When Russian tourists Alexey and Galina Kozak set foot in North Korea’s Masikryong Ski Resort, they expected an adventure — but not necessarily on their plates. As one of the first post-pandemic visitors from Russia almost exactly one year ago, they marveled at the resort’s service and slopes, but their culinary experience quickly turned into an unexpected challenge.
Faced with a manuscript of a menu, mysterious dishes and a language barrier, their trip became a test of both their skiing skills and their stomachs, as well as an insight into North Korea’s bid to cater to its newfound Russian clientele ahead of the expected return of Western tourists this week.
When Russian tourists Alexey and Galina Kozak set foot in North Korea’s Masikryong Ski Resort, they expected an adventure — but not necessarily on their plates. As one of the first post-pandemic visitors from Russia almost exactly one year ago, they marveled at the resort’s service and slopes, but their culinary experience quickly turned into an unexpected challenge.
Faced with a manuscript of a menu, mysterious dishes and a language barrier, their trip became a test of both their skiing skills and their stomachs, as well as an insight into North Korea’s bid to cater to its newfound Russian clientele ahead of the expected return of Western tourists this week.
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