The Pyongyang International Marathon, held on April 6 for the first time in six years, has generated social media buzz as participants share their experiences. One aspect that’s catching attention is the impressive English proficiency of North Korean tour guides.
British YouTuber Harry Jaggard, who boasts about 2.33 million subscribers, recently posted a video of his group tour in Pyongyang. The footage captures him frequently engaging with his North Korean guide, asking various questions throughout the tour.
At the Pyongyang National Library, a staff member dressed in traditional Korean attire informed tourists that they could access electronic versions of previously published books or e-books. When Jaggard inquires about the employee’s favorite book, the guide responds in fluent English, “Of course, I prefer books from our country.” Interestingly, the library also housed English books, including a well-worn copy of Harry Potter in its original language.
Reflecting on his interactions, Jaggard noted that individuals express their genuine preferences and thoughts off-camera. However, he observed that as soon as the camera appeared, they switched to what he described as “NPC mode,” reciting seemingly scripted lines such as ‘We love the Labor Party’s music and books.’
At the Kangdong Greenhouse Farm, located an hour’s drive from Pyongyang, the guide eloquently explained crop cultivation methods using artificial photosynthesis technology, again in English. Later, at the Taedonggang Beer Bar, the guide humorously pointed out a pillar shaped like a beer bottle, explaining, “That’s the typical bottle shape for Taedonggang beer,” and proudly declared it the best beer.
The guide promptly answered affirmatively when asked if Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party, has a daughter. However, when Jaggard probed further, asking, “Do you think she’ll be the next leader?” the guide appeared visibly uncomfortable and responded with an evasive “I’m not sure.”
North Korea has long emphasized foreign language skills, incorporating language learning into its compulsory education system. This focus is believed to serve two strategic purposes: to acquire advanced foreign technologies through study abroad programs and to enhance the quality of its tourism industry.
Recent footage from tourists who’ve visited North Korea reveals guides speaking foreign languages with increased fluency and naturalness.
Notably, even when discussing the supreme leader, guides now engage in conversations more naturally, without the rigidity observed in the past. They demonstrate sophisticated conversational skills, smoothly navigating situations where tourists casually mention Kim Jong Un without using honorifics. This suggests North Korea may prioritize conversational ability over strict grammar rules in its foreign language education.
North Korea abruptly suspended foreign tourism in mid-March, shortly after reopening it for the first time in five years. This decision is speculated to respond to “indiscriminate” content from curious YouTubers and social media influencers.
Interestingly, videos posted by Pyongyang Marathon participants don’t show evidence of prior censorship or filming restrictions by North Korean authorities. These visitors haven’t reported being prevented from filming or facing significant limitations.
It’s important to note that tourism hasn’t fully resumed following the Pyongyang Marathon event. Some analysts speculate that North Korea might restart its tourism industry in June, potentially coinciding with the grand opening of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area.