Unseen Hungary Tour, a special tour to Hungary designed especially by the man himself.

https://koryogroup.com/tours/unseen-hungary

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Ep.32 What is it like to visit North Korea now?

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 10:00:55 GMT

I chat with Veronika who was one of the Russians to visit North Korea recently and who posted her trip on social media. She tells us all about her trip to North Korea!

NOTE: The North Korean borders are NOT yet open. Some limited Russian tourist groups are currently permitted to go in only. Sign up to this newsletter or WhatsApp group for border opening updates.

My biggest thanks to Veronika for spending her time for this episode, and forever jealous of your visit!

Check out Veronika's page on the links below. I love the aesthetic!

@nikakochetkova / https://www.instagram.com/nikakochetkova

Check out my North Korea borderlands vlogs on YouTube, full series out now! ->

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8I7OHw5_cDNUZjngE6c3NNFgt5i8eF-t&si=xqc3Dyon-V6Uc5nW

Can't wait any longer to see North Korea for yourself? Check out the North Korea From a Near Distance tour and get $150 USD discount with code ZoeDMZ!

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Ep. 31 The Podcast is Back!

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 08:24:24 GMT

The podcast is back after a non-deliberate break! A little update from me and about the podcast in the future.

Next full episode coming out next week.

North Korean borders are not yet open to tourism. Sign up to this newsletter or WhatsApp group for border opening updates.

Can't wait any longer? Check out the North Korea From a Near Distance tour and get $150 USD discount with code ZoeDMZ!

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Ep.30 Traversing the Whole #DMZ from East to West (islands, observatories, and everything in between) [TOUR]

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 10:00:42 GMT

The last in this series* and we go out with a bang! I chat with Greg, Lesley, and Peter about a very unique trip to South Korea - one truly like no other. That you can be part of this year, too!

*Don't worry, I'm just taking a break and will be back in mid-September time :). I'll be back after a trip and also with another podcast in the making... watch this space!

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Follow me on;

- Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

- TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

- YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

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Thanks to my Patrons!!!

Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

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Links from the show;

https://koryogroup.com/tours/greg-vaczi-s-dmz-adventure

Leslie Instagram/Flickr @foliopix

#northkorea #dprk #southkorea

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Ep. 29 Inside the North Korean Countryside: Caves, Waterfalls, Rivers, Lakes, and Much More.

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:00:58 GMT

The second part in the 2-part episode "Inside the North Korean Countryside". In this episode, we head to a few key spots in the North Korean countryside known for their beauty or indeed because they're hardly known at all and worth a mention...

More details of each of these in the Travel Guides section on koryogroup.com (links below).

Places we cover;

Pakyon Falls

Ryongmun Caves

Ulim Waterfall

Samil Lagoon

Sinphyong

Lake Sijung

Sijung Beach

Pujon Highlands

Pujon Stone River

Chongsokjong

DMZ

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Follow me on;

- Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

- TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

- YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

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Thanks to my Patrons!!!

Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

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Links from the show;

https://www.artic.edu/artworks/197182/chongsokjong-kyongju-from-the-series-eight-views-of-korea-chosen-hakkei-keishu-sosekitei

https://koryogroup.com/travel-guides/north-korea-dprk

#northkorea #dprk #discovernorthkorea

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Ep. 28 Inside the North Korean Countryside; Korea's 5 (6) Famed Mountains

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 10:00:29 GMT

In this 2-part episode, I delve into the North Korean countryside to give an overview on what the North Korean countryside has to offer. This first episode is all about mountains; North Korea's most famous mountain ranges. Indeed, of the 6 famous mountains on the Korean Peninsula - 5 of them lie in the northern half. So, there's a lot to cover!

A lot of this information was taken from Koryo Tours' North Korea Travel Guides section, a comprehensive online travel guide into North Korea.

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Thanks to my Patrons!!!

Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Links from the show;

Aim High in Creation Watch & Competition - https://koryostudio.com/films/aim-high-in-creation/ / https://koryostudio.com/blog/Aim-High-In-Creation-Competition

Paektusan - https://koryogroup.com/travel-guide/mt-paektu-north-korea-north-korea-travel-guide

Chilbosan - https://koryogroup.com/travel-guide/mt-chilbo-north-korea-north-korea-travel-guide

Kuwolsan - https://koryogroup.com/travel-guide/mt-kuwol-kuwolsan-north-korea-travel-guide

Myohyangsan - https://koryogroup.com/travel-guide/mt-myohyang-north-korea-north-korea-travel-guide

Kumgangsan - https://koryogroup.com/travel-guide/mt-kumgang-north-korea-north-korea-travel-guide

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Ep. 27 Unveiling North Korea's Film Secrets: Behind the Scenes with Nick Bonner on 'Aim High in Creation', Propaganda, and Making Movies in North Korea

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:00:45 GMT

I chat with Nick Bonner, Koryo Studio director and producer/director of several movies & documentaries inside North Korea. He's the go-to man for facilitating these kinds of projects (and much more) in North Korea, and a film he co-directed also won an award a the Pyongyang International Film Festival. He's also the associate producer of Aim High in Creation, a film by an Australian movie producer Anna Broinowski. The film is newly available on Vimeo and there is also a competition running where you get the opportunity to rent/download it online! Listen until the end for how to enter... (or just skip to the link at the bottom!).

Massive thanks to Nick for the incredibly interesting chat!!!! Show him some love over at Koryostudio.com or email info@koryostudio.com for more info on art purchases and other projects in North Korea.

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Thanks to my Patrons!!!

Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Links from the show -

MOVIES/DOCUMENTARIES

Aim High in Creation / Comrade Kim Goes Flying / Crossing the Line / A State of Mind / Michael Palin in North Korea / Game of Their Lives; https://koryostudio.com/films/

Vimeo; https://vimeo.com/comradekimgoesflying

NORTH KOREAN ART

Map of Pyongyang (Gareth Fuller); https://koryostudio.com/purchase/original/tourist-map-of-pyongyang/

"Wash Your Hands"; https://koryostudio.com/purchase/original/lets-wash-our-hands/

Silence; https://koryostudio.com/sale/original/silence/

COMPETITION

Win Aim High in Creation; https://koryostudio.com/blog/Aim-High-In-Creation-Competition

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Ep. 26 Why a Second Trip to North Korea is Worth It (& Journey to Freelance guiding) | Guest Special w/Pete

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 10:00:02 GMT

What makes the North East so special? I chat with my colleague and friend Pete who works as a freelance tour guide for Koryo Tours (pre-pandemic..!) and visited the DPRK 6 times alone in 2019. He first visited North Korea on a simple trip to Pyongyang but decided that he needed to go back to explore more.

Pete also gave a really interesting insight into an SEZ that came up as a topic in the Rason episode.

He's also an avid podcast listener, so thanks for the constant support Pete and was lovely having you on the show! Until next time!

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Thanks to my Patrons!!!

Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Links from the show;

Pierre Depont's Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/pierredepont/

The Real North Korea (Andrei Lankov); https://www.amazon.com/Real-North-Korea-Politics-Stalinist/dp/0199390037

More info on the KFA: https://korea-dpr.com/

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Ep. 25 Staying in a Homestay in North Korea & Other Surprising Things You Can Do.

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:00:18 GMT

From shooting pheasants (chickens?) and taking them home for dinner to having a soak completely naked with the locals at the spa. In this episode, I chat about some things you probably never knew you could do in North Korea.

This is a list mainly inspired by everyone's reactions when I tell them what I've been up to on tour. Sure, some of these actually surprised me too - but it's mainly the things that are everyday and mundane that surprise the most people.

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Thanks to my Patrons!!!

Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Links from the show;

Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/beyondthehorizon

Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2021/08/31/what-its-like-to-get-stranded-in-paradise-a-true-story/

CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/british-woman-who-spent-pandemic-in-tonga/index.html

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Ep. 24 Asking ChatGPT for the Top Myths on North Korea

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:00:59 GMT

I decided to get on the ChatGPT bandwagon and use it to see the best, most popular, and most ridiculous myths on North Korea and I discuss their origins and the truth behind them.

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Links from the show;

Dinosaur Footprints; https://koryogroup.com/travel-guide/dinosaur-footprint-and-fossils-north-korea-travel-guide

Game of their Lives; https://koryostudio.com/films/the-game-of-their-lives/

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Ep. 23 North Korea's Special Economic Zone; Rason

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:00:56 GMT

On this episode, I chat about North Korea's Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Rason, in the very northeast of North Korea. It's also the first place I ever visited in North Korea! Get a North Korean bank account, visit a casino, go to the local market, and say hi to the seals!

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Links from the show;

Rason Travel Guide: https://koryogroup.com/travel-guide/rason-north-korea-north-korea-travel-guide

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Ep 22: The US Travel Ban to North Korea & What it Means For Americans & North Koreans (LIFT Guest Special)

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:04 GMT

Today I'm joined by three special guests to discuss the US travel ban to North Korea, the impacts this has on North Korea, on a global scale, and indeed on American citizens themselves. We discuss everything from North Korean tourism to cultural exchanges in North Korea, and why even the US travel ban to North Korea exists. And finally, what you can do to help...

A more political conversation today; please see the note at the end for a disclaimer in terms of this usually a-political podcast.

A massive thank you to Beka and Ji-Yeon over at the LIFT Campaign and Ju-Yeon from Nodutdol for appearing on the show today.

You can learn more about the LIFT campaign or get involved with the following details;

Email us and join the campaign!

LetIndividualsFreelyTravel@gmail.com

Donate to the campaign on Venmo!

@LIFT_Campaign

Follow the campaign on Instagram!

@LetIndividualsFreelyTravel

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Please note: Discover North Korea as part of the 'Zoe Discovers' network attempts to remain a-political as much as possible. Despite this topic being inherently political in nature, I have attempted as much as possible to stay concerned with the human side of things. Any political opinions and ideas shared by others on this podcast are not necessarily my own and I seek simply to facilitate the conversation. Nevertheless, what I will mention and what is clear in the podcast is that I do wish the US travel ban to North Korea can end as soon as possible so humanitarian work and cultural exchanges in North Korea that are so important to the country and on a global scale in terms of the peace-making process can continue operating as soon as possible.

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Ep. 21 /FAQ/ How to Get (or Avoid) the North Korea Passport Stamp

Thu, 25 May 2023 10:00:02 GMT

Do you either really want the North Korean passport stamp, or really don't want it? Whichever one you are, I let you know how to avoid the North Korean passport stamp as well as two ways (the only ways) to get it...

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Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

- Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

- TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

- YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

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Patrons!

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Masaki, James H, Stephanie, Eirik, Paul, Pat. H, Ilse B, Kevin S.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

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More Info

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

North Korea engagement: www.koryostudio.com / @koryostudio

#discovernorthkorea #stampcollecting #northkorea

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Ep. 20 Living in North Korea with my wife and baby as an American & a Christian [w/ Rob Thomas, Hwamok]

Thu, 18 May 2023 10:00:44 GMT

So much to unpack with this episode as I sit with Rob Thomas - a Christian American who lived in North Korea with his wife and baby (and Bible?!) - who tells me all about his experience working in the DPRK. Only scratched the surface on this one as there are so many angles to go from! But we start with the basics... how does an American end up working and living in North Korea? And... what was it like?

Thanks so much to Rob from Hwamok Fellowship for joining!

Contact Rob at Hwamok Fellowship on; linktr.ee/hwamok

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Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

------------------

Patrons!

