Fancy a trip to North Korea? While you don’t need an online college degree, you do however need to go through an extremely difficult vetting process to receive a visa to then enter the country. Of course per any country, their set of laws differ from your own respective home country, although when it comes to North Korea – one thing is certain without a shadow of a doubt: you cannot take photos! Therefore, the following pictures were secretly taken and show what life is really like behind closed doors.
“Guided” Tours
Worldwide when you travel to basically any big, popular city, whether with a tour guide or not, you’re free to wander around as you please, however the same cannot be said for North Korea. Each tour is thoroughly organized by the state, which means that you are only allowed to see and to speak with people who have previously been examined by the state.
Guided Tours
The Road Ends Here
Here’s a thought you need to wrap your head around, and no, you don’t need an online college degree to do so – there is no such thing as an out of the ordinary sight in North Korea. Amongst miles of farmland, construction and unfinished roads are the norm. Most citizens do not own cars therefore, unfinished roads are often built as not to affect farming. Most noteworthy in this case that despite the regime’s best efforts, the ultimate reason for the unfinished road is that they ran out of money and had to cease building.
The Road Ends Here
The Supreme Leaders
A sight such as the one below is fairly common as most of the buildings, including government buildings, homes, offices, etc, house a form of piety to the Supreme Leaders of the North Korean regime. Essentially, from what we understand, it’s a kind of propaganda implemented by the leaders, they believe they possess a “godly” status and therefore should be revered at all times. No exceptions.
The Supreme Leaders
A Missing Floor
What you’re looking at is one of the only hotels which tourists are allowed to stay in and yes, there is in fact a working elevator. However if you look closer at the buttons, you’ll notice the button the fifth floor is missing. That floor is strictly off-limits to tourists, but if you should manage a sneak peek, you find many propaganda posters. Even without an online college degree, this seems wrong.
A Missing Floor
$8,000 Defecting Fee
Nope, you don’t need an online college degree to figure out that this fact is highly unconventional. Technically, it is not illegal to defect from North Korea, however, with that being said, it is illegal to defect if you have not paid the price to do so. Kim Jong-Un himself raised the price to defect to a staggering $8,000. As most of the country’s citizens live in poverty, this asking price is far too much to even consider a possibility.
$8,000 Defecting Fee
A Black Screen
Yup, North Korea does indeed have computers…however if you look closely, you’ll notice that there is no electricity to power up the computer. This is yet another facade implemented by North Korean leaders as they wish to give off the impression that they’re doing just fine. We’re assuming the photo was snapped by a tourist who was allowed to see people using computers (maybe for an online college degree) but he just wasn’t meant to see the black, empty screen.
A Black Screen
Virtual Interactions
More often than not, the chances of North Korean citizens and foreigners actually interacting is slim, and if it should happen, well it’s usually on an organized tour. But even then, most citizens are too afraid to chat with tourists and those who do probably don’t speak English very well, if at all.
Virutal Interactions
The Band
This is the Moranbong Band! Similar to that of K-Pop girl’s group, the Moranbong Band includes members who were hand-picked by Kim Jong-Un. Their music has many styles, such as pop, rock, and fusion. Furthermore, the girls don’t just perform for the regime, but also sometimes in China.
The Band
Choice of Hotel
Meet the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang which is quite literally the only hotel foreigners are even allowed to stay in! In all of North Korea. Furthermore, it’s conveniently situated on an island so all guests cannot freely roam without a designated tour guide.
Choice Of Hotel
Big Brother Is Watching
First of all, the North Korean government does monitor every single action that their citizens make, it’s a bit like George Orwell’s 1984 come to life. So let’s hope that all you’re doing is abiding by all the rules and sticking to your weight loss plans because the government has placed hidden cameras and microphones in many areas like homes, offices, parks, buses, and even cars.
Big Brother Is Watching
Propaganda
If you own a television or radio, whether in your private home or at your business, as a citizen you are required by law to leave have the electronics on at all times. To put it lightly, the consequences if you are found not doing this is quite severe.
