All for show
The North Korean tour guides love to show off the capital city of Pyongyang to visitors. The city looks modern and new and is full of shiny high-rise buildings that could fit in anywhere in the world, including Japan, China and even European capitals! Unfortunately, these buildings are mostly just for show.
Many of them are unfinished inside or empty and unused. Even the finished buildings do not have electricity. I’m sure it’s not easy getting to the top floors of those towers without a working elevator.
No beach access
This picture shows North Korea’s beautiful coastal road, with miles of beautiful views, coastlines and lovely beaches. However, upon taking a closer look, you can see a fence all along the coastal road.
The fence is blocking access to the beach and is fully electrified. In a country that cannot afford to provide all its inhabitants with electricity, those resources are being used for an electrified fence which surrounds the country and keeps people in. Making sure the citizens can never leave.
Street walking
In a country as big as North Korea it is important to have good roads so that people and goods can get from one place to another. Luckily, the North Koreans don’t have to worry about traffic. It is very rare for people to have their own car and the roads are often empty. So much so, that in Pyongyang and other cities around the country, you can see people walking in the street.
Wide boulevards meant for car traffic have become pedestrian walkways because the people know there will never be any cars driving down them.
Eyes and ears everywhere
Just like in the famous book 1984 by Geroge Orwell, everything that is said or done by the people of North Korea is monitored by the government. No place in the country is free from surveillance.
Hidden cameras and microphones are placed everywhere from people’s homes, work, parks and squares and even inside public transportation and cars! Just like in this picture, one can often see North Korean military watchtowers overlooking towns and villages, making sure that everyone is in line.
Central Government Building
This photo of the Central Government Building in Pyongyang reveals many interesting things about the country. First of all, it provides a glance of normal government bureaucrats walking around and going about their daily lives.
Secondly, the roads are clearly empty of cars and the people are walking on them freely with no fear that they will face oncoming traffic. Thirdly, it is an act of bravery by the photographer as taking a picture of this building is a dangerous offense. One that can lead to arrest for espionage and possible execution.