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Masaki, James H, Stephanie, Eirik, Paul, Pat. H, Ilse B, Kevin S.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

------------------

More Info

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

North Korea engagement: www.koryostudio.com / @koryostudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 19 North Korea Outside Pyongyang [Wonsan, North Korea's top (domestic) tourist location]

Thu, 11 May 2023 10:00:15 GMT

Wonsan is North Korea's most popular place for a holiday. Domestic tourism is on the rise in North Korea and Wonsan is at the forefront of it. You may have heard of North Korea's Kalma resort before? We discuss where the Kalma Resort is up to now and why North Korea tourism as me know it may be about to change.

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Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

- Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

- TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

- YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

------------------

Patrons!

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Masaki, James H, Stephanie, Eirik, Paul, Pat. H, Ilse B, Kevin S.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

------------------

More Info

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

North Korea engagement: www.koryostudio.com / @koryostudio

#discovernorthkorea #zoediscovers #northkorea

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 18 Trip Prep! What Should (and Shouldn’t) I Bring to North Korea? Packing for a Trip.

Thu, 04 May 2023 10:00:10 GMT

How do you prepare for a trip like no other? I run through all the things you need to consider for your North Korea tour. From packing essentials to how to mentally prepare yourself for this trip of a lifetime...

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17 things to know before you go;

https://koryogroup.com/blog/north-korea-travel-16-things-you-need-to-know-before-you-go

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Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

- Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

- TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

- YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

------------------

Patrons!

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Masaki, James H, Stephanie, Eirik, Paul, Pat. H, Ilse B, Kevin S.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

------------------

More Info

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

North Korea engagement: www.koryostudio.com / @koryostudio

#discovernorthkorea #stampcollecting #northkorea

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 17 Getting a Local Train in North Korea (Train Travel & Railway Systems in the DPRK) [w/ Greg]

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:00:31 GMT

What's it like getting a local train in North Korea? Greg and his expertise on all things North Korea travel is back for another episode of Discover North Korea. Whilst the theme this week was supposed to be transport, but again we got stuck flitting between different topics on the DPRK including touring the South Korean - North Korean border from west to east as well as why Greg has been spending so much time with planes recently...

Thanks Greg for being an awesome guest as always!

To contact Greg, email him on greg@koryogroup.com or find him on Instagram @gergovaczi.

For more information on the South Korea DMZ tour, head over to the Koryo Tours website link below (there will be a whole podcast episode out on it in the coming weeks).

https://koryogroup.com/tours/greg-vaczi-s-dmz-adventure

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Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

- Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

- TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

- YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

------------------

Patrons!

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Masaki, James H, Stephanie, Eirik, Paul, Pat. H, Ilse B, Kevin S.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

------------------

More Info

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

North Korea engagement: www.koryostudio.com / @koryostudio

#discovernorthkorea #zoediscovers #northkorea

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 16 A Journey to the North Korean Border (Part 2: Dandong & the DPRK)

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 10:00:49 GMT

The second part of a two-part episode that is a bit different... I take you on a journey from Beijing in China to the North Korean border in China's northeast. I hope you enjoy the train experience in podcast form as much as I did in reality (probably a lot nicer in podcast form, to be honest!).

If you're after some visuals to accompany you on your journey, head over to Instagram where I have the journey saved in my highlights. And coming soon on YouTube will be the video I made of the journey as well as the North Korean border in Dandong (coming soon in April!).

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Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

------------------

Patrons!

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Masaki, James H, Stephanie, Eirik, Paul, Pat. H, Ilse B, Kevin S.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

------------------

More Info

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

North Korea engagement: www.koryostudio.com / @koryostudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 15 A Journey to the North Korean Border (Part 1: Heading north on the Chinese sleeper train)

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:00:12 GMT

This episode is a bit different as I take you on a journey from Beijing in China to the North Korean border in China's northeast. This is a two-part episode. I hope you enjoy the train experience in podcast form as much as I did in reality (probably a lot nicer in podcast form, to be honest!).

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Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

------------------

Patrons!

