Monica Macias Interview – The YPT Podcast: S3, Ep3: The Black Girl from Pyongyang

Black Girl From Pyongyang by Monica Macias — “Black Girl From Pyongyang” by Monica Macias is available from Duckworth Books

In this exciting episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast, we discuss the life of Monica Macias, author of “Black Girl from Pyongyang.” As the daughter of Francisco Macías, the first president of Equatorial Guinea, Monica’s journey began when she was sent to North Korea for her education. There, she received personal guidance from President Kim Il-Sung, who had supported her father during Equatorial Guinea’s fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Following her father’s assassination in a coup in 1979, Monica Macias continued to reside in Pyongyang under the care of the “fatherly leader.” Join us as we uncover the experiences and insights she shares in her memoir.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173004/episodes/16763712

You can also listen via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast platform.

What is the Current Travel Situation in North Korea?

Before we delve into our interview with Monica, it’s important to mention the current situation regarding travel to North Korea. Following this announcement, we have learned that discussions between the DPRK and China are ongoing regarding the best way to facilitate sustainable tourism to the DPRK via China, given the sensitive nature of Rason as a Special Economic Zone. As of now, the border remains closed, with no confirmed timeline for reopening.

While this news is disappointing for those wishing to explore the enigmatic country, our conversation with Monica provides a fascinating perspective on life in North Korea from someone who has experienced it firsthand. Visit our dedicated North Korea Travel Update Page for more information on travel to the Hermit Kingdom.

Monica (front and center) alongside her family and Kim Il-Sung and His Second Wife Kim Song-Ae, 1977 — Monica (front and center) alongside her father, Francisco Macías, and Kim Il-Sung and His Second Wife Kim Song-Ae, 1977

What Unique Experiences Did Monica Macias Have in North Korea?

Monica Macias’ memoir explores the intricacies of identity, culture, and resilience in a context that some may perceive as controversial. Monica’s journey is not just a personal narrative; it serves as a powerful challenge to preconceived notions about both North Korea and her father’s legacy. By sharing her experiences, she offers a fresh perspective on two nations and their respective former leaders, whom she regards as her two fathers – President Francisco Macías and President Kim Il-Sung – which are often viewed through a narrow lens.

Monica and her Fellow Classmates at Mangyongdae Revolutionary Boarding School, 1981

Monica During Weapons Training at Revolutionary Boarding School

What New Travel Opportunities are YPT Offering?

As we transition from Monica’s remarkable story, we close the podcast by detailing two of YPT’s new, incredible cruise opportunities that are now available for booking.

What Can Travelers Expect from the Complete Antarctica Odyssey?

Set for December 2025 to January 2026, the Complete Antarctica Odyssey offers a breathtaking 19-day cruise through the stunning landscapes of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Aboard the eco-friendly M/V Hondius, travelers will encounter diverse wildlife, explore historical sites, and marvel at the untouched beauty of the frozen continent. This expedition promises unparalleled natural wonders and the thrill of true polar exploration of the frozen continent.

What Makes the Pitcairn Cruise a Unique Experience?

The Pitcairn cruise invites you to discover the remote charm of one of the Pacific’s isolated settlements from January 6th to January 13th, 2026. Immerse yourself in the unique culture and history of the descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers, engaging with the local community through guided tours, communal meals, scenic hikes and stargazing. This thoughtfully curated itinerary ensures an unforgettable experience of connection and discovery.

Join us for this brand-new episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast where exploration, culture, and personal stories intersect!

Want to get some ink with YPT? This can be done via our:

Table of Content

Check out and subscribe to the YPT Blog and travel magazine

New articles, tour announcements, and the kind of destination writing that doesn’t pretend difficult places are straightforward.

Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.

Odyssey51853265557

5 star trips Trip with YTP is a true experience! Just joined them again for South Sudan trip, truli fascinating and authentic experience. YPT is not only great for group travel but also when u need a solo trip!! 5 star responsiveness, organization and treatment

Ruadhán M

Two weeks in Ethiopia Just did almost two weeks in Ethiopia with YPT (Addis, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, and the Danakil Depression). Very well organised trip, and the YPT guide in particular - Yvonne - was easily one of the best I've ever travelled with. If you've ever been interested in checking out that part of the world, I would highly recommend their tour there.

Max Adrian S

Ethiopia & Danakil Depression Just finished Ethiopia with the Danakil depression extension with YPT. This was my second tour with YPT as a solo traveler and the group could not have been better. Everyone was very interesting and fun to hang out with and the YPT tour guide Yvonne organized it very well with the local guides. The tour itself contained a good mix of nature, history and religion. Despite having multiple domestic flights it was all handled very well and without a problem. Even the Danakil extension went very well for such a harsh area.

