Brit somehow ends up entering race in North Korea – one thing surprised him most

EXCLUSIVE: North Korea isn't on many bucket lists, but it was right at the top of globetrotter Anthony Macfarlane's. He managed to get into the capital city of the 'secretive' state - here's how

A British lad has revealed his ingenious way to visit North Korea, making him one of the first foreigners to enter the country in years.

Anthony Macfarlane, 31, from Dover, decided to pack in his customer service job for a one-way ticket around the globe six years ago and hasn't looked back since.

He's managed to tick off some major 'bucket list' moments on his pilgrimages, predominantly around Asia and Australia, something that has become a rite of passage for many young Brits nowadays.

However, Anthony managed to out-do his travel junkie peers by crossing into the land that has been cut off from the rest of the world for many years.

He flew from China to cross the border to North Korea's capital city of Pyongyang, and in doing so became one of the first Western foreigners to visit since the gradual reopening of borders in February 2025 after they were shut due to the Covid pandemic.

Still, it's not simple as booking a flight to the destination like you would elsewhere in the world. Anthony had a trick up his sleeve, applying to run a marathon in Pyongyang.

After forking out £100 for the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) visa, a £1,000 deposit to Koryo Tours (direct partner to the Pyongyang marathon) and an £70 entry fee into the run, he booked his flights and off he went into the unknown.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Star about his 'crazy' experience, Anthony shared: "I have wanted to go to North Korea ever since I started travelling, its mysteriousness always intrigued me but unfortunately Covid shut the borders completely.

"They opened in February very briefly but only to the special economic zone of Rason, not the capital. I was originally booked in to visit there but the borders closed again two weeks later, no one really knows why.

"I was emailed [by the tour company] a couple of days later about the opportunity to enter the country as part of the marathon and I jumped at the chance, especially as this was a visit to the capital, Pyongyang, instead of Rason.

"I simply paid the deposit, told them the distance I wanted to run which was 10km, I went to China the day before for a briefing and the next day was on my way to North Korea."

Before he knew it, Anthony had landed in the mysterious nation, infamous for its massive artillery, leader Kim Jong Un's penchant for nuclear weapons and their supposedly controlled and secretive way of life.

Visitors can only come to the country if they are chaperoned with a tour guide to make sure they get the version of North Korea the government wants. But, despite feeling like a 'propaganda tour' in parts, Anthony was blown away by how 'normal' the people were.

And they don't seem too far off Brits with their love of sport - including football. Anthony took part in the marathon, where he ran 10k, starting and finishing at the 50,000 capacity Kim Il-Sung Stadium to cheers and waves from the crowd.

This was a chance for Anthony to explore and experience Pyongyang like few have done before.

He continued: "The marathon started in the stadium and then went through the city, naturally the further you went, the further you got to see.

"You would then hit a turning point and run back to the stadium completing your distance. I only did 10k, I'm also not very fit, I also stopped a lot to take videos and photos which we were free to do.

"The streets were packed with locals, each of them was very happy to see us, waving and smiling and saying hello. The stadium was incredible, the atmosphere was crazy, and walking out during the cheers from the crowd was something I won't forget.

"It really was a chance to walk and run through Pyongyang almost freely - other than the set route of the marathon - it was a truly unique experience.

"They want to show the best things of the country, they want to show how they are improving, building and advancing. Sometimes it can feel a bit like a propaganda tour, but it's very interesting.

"They are dedicated to their leaders but they live pretty normal lives, they work and go to bars, shops and restaurants, they are very into sports."

He took the opportunity of the marathon to mostly walk around the set route of Pyongyang to see the sites, including their very own 'Arc of Triumph' - which North Korea proudly boasts is bigger than the one in Paris.

Anthony took part in the marathon on his first of five days in North Korea, where he was welcomed to the finish line by cheering crowds - for both runners and a football match going on in the middle of the stadium at the same time.

Like any good British lad, he finished off the race with a nice cold beer, a bottle of 'Taedonggang' that is brewed in North Korea.

Altogether he spent £2,195 on his intrepid trip to North Korea, including flights and the hotel - included in the tour price.

Perhaps surprisingly to some, Anthony would love to go back. Although loved-ones feared that he would get detained once in North Korea, Anthony felt safe and welcomed throughout his carefully-curated trip.

North Korea has a reputation for being ruthless and brutal, but it looks like they're trying to soften their image with smiles, races and footy matches.

But despite his positive experience, Anthony admitted he wouldn't necessarily recommend the trip to others...

Anthony concluded: "It really wasn't as strict as what I thought it was going to be.

"I think people think that if the locals talk to you, they will be instantly taken to prison, this isn't the case. I had loads of people saying I wouldn't come back from North Korea and I would be detained but there was never any fear or worry of anything, I felt very safe, never any issues, it was a really nice time.

"The city itself is very nice, it has a nice charm to it, and it's peaceful and quiet. I don't think it would be responsible to recommend North Korea to others, it's up to people to make their own choice based on their own judgement.

"I am into adventure travel and off-the-beaten-path travel so it was perfect for me and definitely on the bucket list."