Conscious that the very idea of propaganda often stretches the truth (or the lie), I always wanted to experience empirically the land of North Korea.
This September I finally had the possibility of turning my will into reality, as I visited Pyongyang, DMZ, the Diamond Mountain and more. And it appears it doesn't seem as bad as the world wants to convince you it is. A lot has changed since Kim Jong Un came to power.
Don't get me wrong; I am aware that I had been shown only a part of this country. But even so, if you're being told by someone that they've brought 'illegal' photos from DPRK, please note that for example taking photos in North Korea is as legal as taking it anywhere else in the world. Of course, you are limited as where to go by your security and the tight schedule of the trip, but other than that, you can take photos as far as your camera shoots them. And no action is taken against you taking them out of the country; I haven't had the memory cards of my camera checked and neither did any other member of the group of my trip. Anyway, please enjoy a fraction of life in the DPRK!
More info: mruffs.blogspot.com
Me in the DMZ. What you can see behind me is the South Korea
Suburban areas of Pyongyang
Putong River on the way from the airport
Stainless railings and the quality of the road are ought to convince the tourists and new-comers of Pyongyang's well being.
On my way to the hotel
Early afternoon in the Capital of North Korea
You think the British like to que? I think that the culture of queing in DPRK is even higher
Everyone's standing in line and waiting for their turn, no pushing, no angry atmosphere, just politely waiting for the bus.
Even in the country of Eternal Sun, there happens to be a sunset
Do you really think that "Kim doesn't want you to see these pictures"?
The entrance to one of many Funfairs in the Capital. Even in my hometown there is none!
Is it an avenue in the most socialist and usurper country in the world or a lane in Los Angeles? You tell me
Unfortunately, I don't think you can call these buildings inhabited in a satisfactory degree.
The Kim-Ir-Sung Square. This is where all those parades you hear from the country's national news happen
This is a view from my hotel window. It looks awesome, right?
Pyongyang by night. But don't worry about wasting so much electricity. Everything is shut down about midnight.
Picturesque countryside. This is a photo you can call prohibited, as it depicts a soldier
But taking pictures of soldiers you can consider limited in most countries in the world, including the ones we call 'civilized'.
Everyone can see the poverty, but it is not different than any other form most Asian countries
Don't think his job is useless and created for the sole purpose of creating jobs in view of the socialist ideas. There is traffic; we are in a bus after all, aren't we?
The main mean of transport is either by foot or by bike. That's rather eco-friendly and Netherlandish of them, right?
There's a big number of these kiosks with snacks and food articles around the country (that are either red or white)
A typical 'traffic jam'. Notice the red flags that are waving by the road; it is quite a common view
Our bus we drove around the country with. Our guide, Song, is standing by the entrance. She spoke English and Russian and was pretty awesome
The Ninth Muse, and simultaneously a big love of Kim Jong Il
Folklore street in Pyongyang
You know what? Koreans also like to BBQ and are very hospitable. After all, I got a chicken leg, 100 ml of vodka in a yogurt cup and a little plate with spices
In many tourist stops, like this waterfall, new stands begin to appear with souvenirs and food
Picnicking Koreans
Now that's a treat! During my stay I got the chance to take part in Pyongyang International Beer Festival
And yes, it is still in this 'terrifying country', not in Europe or US
I came across a group of children carrying flowers for the dear comrades Kim Ir Sung and Kim Jong Il
A bus stop. The city lacks benches, so Koreans tend to squat
The Ryugyong Hotel, or, as it is also called, The Ghost Hotel
Its construction begun in 1987 and as of 2016 it still remains unfinished and unopen.
The breathtaking Metro station inspired by Moscow's underground masterpieces of architecture
Casual street view in Pyongyang
If you happen to see a car in DPRK the are always mind-blowing and dissonance-creating between them and the reality that surrounds them
The city is kept clean, but none of the work is done by automatic devices
These gentlemen not only are just doing the all-so-important job of holding posters in place, but they also closely watch the tourists
Somewhere in Korea
Even in the highest tourist point in one of the National Parks, there are already locals trying to make a living
The essence of world collision
