Many people enjoy traveling, whether it’s a long-term adventure or a brief summer escape, as it provides a refreshing change of scenery.
However, one Danish individual has taken his love for travel to another level by visiting every country in the world, including the elusive North Korea.
Henrik Jeppesen chronicles his global journey on his blog, Every Country In The World. His solo travels began at 17 with a trip to Egypt, and since starting his blog in 2009, he has explored 2000 destinations, covering all UN-recognized nations.
A native of Denmark, Jeppesen recounts a particularly intense experience in North Korea where he narrowly avoided imprisonment.
Accompanying him was a man on a mission to scatter a friend’s ashes worldwide. The friend had been an avid traveler who, unfortunately, passed away before visiting every country.
While it was a heartfelt attempt to honor his friend’s memory, North Korea did not approve of the ash scattering.
As the only country where travelers lack independent freedom, his request to the guides for permission was denied.
Undeterred, the man persisted and secretly spread the ashes, capturing the moment on camera at the DMZ, the border between North and South Korea.
But complications arose.
On the return journey to Pyongyang, their guides requested to inspect his camera.
Reaching Pyongyang International Airport, another group of North Koreans demanded access to his electronic devices.
Upon reviewing the footage, they discovered the video of the ash scattering.
This revelation was met with anger, as the act was deemed to have ‘polluted’ North Korea, leaving both Jeppesen and his companion anxious about potential detention.
Fortunately, they avoided arrest by agreeing to write an apology letter.
While the situation was resolved, it underscores the stringent restrictions faced by the few tourists allowed to visit North Korea.
As a totalitarian regime, North Korea enforces strict regulations that limit freedom of expression, and any breach can result in severe consequences. The government maintains tight control over all media.