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Masaki, James H, Stephanie, Eirik, Paul, Pat. H, Ilse B, Kevin S.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

------------------

More Info

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

North Korea engagement: www.koryostudio.com / @koryostudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 14 Is a Visit to the North-South Korean Border (DMZ) Really that Dangerous? (An Audio-Guided Tour of the DMZ).

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:00:22 GMT

I take you on an audio-guided tour through what some have said to be one of the most dangerous places on earth; the DMZ, the border dividing North and South Korea. Visiting from the northern side, it's actually a lot more chilled out than you might expect. But nevertheless, a visit here should not be taken lightly and you should understand the context of where you're visiting in order to get the most out of your experience.

I take you through the history of the DMZ that led to this separation, before taking you on a tour exactly as you would as a tourist right up to the South Korean border standing in North Korea.

Hopefully you can make this trip yourself, one day!

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Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

------------------

Patrons!

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Masaki, James H, Stephanie, Eirik, Paul, Pat. H, Ilse B, Kevin S.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

------------------

More Info

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

North Korea engagement: www.koryostudio.com / @koryostudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 13 [Q&A] What do North Koreans do in their Free Time? (& all your North Korean FAQs answered).

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:00:58 GMT

Which Korea makes the best soju? What would you recommend to visit in North Korea that’s mostly not part of the standard tourist tours? North Korean documentary recommendations? What kind of souvenirs do tourists usually buy? Were you scared the first time you visited vs now? North Korean beer; what's it like? And many, many more of your questions; answered!

In this episode, I asked for all your questions on Instagram and answer them here, as well as some that have been sent in over the past few weeks via email.

If you have any questions you want me to answer in the next Q&A session, email me or contact me on any of my details below!

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North Korean documentary recommendations;

Comrade Kim Goes Flying

https://koryostudio.com/films/comrade-kim-goes-flying/

A State of Mind

https://koryostudio.com/films/a-state-of-mind/

Crossing The Line

https://koryostudio.com/films/crossing-the-line/

The Game of Their Lives

https://koryostudio.com/films/the-game-of-their-lives/

BONUS: Not mentioned on the podcast but definitely worth a watch; Michael Palin in North Korea

https://koryostudio.com/films/michael-palin-in-north-korea/

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Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

------------------

Patrons!

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Stephanie, Eirik, and Paul.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

------------------

More Info

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

North Korea engagement: www.koryostudio.com / @koryostudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 12 An American Who Recorded a Music Video in North Korea?! [Guest Special; Xiang Yu]

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 10:00:42 GMT

On this episode, I welcome special guest and comrade Xiang Yu - an American Taiwanese musician who made a music video in Pyongyang some years back. We chat about his time in North Korea, making music there, how he got into the world of North Korea and how his family also has ties to the Korean Peninsula - including in the North.

We end up just having a good ol' chat and I hope you enjoy it as much as enjoyed making it!

A massive thanks to Xiang Yu for the great conversation, the great soju, and actually for providing all the awesome equipment and set-up, as well as editing and producing this entire episode (hence why it sounds so good!). All credits to him!

You can find him and listen to his music by searching "鍾翔宇 Xiangyu" or checking out YouTube, Instagram, Apple Music and Spotify etc (wherever you get your music!).

Instagram; @xiangyu.tw

YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/xyzrap

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 11 The DPRK: a place so many have opinions on but so few know little about? (interview w/ Safety Last Podcast)

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 10:00:59 GMT

In this episode, the interviewer becomes interviewee as I feature on Safety Last Podcast. Stanley has some well-thought-through and well-researched questions that challenged me, too! Hope you enjoy this episode which you can also find at Safety Last. Thanks to Stanley for having me on the show & producing this podcast!

Tune in next week to discover North Korea some more!

