A Danish adventurer who has visited every nation on Earth has shared a chilling account of how a seemingly innocent act during a tour of North Korea almost resulted in imprisonment. Henrik Jeppesen, 37, became the youngest person to travel to all 193 UN-recognised countries at the age of 27.
A Brush with Catastrophe in the Hermit Kingdom
Despite visiting over 2,000 destinations, including perilous zones like the Central African Republic, Jeppesen ranks North Korea as the most fascinatingly bleak. On his blog, Every Country in the World, he details the extreme restrictions on internet and movement, and warns travellers to be in peak health due to the nation's severe air pollution. He describes it as the country he would least like to live in, citing its lack of freedom and toxic air.
During his tightly supervised visit, Jeppesen was meticulous about following rules. However, his travel companion was carrying the ashes of a fellow traveller with the goal of scattering them in every country. Against the explicit instructions of their North Korean guides, the companion secretly sprinkled the ashes on the ground while they were briefly separated from their minders.
The Terrifying Aftermath and a Desperate Apology
The situation escalated when authorities discovered video footage the friend had taken of the act. Jeppesen, recalling cases like that of American student Otto Warmbier, feared the worst. "They could have easily put us into labour camps," he stated. The pair believed their status as foreigners, and the potential for unwanted international attention, played a part in their eventual release.
To secure their exit, Jeppesen's companion was forced to write an apology letter to the country's 'Dear Leader'. Even then, at the airport, officials accused them of 'polluting' the country as staff gathered around them. Jeppesen considers their unscathed departure an extremely lucky outcome.
A Stark Warning for Intrepid Travellers
This incident follows other harrowing tales from the Korean border. A separate report details how a British language tutor, Stephen Low from Norwich, was held at gunpoint after accidentally wandering into a restricted military zone near the DMZ while hiking. These stories collectively serve as a potent reminder of the severe consequences of missteps in the world's most controlled regions.
Jeppesen's experience underscores the absolute necessity of adhering to local laws in authoritarian states, where minor infractions can lead to dire punishments. For those considering travel to such destinations, his advice is clear: understand the risks, follow every rule, and be prepared for a complete lack of the freedoms taken for granted elsewhere.
