What it's really like to be tourist in North Korea – including staggering price of beer

A tourist who claims to have visited North Korea compared the country to the likes of Dubai and Spain, but one detail in a bar made him realise this secretive country is different

A tourist who claims to have visited North Korea compared it to Spain or Dubai – but with one staggering difference.

The Spanish traveler, known as Caminante Rojo on social media, ventured to the secretive country shortly after it welcomed back tourists following a lengthy period of isolation. He shared his journey on TikTok, capturing some of the ups and downs of his visit.

He marveled at the newly-erected skyscrapers, likening them to those found in more popular vacation destinations, and even stopped by a bar to sample some drinks and cuisine.

Inside the contemporary bar, he was presented with a drink menu that boasted American beers at exorbitant prices.

Describing his experiences in the video, he said: "We have just been stopped at one of the newest streets in the centre of the city. This is by far the most luxurious part we have seen in our trip. It almost looks like Dubai.

"Don't tell me it doesn't. Look, I'm telling you, these buildings could be in Spain. And here it is, the beer bar, with a good pair of columns shaped like beer bottles. And look at the glass window, with beer foam and everything."

Taken aback by the cost of beer, he said: "A Delirium beer for $79! It can't be, that's crazy! This six-litre one costs $629 dollars. The effects of sanctions and being a blocked country? Sky-high prices. I think we'll leave the imported beer for another day."

After opting to try a local beer for a more reasonable $3, he added: "They haven't put us separately like in other places.

"There are also Koreans here. We have ordered eight types of beer for a tasting."

To complement the beer, he was served a "very typical" snack of dry, salted fish.

Earlier this year, North Korea tentatively reopened its doors to western tourists, allowing them to visit a special economic zone by the Chinese border. However, they seemed to backpedal on tourism shortly afterwards, closing borders again.

Despite this, some travel agencies are offering guided tours in the upcoming months, suggesting the ban could be eased.

This month also saw hundreds of foreigners participating in the Pyongyang marathon.

Young Pioneer Tours, one of the operators that offered guided trips in the country, has expressed optimism despite North Korea's official stance on tourism, saying: "It's clear the country is starting to loosen its grip on international tourism. These gradual steps are a strong indication that Pyongyang won't stay shut forever – and likely, it will happen sooner rather than later."

Travel to North Korea is generally not advised and US citizens are warned not to visit the country. Filming in the country is strictly controlled by the government and people are urged to follow the advice of tour operators.