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Stephanie, Eirik, and Paul.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

-----------------

Stanley/Safety Last Podcast

-Instagram @stanley.ching

-Podcast; Safety Last

-Stanley's new novel 'A Break in Rapport' (https://www.amazon.com/Break-Rapport-Stanley-Ching/dp/0645423408)

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 10 Air Koryo; Really the world’s worst airline? (Guest Special w/ Greg)

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 10:00:45 GMT

Ever wondered what business class on a North Korean flight is like? Or wanted to know if Air Koryo really is THAT bad? Aviation geek (and good friend) Greg talks us through what it's like to fly on a North Korean airline; the differences you might find at a North Korean airport (including smoking openly in the coffee shops) and how you go about actually buying a ticket to North Korea...

Thanks Greg for coming onto the podcast and don't worry - I'll be getting him back on soon!

Mega Tour (incl. internal flight): https://koryogroup.com/tours/the-north-korea-mega-tour-the-dmz-to-mount-paektu-beyond-cefba575-ceb7-4072-a828-cb8380a7cba1

Liberation Day + Mt Paektu Tour (incl. internal flight): https://koryogroup.com/tours/the-liberation-day-and-mt-paektu-tour-d50e2f75-0c4a-47da-b101-bb7747db529b

More on Air Koryo Blog: https://koryogroup.com/travel-guide/air-koryo-north-korea-travel-guide

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Stephanie, Eirik, and Paul.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 9: North Korea Outside Pyongyang [Nampo; West Coast & Petrol Clam BBQs]

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 10:00:46 GMT

Heading out of Pyongyang down North Korea's west coast to Nampo, home to North Korea's most impressive engineering feat at the West Sea Barrage, as well as the infamous petrol clam BBQ at the hot spring resort...

Tune in next week to discover North Korea some more!

----------------------

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Stephanie, Eirik, and Paul.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 8: Does North Korea have internet? And where can I find the WiFi? (No, seriously)

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 10:00:48 GMT

In this episode, I tell you where and how you can access internet in North Korea... but by the time I'm done, you probably won't want to even try. There are also a few (very few) spots you can find WiFi in North Korea that I go over in this episode, as well as exploring how the locals access internet - or rather intranet - in North Korea. The two systems are called Koryolink (the foreign internet in North Korea) and Kwangmyong (the local North Korean intranet).

For a taster of a North Korean website...The DPRK tourism website link: http://www.tourismdprk.gov.kp

(see if you can find me!)

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Stephanie, Eirik, and Paul.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 7: Out of Pyongyang and into the North Korean Countryside (where can you actually visit in North Korea?)

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 10:59:07 GMT

In this episode, I discuss life in North Korea OUTSIDE Pyongyang, going through all the areas (north, east, south, and west) in North Korea you can visit, and also what's on offer there if you do! This episode is an overview of ALL the places you can visit in North Korea. Over the next few months, I'll do individual episodes for each of the areas in North Korea discussed in this episode. If you have one you want me to cover first, let me know by contacting on the links below!

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Stephanie, Eirik, and Paul.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 6: Taking the Train/Plane into North Korea?! (What's it like?)

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 10:00:05 GMT

In this episode, I chat about what it's like entering North Korea - including the passport and customs check you can expect. I talk about the 24hr train to North Korea experience, as well as briefly touch on Air Koryo and the flight into North Korea. I also weigh up the positives (and negatives) of the train and plane to North Korea to help you choose which one is the right one for you. Do you dare take the train after this?!

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Stephanie, Eirik, and Paul.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 5: What We Miss About Visiting North Korea [w/ Koryo Tours]

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 10:00:16 GMT

In this episode, I have some extra special guests joining me; the pioneers and experts in North Korea tourism, my good friends, my co-workers, and indeed my bosses and superiors. We have a great chat reminiscing about our years spent working in the North Korea tourism industry, and also get pretty deep as we get more personal and reflect on the hardships COVID-19 has brought for the North Koreans.

A massive thanks to my guests Nick Bonner, Simon Cockrell, and Gergo (Greg) Vaczi.

