I work as a Chief Mate on U.S.-flagged oceanographic research ships. The voyages and expeditions I have worked brought me from the Yangtze River of China, to the icebergs off Cape Horn South America, Antarctica, and many other points around the world.

My passion is world travel and I have spent the last 13 years working and independently traveling through over 90 countries. I have no home and live out of a backpack. I also love to read literature, study history, and make trouble where and when I can.

Traveling to North Korea has been a life changing experience but it's far from being my only one. I have hiked at Mt. Everest, worked as a white water rafting guide, hung out with rebels and liberation armies in various war zones, been killed off in a Chinese kung-fu film, studied Vietnamese at a university in Hanoi, and most recently I received the US Coast Guard's highest license, Master Unlimited.

In 2013 I became a partner and guide with Young Pioneer Tours. I spend my 5 months of vacation a year working the cutting edge of experimental travel, not only in North Korea, but in Iran, Eastern Europe, and remote parts of Asia - places your parents wished you stayed away from!

I have recently co-founded and am serving as Director of Operations of the Young Pioneer Disaster Relief NGO. As I now work in a Philippines disaster zone with limited internet, I will be stepping back from my DPRK activities. Please direct all inquiries to Enquiries@YoungPioneerTours.com

For all regular scheduled trips by Young Pioneer Tours a mention of this blog can get you 5% off!

Through doing tons of research I came upon a blog by Joseph Ferris called "American in North Korea". I followed it for about a year and one day he posted he would be doing private tours with Young Pioneer Tours out of Beijing. I quickly responded with my interest in going along and contacted YPT. Not only are they less expensive than the other tour companies, but they get more access and I feel like they have much better relations within the country. We were there for 8 days and saw the typical sites with a few surprises along the way. The incredible Ms. Yu and Mr. Lee were our guides.

I would highly recommend YPT to anyone thinking of not only going to North Korea, but they have a lot of other amazing tours to some amazing places that you won't find anywhere else. Their customer service is excellent. Any questions are always answered promptly. I'm looking forward to many more trips with this company!

Laura Cornish
Louisville, Colorado

I spent three months all over Asia with YPT, specifically their new guide Joseph Ferris. Their team is helpful, dedicated, thoughtful, considerate, supportive and most of all FUN! They're LOTS of fun! Their prices are better than the competition and you get so much more bang for your buck. They're always working, someone is always available, and they always put the customer first. I know for a fact that many of the owners and guides sacrifice a lot to give the customers a little more. I've spend 15 years traveling the world and I say without hesitation or reservation that you won't get a better deal or have a better experience with any other agency!

- Michael Bassett
Washington D.C.

The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia

The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future

The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why It Matters

A State of Mind

The Red Chapel

Check out the first podcast ever recorded inside North Korea. Then hear our reflections upon returning to the States.

Check out my newly released 2012 Kim Il-sung 100th birthday podcast and 2013 podcast.