Propoganda
Empty Grocery Stores
What you’re looking at is the Pyongyang supermarket, and no this hasn’t been cleared out due to a sale or that everyone is on weight loss plans, this is in fact just a common way of life that North Korean citizens have to deal with.
Empty Grocery Stores
Ghost Town
North Korea does well to “keep” up with appearances, so much so that the Hermit Kingdom’s government will move an entire city population to another location to have it appear as though that location is more full and more populated to outside observances. That almost makes an online college degree sound more fun.
Ghost Town
Scrub a Dub
Outside urban areas, it is far more common for tourists to see citizens of North Korea taking baths in the lakes and rivers because not everyone actually has access to clean, running water. Almost makes out online college degree and weight loss plans seem so futile.
Scrub a Dub
The Black Market
Black markets are of course banned but as its citizens will do whatever it takes to earn any money, they will instead operate a grey market. Now a grey market is legal but in reality, it isn’t profitable as the only items you’re allowed to sell are sweets and cigarettes.
The Black Market
At work
Children in North Korea are often seen helping out various farms, more often than not these farms are not their own nor do they belong to a family member. Don’t be surprised if you see kids digging plants and vegetables.
At Work
Point the Way Out
Goodness, this makes weight loss plans seem almost bearable. What you’re looking at is North Korea’s entire 1,500 miles of its coastline surrounded with electric fences to present deserters from fleeing.
Point The Way Out
School Time
Nothing so out of the ordinary here, it is just children walking to school. However sometimes children are forced to walk quite a long distance as their family lives outside the city and public transportation is not that developed in rural areas.
School Time
Hard At Work
North Korea truly believes in self growth as a nation therefore it relies on its citizens to lend a helping hand. So don’t be alarmed when you see soldiers working in farm fields.
Hard At Work
The Golden Throne
If you find yourself in rural areas of North Korea, then you’ll likely see bathrooms such as this. No amount online college degree can change such a fact.
The Golden Throne
Heading To Work
As most citizens do not own their own vehicles, public transportation is heavily relied upon which is why most buses are often packed as full as can be.
Heading To Work
Neatness Counts
Yes, the government does strongly believe in cleanliness so often you’ll see citizens and soldiers banding together to keep the country as clean as can be.
Neatness Counts
Pink Is Your Color
Army officials, okay, that we get but it’s the lady in pink right in the middle that’s leaving us confused. Although it does make for a pretty picture furthermore, pictures of soldiers are actually not permitted so whoever snapped this photo took a risk.
Pink Is Your Color
Where to?
Pyongyang is the capital city, and we’ll mention quite a few more times, furthermore, cars have become a commonality in North Korea. Therefore, the government has built more highways but because some of its citizens cannot afford their own private cars, many of the new highways remain abandoned.
Where To
Collecting Grass
With an increased food shortage in North Korea, many citizens are forced to live off of “wild foods” which includes grass, scraps, rats, birds, and tree bark. So many of the citizens relay on these “wild foods” that the government actually created a cookbook on the best tasting grasses and leaves, minus the poisonous ones obviously.
Collecting Grass
Long Long Lines
You thought traffic was bad in your town? Try going to Pyongyang where lines for public transpiration can literally run a mile long. In the time you’re waiting for the next bus, you could probably bust out a ton of work for that online college degree.
wait
Long Long Lines
Friends
Some activists within North Korea are actually, we kid you not, attempting to smuggle in the hit hilarious television show Friends. For this reason alone – they truly believe that free data and digital contraband are key tools in order to fight against the totalitarian regime.
Friends
Black Out
Electricity has now become a rare commodity so often times, the citizens will experience black outs which can last upwards of hours. Think about that next time you’re complaining your weight loss plans are too difficult.
Black Out
Abandoned
In Pyongyang, the buildings are meticulously maintained, especially if you’re to gaze upon one on the outside. However if you were to actually step foot into one of these buildings, you would usually find them totally abandoned. Why? Most citizens cannot afford to live there.