North Korean Art, Documentaries & Cultural engagement: koryostudio.com / @koryostudio

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4: Is it Ethical to Travel to North Korea? (and why I think so)

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT

This episode of Discover North Korea gets a bit deep (and I get a bit passionate) as I talk about a topic that is dear to me but also one that is full of controversy, scepticism, and sensitive topics. I attempt to lay out why I think tourism to North Korea CAN be ethical, and also take a look at why it is often seen as unethical and how it sometimes isn't. I tackle this topic by first busting some common North Korea myths, and then going onto some more important points on ethical tourism. At the end, I attempt (somewhat awkwardly) to tackle another topic that is also brought up during this tricky debate.

Please note that all of the things said in this episode are opinions of my own (based upon facts and personal experiences) but do not necessarily reflect that of the North Korea tourism industry or Koryo Tours.

Ethical Travel to North Korea YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/HPWrojqwa5g

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

This episode was made possible thanks to my amazing patrons. Thanks to you all!!!

Clarke, James, Charles, Alex, Yusuke, Simon, Stephanie, Eirik.

Become a Patron here:

www.patreon.com/zoediscovers

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3: How Strict is North Korea? (What You Can and Can’t do in North Korea)

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 10:00:52 GMT

In this episode, I base it around one of your questions 'Can you bring your iPhone into North Korea'. I cover three main things; myth-busting what ISN'T banned in North Korea, and going over what IS banned, I then talk about the rules you have to follow on a tour to North Korea, before discussing the topic is it safe to visit North Korea...

If you think you know all the rules and what's banned and what isn't (or you've been before), then arguably the most interesting thing about this episode is all the little anecdotes I slip in... Did you know North Korea has the equivalent of android vs iPhone? I look back at that time I was very prepared to kick a customer off tour, and discuss why North Korea is safer than Liverpool (my hometown....).

At the end, I end with some questions sent in by you, the listeners! I'll try to keep this section up weekly so send in any questions you have and I'll try to answer them once a week! Or even base a whole episode on it, if you're lucky!!!

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Support me and the podcast on Patreon:

---> https://open.acast.com/public/patreon/fanSubscribe/6667129

Intro Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2: Who am I & Why Do I Keep Going to North Korea?

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 10:00:58 GMT

So... this episode is all about me. I wanted to get this over and done with! There are so many questions you all seem to have and I repeat this story / parts of it all the time. So here it is; why I first went to North Korea, what my first experience in North Korea was like, how I decided to start working there, how my journey was working there, what I've been doing since the borders have been closed from COVID, and where I am now (and where I plan to be in the future!)

If it's boring or you want to fast forward a few bits, I won't be offended..!

Anything you want me to expand on, let me know!

Thanks for listening :)

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1: What's it Really Like to Visit North Korea? [Guest Special]

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 10:00:06 GMT

In this episode, I invite past tourists to North Korea to give you an honest insight into what a tour to North Korea is really like. What you can expect and... what you might not expect at all!

Thanks to my guests James, Lok, and Tjasa.

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Music: Arirang (North Korean Version), Korea Film Export & Import Corporation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover North Korea Trailer

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 10:00:57 GMT

Join me (and sometimes my guests) every Thursday when I'll select one question or topic on North Korea based on a question from you, the listeners.

You won't find anything political here as this podcast aims to expand the North Korea narrative and rehumanise the issue. Discussions on nuclear weapons, leadership, and human rights issues can be found elsewhere. I aim to educate on North Korea as I know it through the, admittedly somewhat limited, eyes of the tourism lens.

Everyone has an opinion on North Korea. But few extend their knowledge past that found in the media; fewer still go to visit the country.

With a strong belief in the positive impact North Korea tourism can have both inside and outside the country, I aim to make DPRK tourism more accessible to a wider audience.

Contact me with your questions & guest recommendations on zoediscovers@gmail.com.

Follow me on;

-> Instagram @zoediscoversnk for pictures, videos, and live sessions (when it's possible) from inside North Korea

-> TikTok @zoediscovers for long and short-form videos inside North Korea

-> YouTube @zoediscovers for vlogs inside North Korea

Visit North Korea: www.koryogroup.com / @koryotours

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.