Traveling Through North Korea: Adventures in the Hermit Kingdom

This is a fast and easy read about one man's decision to go on a tour of North Korea after some hesitancy to go to the "hermit kingdom." All the scary stories and particularly since Otto Warmbier had been recently sent home from NK in a coma, Harris wasn't sure about going. After some reassurance, he went on the trip.I've read so many books about North Korea, but one thing stands out in this one, and that is the number of photos in the book that show the beauty of this country and its cleanliness. These are color photographs taken with a borrowed and outdated camera. There is no doubt that this is a country of scenic views and wonderful places to visit.My only problem is with the author's slightly naive attitude with what he saw and his reluctance to see anything bad about this country that is ruled by autocrats who have no scruples about torture and killing and putting people in work camps that are brutal. The hierarchy of social status of families isn't mentioned. Harris knew that his tour guide took him and his Chinese tour partners to the best places, and at the end says that he saw no poverty or hunger. The North Koreans keep those things off the tour map.This was an interesting book and gave an overall picture of the country even if seen through rose-colored glasses.

This is a simple read that pretty much gives a high level overview of what a 5 day tour through North Korea entailed. The part that shines in this book is pictures. Yes, we can get all kinds of pictures of North Korea online, but having pictures with descriptions of what is being shown in a simple format is refreshing.I recommend this book if you're looking for a quick look into the DPRK. I do not recommend this book as a resource to learn about the DPRK. It's painfully clear that the author knew nothing of the DPRK before his visit, and his conclusions about the country at the end of the book are painfully naive. That being said, the book is not meant to be an informative look at the DPRK, but much more of just a travel journal, so if you can get past the cringe-worthy conclusions about the country that last for just a page, it's just nice to see pictures and random details about the country.

A well written book with plenty of photo's that takes you through one of the most isolated countries in the world.

I had fun reading this book! I follow the author via social media and enjoy reading about his adventures and his trip to North Korea was epic! Not only will this book give you insightful information on what goes on in North Korea. But it will motivate and give you confidence to go explore the world yourself.

This book is full of useful information and offers interesting insight from a traveller’s point of view. The author has a humorous way of sharing his experiences. I even laughed out loud a few times! I highly recommend it!

Fascinating tale of Stephen’s visit to North Korea. It was a real eye opener to get a first hand account of a place that I know so little about, though had such misguided preconceived ideas of. Interesting, witty and wonderfully written - would thoroughly recommend.

First hand candid account from a regular Westerner daringly adventuring into North Korea. Fascinating and eye-opening.

i watched a documentary on tv with one of the guys from the monty python tv and movies who went by train to north korea and was very intrigued by what he saw...Stephens book and his story is a real page turner and i can't put it down...)))...it really gives the reader a different view about this forbidden country that is such a mystery to most but also that we are all connected on this rock in space ...i very much recommend you reading and sharing this book with others and to enjoy the story and the pictures of this miraculous place to lift your spirits and to maybe see it in a different light...great job Stephen Harris...)))

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered this book as I came across it and ordered it on a whim. But I am happy to report that I LOVED it!! Great read! Super funny and I learned so much about North Korea. I have since started following BIGBEAVERDIARIES on Facebook and the guy behind it is hilarious. Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A real insight into a mysterious, controversial country. A longtime follower of Big Beaver Diaries, I was excited hear of the release of this book, to read the adventures of Stephen and as always he did not disappoint. The pictures made me feel like I was receiving a VIP backstage pass into somewhere that was otherwise kept so secret. Great read! Awaiting more from this talented author.