Nick I

West Africa with YPT: Brutal, Beautiful, and Absolutely Worth It This was, without question, the hardest trip I've ever done — and I mean that as a compliment. Every single day brought something: catastrophic roads, mechanical breakdowns, hotels that had sold our reservations out from under us (in towns with exactly one hotel), border crossings that swallowed hours, 300km drives that took 16 hours, and a truly creative array of "fees" along the way. The food was a challenge. The heat was a challenge. Everything was a challenge. But here's the thing — that's West Africa. This is one of the least-touristed regions on earth, and anyone booking this trip should know what they're signing up for. I was probably the least-travelled person in our group, and even the seasoned veterans agreed this ranked among the most gruelling trips they'd done. What made it work was YPT's team. Our guide Morgan was exceptional — calm, unflappable, and genuinely good-humoured in the face of every setback. Local fixer Sarnor worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to keep things moving on a logistically nightmarish route. YPT pulled off something genuinely complicated. If you want easy, book a beach resort. If you want a real adventure in a part of the world most people will never see, this delivers. I look forward to see what tweaks/changes they make to future iterations of this trip- with some wrinkles ironed out, it's going to be an epic and popular adventure.

Peter B

West Africa Overland Tour This tour arranged by YPT was a transforming tour. Coming from a western country it really makes you appreciate what you have. Putting together this tour was a masterpiece and YPT did an excellent job with the logistics when arranging this tour. The tour guide, Morgan, was absolutely amazing; calm, professional, caring and never lost his temper even though many things didn’t go as planned. I highly recommend this tour to everyone with a deeper interest in exploring West Africa.

Martin Lacey Photo

YPT Gulf Trek, Lebanon, Syria tours review - an unforgettable experience I did the Gulf Trek (including Kuwait & Saudi Arabia), Lebanon, and Syria tours with YPT in January and February 2026. My first tour with YPT was this time last year when I did their Least Visited Countries (LVC) tour of island countries in the southern and western Pacific. The Gulf, Lebanon, and Syria tours were outstanding. I’ve done many group tours and I’ve found that in addition to the destination and activities, the quality of the experience comes down to two things: (a) the tour leader, and (b) how well the group gels. Our tour leader, Caitlin, was outstanding. In addition to being an excellent problem-solver and organizer, she has a genuine passion for this region and people, which comes through in her personal interactions and ways of working. She also kept the group ticking over nicely, always accounting for different traveling styles and personalities to maintain group harmony. The sights and sounds of the Gulf and Levant were incredible - from the edge of the world in Saudi Arabia, the sublime food in Lebanon, the mildly chaotic souks of Bahrain and Kuwait, and the grace of the Syrian people in the face of profound hardships. With the current situation, it feels even more fortuitous that we got to see these amazing places. If I were to pick one thing to improve, it would be to add free time to the itinerary to wander around and absorb the local sights and atmosphere. That said, I understand that one of the goals of the tour is to have many experiences in a limited period of time. Perhaps a compromise would be to remove one or two items from the itinerary and replace them with free time at some of the more interesting and popular places of interest. Overall - an unforgettable experience, enhanced by a highly capable tour leader and a top-notch travel group.

Melinda D

Angola carnival and waterfall tour with Sara Really enjoyed this 5 day tour to Angola with YPT. Hotels were a good standard - especially the one opposite the waterfall which had stunning views. The itinerary was varied and kept us all interested despite a few long car journeys. The vehicles were comfortable and the local guide and drivers were friendly and helpful. Visits to the river Kwanza and local villages were great. The falls were obviously a highlight - especially at sunset! Biggest thanks are reserved for the YPT tour leader, Sara, who was amazing. A massive plus that she spoke fluent Portuguese - friendly, super flexible and organised. Would highly recommend

White Wayne B

Freezing My Gonads Off in Mongolia I’m 77 & my wife Amy 60. We had concerns that YP would Not be a Good Travel Fit. We traveled the last 8 days of our 75 day sojourn with YP to the Blue Ice Festival in Upper Mongolia. Contrary to our concerns, YP hit a Grand Slam Homer! Guides were informative & caring; 22 yo Chinese Punk Tour Leader was Magnetic, gracious & informative. He spoke English like it was his First Language. YP goes were other tour agencies Don’t and we are planning more with YP.❤️❤️ FIVE STAR experience 4 us!

Guide112189

Libya Tour An excellent exciting very nice and safe trip with excellent service.

Georgios C

Great memorable tour in Mainland Yemen I had a great experience in Mainland Yemen with an organised group tour by YPT at the end of February 2026. I was in the Yemeni island of Socotra for 8 days, 5 years ago... However , for a more complete Yemen picture, please get the chance to visit Hadramaut region of Mainland Yemen because then you get a better idea about the country. YPT did a great job in the selection of tour guides, tour leader and hotels. I felt all the time safe together with fellow travellers during this epic adventure. No words can describe the travel emotions experienced through unique landscapes, architecture and local hospitality! Thank you guys for the memorable trip!