Nearly a hundred Russian tourists visited North Korea earlier this month, becoming the first foreign travelers to enter the country in years.

Now two of the travelers who joined the tour have shared their experiences with NK News, describing the country’s efforts to impress its first international visitors since early 2020, the current state of tourism facilities, their frustrations with restrictions and more.

A native of Vladivostok, Yekaterina Kolomeets identified herself as a frequent traveler and a freelance marketing manager who helped promote the tour. It was her first time in North Korea, although she said she visited the