An American traveler has reached a rare milestone by completing a personal challenge to visit every country in the world—and he did it in one of the most isolated nations on Earth.
Cameron Mofid, 25, marked the end of his global journey by taking part in a 10-kilometer race in Pyongyang, North Korea, calling it the “craziest experience” of his travels.
The event took place during the annual Pyongyang Marathon, which brings together a mix of local runners and a few carefully selected foreigners under strict government monitoring. For Mofid, it was not just another race. It was the finish line of an adventure that took him across all 195 countries recognized by the United Nations.
The marathon gave him a rare glimpse into life inside North Korea, a country known for its restrictions on visitors and tightly controlled public image. Running through the streets of Pyongyang alongside local athletes and other international participants offered a unique perspective that few outsiders ever get to see.
Mofid’s journey around the globe has been years in the making. He began traveling as a teenager and slowly built up a list of countries visited, navigating tough borders, language barriers, and sometimes risky conditions. The choice to complete the final leg in North Korea was deliberate—he wanted an experience that would be completely different from anywhere else.
Travelers who reach every country in the world form a small and dedicated group. Many of them face challenges such as visa issues, political instability, or the simple logistics of reaching remote places. North Korea, in particular, poses one of the biggest obstacles due to its limited and highly controlled tourism system.
Mofid’s visit was organized through a guided group, the only way most foreigners are allowed to enter the country. Even simple activities like taking photos or speaking freely are restricted, and travelers are expected to follow strict rules during their stay.
Despite these limitations, Mofid described the marathon as unforgettable. He ran through Kim Il Sung Stadium, cheered on by thousands of local spectators. The energy, the setting, and the uniqueness of the moment made it a memorable way to close a journey that very few have achieved.
Now back home, Mofid joins a tiny group of travelers who have managed to set foot in every country on Earth. His final destination, North Korea, remains one of the most mysterious, but it offered the kind of story that sums up his entire adventure—bold, unusual, and unlike anything most people will ever experience.