Abandoned
The Gray City
Within North Korean, the leading architectural style is the old Soviet style and as the government believes that everyone and everything is made equal, all buildings look like this.
The Gray City
Upside Down
While this looks like a pretty simple photo, it actually speaks of many North Korean citizens. Here’s what we mean, many citizens are very unhappy with their lifestyle so often times you will see them looking rather gloomy and depressed.
Upside Down
Taxi!
A majority of the citizens in North Korea do not own private vehicles, therefore taxi cabs are something of a necessity. Pyongyang has many taxi cabs available, however their customer base is quite low due to the fact that most people tend to walk to work and actually do not have money to spend on something like a taxi. Furthermore many roads are in terrible condition, that cab and bus drivers are often discouraged from driving at all!
Taxi
When Nature Calls
With Big Brother watching your every move, such actions as simple as reliving yourself are more dangerous than we can possibly fathom.
When Nature Calls
More Roads, Less Cars
In rural parts of North Korea, you can find a railroad stop such as this one which is basically a dirt path that leads to railroad tracks. And as it’s practically impossible to obtain a travel permit, there is not much infrastructure even built.
More Roads Less Cars
Everywhere
Military personnel can be found in every nook and cranny. This includes trains, buses, airports, and even farms. I guess I’ll go back to studying for my online college degree over visiting North Korea but hey, that’s just me.
Everywhere
Cat Nap
It’s basically law that it is forbidden to take any pictures of the North Korean Army. Especially if any of their soldiers are seen as “lazy” and yes, naps equal laziness.
Cat Nap
Tunnel Time
Pyongyang has a rather sophisticated subway system, in fact it’s the deepest one in the world and it doubles as a bomb shelter. Before you ask, no you’re not allowed to take pictures of it!
Tunnel Time
Join The Army
If you’d like to join the North Korean Army, you connections. Moreover if you have connections, the odds of you becoming an officer are higher, which means you are privy to higher wages and it will also lessen the burden of expenses.
Join The Army
Lights, Camera, Action
Trains in North Korea cease running rather early and if you think this photo looks just dandy, well that’s because it’s actually a staged photo shoot!
Lights Camera Action
Kimjongilia Festival
The flower Kimjongilia is named after the late leader, Kim Jong-il. And Kamo Mototeru is a Japanese botanist who cultivated this very flower, and he do so as a representation of the friendship between Japan and North Korea. Furthermore, it’s even specifically designed to bloom on Kim Jong-il’s birthday, February 16, annually.
Kimjongilia Festival
Korean Children’s Union
When a child in North Korea turns 7, they then automatically become indoctrinated into the North Korean Children’s Union. In a very large ceremony, the children receive red scarves, which are then tied around their shoulders by retired military personnel and the children must then make a pledge to their Supreme Leader.
Korean Children’s Union
Street Cleaning
In this photo, you see an area that tourists are allowed visit therefore it is kept extremely clean! More often than not, soldiers stand by to observe its citizens cleaning to ensure that not a single blade is out of place.
Street Cleaning
Entry Point for Tourists
What you’re looking as the tourist entry point from China. You will not find locals here, only platform workers dressed in uniform. Again, the station is kept ridiculously clean for appearance purposes.
Entry Point For Tourists
Such Vivid Contrast
This photo shows how North Korea and China are separated by the Sino-Korea Friendship Bridge and the contrast is as clear as day. On the left is the underdeveloped country of North Korea, while the right looks to blossom. Moreover, many defectors try and escape via this route especially.
Such Vivid Contrast
Werk
What you see here are children born to poor families working and the North Korean government hates these kinds of photos as it reflects poorly on them. Understandable.
Werk
Hater
After the United States of America sided with South Korea during the Korean war, many in Northern Korea have held onto a deep hatred of America and any of its citizens. Time and time again, there is much propaganda surrounding this belief.
Hater
Haircut a Plenty
These are the ONLY hairstyles that men may choose from to sport at all times. And no, there are no exceptions.
