When Russian tourists Alexey and Galina Kozak set foot in North Korea’s Masikryong Ski Resort, they expected an adventure — but not necessarily on their plates. As one of the first post-pandemic visitors from Russia almost exactly one year ago, they marveled at the resort’s service and slopes, but their culinary experience quickly turned into an unexpected challenge. 

Faced with a manuscript of a menu, mysterious dishes and a language barrier, their tripbecame a test of both their skiing skills and their stomachs, as well as an insight into North Korea’s bid to cater to its newfound Russian clientele