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This was the single scariest travel moment of my life – on the border of North Korea & Russia. Sitting in that military compound for 3 hours, alone, without my phone or my friends was absolutely terrifying.
As many of you already know, I am fascinated by North Korea. I spent 4 days in Pyongyang in 2017 and I can even speak the Korean language (I lived in South Korea for 2 years). Not a day goes by where I don’t ponder about life in North Korea – the strangest and most isolated country in the world.
But Americans have been banned to visit North Korea since 2017 – a few months after I left. In fact, I think that I’m one of the last few Americans to step foot in the country.
So I wanted to attempt to go back while traveling in Siberia. And what happened to me is something that I’ve never experienced and I’ll never forget.
This is the full story of how I got detained on the North Korea / Russia border. The journey starts in the far Eastern city of Vladivostok.
Thank you so much to my local friend Natasha for joining me on this wild adventure. Follow her YouTube videos to learn more about Eastern Russia! https://www.youtube.com/c/natashasadventures
PS – This video was shot 4 weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine. I do NOT support this unprovoked war, and my thoughts go out to our friends in Ukraine. We love you.
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39 Comments
After a long internal debate, I decided to proceed with sharing this video. It was shot 4 weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine. I am strongly against Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine and I do not support this war. Thoughts going out to all of our friends and loved ones in Ukraine 🇺🇦💛💙
I mean how dumb can someone be to love NK. Being curious what life is like there and really living there makes an incredible difference. Just watch those escaping defectors testimonies and think of if it’s worthy putting a nice word for NK out there.
Russia not only invaded Ukraine but also stole the land from China where you were filming
The world does not need more tourists who are illogical enough and overtaken by their desire to travel and who end up disrespecting laws
"Unprovoked war" really? Last I checked we invaded Cuba when Russia installed missile systems there and we invaded Iraq for far less. So why is it ok for western powers to install weapons systems and chemical weapon labs pointing at Russia? Stop being a disgusting hypocrite. The USA has invaded far more for far less, yet I don't see you asking for Palestine to be free or condemning the invasion of Iraq or Afghanistan.
It's going to end badly for this guy one day.
Yasi bruuu
Incredibly stupid idea of doing this. You could have been killed. Take care
no love for the average Russian man and woman across the wrold being persecuted for a crime we had no say or part in….okey dokey then. Real smart way to end Communism. Push people who ran from it back into it. Im no "Z", but if you want me to be ashamed of my blood because of the choices our regime made then you can suck my ruski testicles till they pop out the sack.
Deceptive title of video. He attempted to visit a Russian town that borders with North Korea.
There is no Soviet Military anymore
what does this guy expect he is living in a fantasy world.the wold is an evil hateful place right now and its only going to get worse. until JESUS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR RETURNS TO DEFEAT EVIL FOR GOOD HE WILL MOST LIKELY ENCOUNTER THESE KINDS OF SITUATIONS AGAIN AND AGAIN GOD BLESS
IF YOUR NOT CAREFUL YOU ARE GOING TO BE ABOTHER OTTO!!
Fauck that alarm
No. You did not get detained in NK. Don't mislead ppl
Misleading video title. You never planned or tried to "sneak" into NK
The apology letter you wrote sounded like a elementary school weekend report or what you did on vacation
Except for the „law breaking“ part
Those soldiers don’t mess around you are a very lucky man let that be a warning to you.. drew glad you got out safely
You must have had a sniff of that Russian chick ?
Your detainment could have been avoided as people need special permission to go to that village due it it being in the military area
I don,nt know but there is just something i really don,nt like about this guy,i find him false and phoney,and why does he have to start getting political? It,s supposed to be a travel blog,not some political video,with the comment at the start,and you was,nt detained trying to sneak into NK at all,that was a military border town that you needed a pass for,and you knew this before going,misleading titel
Natasha learned how to dramatize things, when actually nothing remarkable happened.
Every country would react similar, if I offended their border regulations.
This was possibly the most ignorant thing you could have done. I hope you understand, the state department won’t rescue you from dumb choices
I always believe, in general, if any nation will long to life long leader, beware. Likely authoritarian up to dictator territories. Likely powerful elites connection require.
Come to Winnipeg Manitoba boychick
Never thought I'd say this, but thank goodness you were detained by Russians and not North Koreans.
I love this dude! I've done similar things like this for decades.. But I NEVER tried North Korea! hahahaha!
U didnt even was near how u describe it video isnt true
I don't suppose anybody explained to you where you could get that permit from.????
We all take risks in life . Just some take bigger risks than others. It is up to drew what he does.
🤦
Sneak in to Ohio 💀
i love u too guys
You all are acting like he ran through a field and jumped a fence. It was an honest mistake, he has no idea he would be singled out. Chill, you’re all trigged from a title…..
Being denied into North Korean restaurant, you can tell it's authentic!
North Korea is a country that has been ruled for three generations by a family of psychotic, paranoid, and possibly demon possessed egomaniacs. People have been mowed down by machine guns for things as innocent as the music they listen to. I would rather be thrown into a writhing snake pit than set foot in North Korea!
Nice women in Russia but the authorities still have the Soviet mindset. What a terrible way to treat a legal visitor. Will NEVER go there!
Entering North Korea “unofficially” is doable but definitely not recommended for any travelers. First you have to have local help, and not in Russia. From the Tumen area of China it’s possible to cross the Tumen River with some Chinese “traders” who have contacts with some North Koreans. Dress like locals, don’t even think of having anything with you that a local farmer wouldn’t have. Best is when river is camouflaged by heavy rain or fog, and after sunset. Wait around 10 minutes after usual team of NK border guards move away. If you don’t speak Mandarin (putonghua) don’t even think about trying this because just getting through NE China’s ‘tu’ (boondocks or hicks) area to around Tumen is a feat in itself. The Chinese want about 1000 Yuan to get you across and back if you look Chinese or Korean. If you’re white they want 2000. There are Chinese that do this, but they have local contacts. I only know of one white crossing into NK with the traders. If you want to visit NK please get a visa and as a legal tourist you can fly or take a train in depending on what passport you hold. Trump and Kim meeting actually thawed the opening for tourism. Unless you’re trolling to occupy a North Korean prison cell please don’t enter illegally. You can much more safely look across the Yalu River or at the 38th parallel truce line with binoculars if you can’t get a visa as a tourist when you want.
I love Natasha. I learn so much about the country I was born in from watching her and her experiences. I pray for the people in my homeland who don’t have a choice in this war. I especially pray for the people In Ukraine and all of those directly impacted from Putin’s war.