'I visited North Korea - it's just like tourist hotspot but with one major surprise'

A tourist who claims to have visited North Korea claims to have been left in awe, drawing astonishing parallels between the country's scenery and that of Dubai or Spain.

The Spanish traveller, known as Caminante Rojo on social media, ventured into the secretive country shortly after it welcomed tourists back following a prolonged period of isolation. He shared details of the trip on his TikTok account.

He marvelled at the newly-erected skyscrapers, likening them to those found in more conventional holiday destinations, and even popped into a bar for some refreshments.

Inside the contemporary bar, he was presented with a drinks menu featuring what he said American imported beers at exorbitant prices.

He said: "We have just been stopped at one of the newest streets in the centre of the city. This is by far the most luxurious part we have seen in our trip. It almost looks like Dubai.

"Don't tell me it doesn't. Look, I'm telling you, these buildings could be in Spain. And here it is, the beer bar, with a good pair of columns shaped like beer bottles. And look at the glass window, with beer foam and everything."

Upon seeing the price list, he exclaimed: "A Delirium beer for $79 (£59.66)! It can't be, that's crazy! This six-litre one costs $629 (£474.98). The effects of sanctions and being a blocked country? Sky-high prices. I think we'll leave the imported beer for another day."

Finally, he opted to sample a local beer priced at $3 (£2.27), saying: "They haven't put us separately like in other places.

"There are also Koreans here. We have ordered eight types of beer for a tasting."

To complement the beverages, staff served him dry, salted fish, which he described as a "very typical" dish.

Earlier this year, North Korea reopened its doors to Western tourists, allowing them to visit a special economic zone near the Chinese border, but it seemed to reimpose restrictions on tourism just weeks later. Nonetheless, some travel agencies are promoting guided tours to the country in the upcoming months.

This month also saw hundreds of international participants in the Pyongyang marathon.

Tour operator Young Pioneer Tours said that although North Korea is officially off-limits for tourism, "it's clear the country is starting to loosen its grip on international tourism. These gradual steps are a strong indication that Pyongyang won't stay shut forever - and likely, it will happen sooner rather than later."

The Foreign Office currently advises British citizens against all but essential travel to North Korea. Filming is tightly controlled by the government, with visitors urged to follow the advice of their tour operator.