The Pyeongyang International Marathon, held on April 6 for the first time in six years, draws attention on social media as participants share their experiences, especially the fluent English of North Korean tour guides.
British YouTuber Harry Jaggard, who has around 2.33 million subscribers, recently posted a video on Monday documenting his group tour in Pyeongyang. The footage shows him repeatedly asking questions to his North Korean guide.
At the Pyeongyang State Library, a staff member in traditional Korean dress told tourists they could access electronic versions of previously published books, or e-books. When Jaggard asked about the staff member’s favorite book, the guide replied in fluent English without pause, “Naturally, I prefer books from our country.” The library’s collection also featured worn English books, including original Harry Potter editions.
Jaggard noted that the guides shared their genuine thoughts off-camera. But once the camera was on, they switched to “NPC mode,” offering scripted responses like saying they loved the music and books of the Workers’ Party.
At the Kangdong Greenhouse Farm, located about an hour from Pyeongyang, the guide explained how crops grow with artificial photosynthesis technology in fluent English. At the Taedong River Beer House, the guide joked about a beer bottle-shaped pillar, said it matched the iconic shape of Taedong River beer bottles, and called it the finest beer around.
The guide immediately confirmed when Jaggard asked if the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has a daughter. But when he asked if she could become the next leader, the guide looked flustered and replied uncertainly, “I’m not sure.”
North Korea has long prioritized foreign language skills, with language education built into its mandatory school system. The strategy has two goals: to acquire advanced technologies through overseas study programs and to improve the quality of its tourism industry.
Recent tourist videos show that North Korean guides speak foreign languages more easily. Even when talking about the supreme leader, they now handle conversations more smoothly, without the stiffness seen before. Tourists mention Kim Jong Un without scolding or stiff reactions. This shift shows that the guides now use stronger conversational skills. This change suggests North Korea now values speaking ability more than grammar in foreign language education.
After five years, North Korea resumed foreign tourism but suddenly halted it in mid-March. The move likely responds to the uncontrolled content from curious YouTubers and influencers. Still, videos from the Pyeongyang Marathon participants show no signs of pre-censorship or filming limits by North Korean authorities. Tourists have reported no cases of restricted filming or major limitations.
While the Pyeongyang Marathon occurred, regular tourism was not fully restored. North Korea plans to open the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area in June, which some believe could mark the official return of its tourism industry.
