Gumball 3000 in North Korea

It must take a lot to surprise those lucky few famous, rich, and batshit-crazy enough to secure themselves a spot on the Gumball 3000. Not to say it can't be done, of course: in 2008, founder Maximillion Cooper continued the Gumball tradition of "barrelling through borders" and led the Gumball festivities to little-visited North Korea – better known for its kooky leader Kim Jong Il and fake towns than as a party destination.

Oh, ye of little faith. It sounds like the Gumball crew had way more fun than at any Thai full moon party you've ever been to. Along with "mass games" (a form of mass gymnastics choreographed for maximum synchronicity, often performed for Korean special occasions), North Korea also offers "the most surreal five-star hotel experience I’ve ever had," according to Maximillion. Here's what he had to say about the Koryo Towers in Pyongyang, North Korea:

I had the pleasure of staying in this hotel on several occasions during the planning stages of the 2008 rally. On one trip we had lunch and exchanged gifts with Kim Jong-il. That was followed by a tour of the 250,000-seater May Day Stadium (the world’s largest stadium), and then being hosted by the entire North Korean Cabinet for a hearty portion of dead dog for dinner. After that, all eight cabinet members and I ended up back at “my hotel,” in the karaoke bar in the basement nightclub, singing Elvis songs to each other while getting very drunk. I will never forget the North Korean Minister of War looking into my eyes and singing 'Love Me Tender'.

Read what Max had to say about other five-star hotels along the rally here, or check out all the Gumball hijinks in Frank Book Chapter 40.

And if you want to get a sense of how "surreal" for yourself, pretty sure this video feature on Maximillion and the Gumball rally that aired on North Korean TV will take you straight there. After the jump.