Haircut A Plenty
Pay Homage
You’ll find plenty of tributes and statues spread out all throughout North Korea that pay homage to its Supreme Leaders. During ceremonies, like the birth and death anniversary of Kim Jong-il, all citizens are required(!) to pay their respects to their leaders. Any absence will offer a punishable offense.
Pay Homage
Zoom
As we’ve mentioned before, not many of the North Korean citizens can afford private cars therefore they heavily rely on public transportation. Which is clearly what you see here.
Zoom
Cinderella
The roads that tourist are allowed to travel on are always kept clean under all circumstances. As a result, the residents of these areas carefully and meticulously keep the areas spotless, and because they want to but because they have to.
Cinderella
Family Matters
Idols of the Supreme Leaders, as mentioned, are everywhere. In this case, you see the first Supreme Leader Kim Il-sung, his late son, Kim Jong-il, and his wife Kim Jong-Suk.
Family Matters
Privilege
The capital city of Pyongyang is home to some very lucky citizens who even get to work actual jobs and live in real homes. In order to tell the privileged from the poor, the privileged folk get to wear a special red badge, complete with the Supreme Leaders faces on it. Hmm..
Privilege
Road Work
Most of the roads in the rural areas look just like this, totally unsafe in every sense of the word.
Road Work
Dangerous Much?
Well then, this is terrifying. Those ropes look eerily unsafe and none of the crew are wearing popular gear either. Pretty sure that not even an online college degree could get the workers in safer conditions.
Dangerous Much
Helpful Hand
Nope, there is no hope of phoning up “AAA” when situation such as this arise. So ultimately its up to the citizens, and most likely bus passengers, to step up and lend a hand. Although nothing about this image looks “helpful”, with the watery roads and such.
Helpful Hand
Sea World
Okay, so its North Korea’s equivalent of the Sea World we all know and love, its known as Delphinium. But in this case, it seems as if all the audience members are soldiers and some are part of the “elite” citizens. Makes sense considering the country’s astronomical poverty rates.
Sea World
Zoo Life
Pyongyang is host to many entertainment options, and one of those fine options is the Central Zoo. There are live animal exhibits, visitors can ride camels, and can also go to a natural history museum filled with dinosaur exhibits with dinosaurs.
Zoo Life
Women’s Right
Women have every right to serve in the military, to marry and divorce, and own property, contrary to popular belief.
Women’s Rights
Work Grind
You’ll find that in North Korea, it is a 6 day workweek, instead of the usual 5. Moreover, such a thing as a mandatory “volunteer” day exists. Basically, you are required to volunteer to work as well. Not sure you can fit an online college degree or weight loss plans into that schedule.
Work Grind
Three
So you’ve got a television? Nice. Unfortunately, there are merely three television stations that exist in North Korea; and yes, all of them are government run propaganda channels. If anyone is caught tampering with the stations in order to receive content outside of those three, can face jail time.
Three
Jeans Are A No-No
Yup, you are absolutely not allowed to wear jeans in North Korea. Why? Because it symbolizes a Western ideology and that doesn’t jive to put it lightly.
Jeans Are A No No
Time Zone
So in 2015, North Korea switched to a whole new time zone, when it turned its clocks back by a whopping 30 minutes. This symbolizes its mark on their liberation from the Japanese at the end of World War Two. When news broke, South Korea was completely taken by surprise.
Time Zone
Summer Camp
No need to search for that summer camp anymore, there’s one in North Korea. Which happily accepts 400 children from all around the globe. Head on over to the Songdowon International Camp where there are sports, swimming, trips, and cuisines from different regions.
Summer Camp
Booknerd
Many school books are propaganda fueled about the regime, moreover, much of the school day focuses on North Korean ideology. From a very young age, North Korean children are taught that their Supreme Leaders are the most important thing they can possibly learn about.
Booknerd
Farm Life
Yup, North Korea cut itself off from many countries which meant they could no longer get certain imported goods, such as chemical fertilizer. Now the government requires most of its citizens to use their own feces to aid in farm growth.
Farm Life