Photos of North Korea
North Korea is a fascinating country that is truly like no other place on Earth. Traveling to the last vestige of the Cold War is like entering both a time warp and a distorted hall of mirrors. However, while the regime spouts a continuous stream of propaganda at its citizens, the people were friendly and gracious, the same as people everywhere. We were particularly entranced by the children who ranged from curious to shy to just plain goofy, like any group of kids. Here are some photos of North Korea from our recent trip there.
The Korea Workers’ Monument. In an unusual move for a Communist country, the creative class is also represented, seen here in the paint brush.
A rare view of the DMZ from the North Korean side. The actual border is the small curb between the blue buildings where two North Korean soldiers are facing each other. Just steps away a South Korean soldiers stands guard.
Women approaching Kim Il Sung’s mausoleum wear the traditional choson ot. For many, it is the pilgrimage of a lifetime.
With over 100,000 performers, the Arirang Mass Games are the largest show on earth.
A traditional Mass Dance in Pyongyang on National Day.
The 105-floor Ryugyong in Pyongyang is the tallest hotel in the world. Just don’t try making reservations. Construction stopped about 20 years ago.
A guide at the USS Pueblo, the only commissioned United States Navy ship still held in foreign hands. It was captured in international waters by North Korean forces in 1968 and its crew held hostage for 11 months.
With all the modern Communist iconography it’s easy to forget that North Korea has an ancient history. The Hureung tombs were built in the 15th-century to house the remains of a king and queen of the Joseon dynasty. These are statues guarding the tombs.
A Korean wedding couple at the historic village of Chosin. Like grooms everywhere he wears an expression saying, “What am I getting myself into?”
Click on the link to view our Flickr album with more pictures of North Korea
With Little Rocky's help, Larissa stops traffic in Saigon.
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Great photos! I’m very interested in doing the tour of DPRK at some point here in the future. Thanks for posting.
Hi Kurt,
Your best bet for North Korea is booking with Koryo Tours. They are a Beijing-based company owned by a Brit and have the most experience in the DPRK. Glad you liked the photos.
great pictures of an unknown world to us.
Thanks Kizzo. It is unknown but definitely worth checking out.
Great website. I posted also in your “book review” section, to round it out with another point of view.
We were in Pyongyang for four fascinating days before we were reluctantly “kicked out”, very gently, though. The “rule” (in August 2008 when we went) was four days for us US citizens – the others (Europeans and one Australian) on the tour were allowed ten days. I am not sure South Koreans or Japanese, except for official purposes, are allowed at all. We were told not to bring VCRs. The “rules” of this very security-conscious country did not negatively impact the good times and friendliness by which we were met.
We found it takes patience and preparation to visit the “hermit kingdom”. We started several months in advance to get all our ducks in a row and also read a great deal about the DPRK. Instead of Koryo, we went through http://www.korea-dpr.com. This website represents official DPRK and the Korean Friendship Association to the internet community, although I believe it is actually maintained from Bangkok or Singapore. They did a fine job. Koryo is probably good too, organized by some British film people who are respected in the DPRK for their even-handed documentaries on the country. It may be an easier route in, I don’t know.
We had a delightful time and saw many of the things that you did, according to your pictorial record – which matches some of ours, including shots of the massive Arirang festival in May Day Stadium. We got a chance to see some of the young people practicing for this out in the square near our hotel. Their skill and beauty is something to behold.
BTW my brother and his family live in New Zealand, so we have been there also. A country one is also reluctant to leave for other reasons, whatever one’s political views.
Thanks for your perspective David.
Hey! I stumbled upon your blog off of a google search! Great stuff… I’m really enjoying reading & looking at your wonderful pictures! I’m from NJ… love the Rocky statue!
Take care!
Thanks for finding us Liz.
Incredible shots. I didn’t know you could travel to North Korea.
I believe people can visit from any country except South Korea.
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Surfing the web I saw a picture of 4 women soldiers who are North Korean border guards. Three of the 4 are wearing high heel boots. This does not seem very sensible if they have to chase someone. Even in a strict regime with little regard for fashion, women must have their footwear!
You should read Larissa’s post about “Shoe diplomacy in North Korea” that really captured this topic: http://www.changesinlongitude.com/shoe-diplomacy-in-north-korea/