Architecture in North Korea in general and in Pyongyang, in particular, is characterized by uniform gray cement, as used by the old Soviet Union. Since the country is technically, if not practically, a communist state, the message from the regime is that everyone is equal and therefore living arrangements should be equal as well.
The reality is, that due to insufficient technical expertise and international sanctions, many of the buildings are not safe to inhabit and many others are empty and unused.
Hunger everywhere
North Korea is a starving country, with most of the population severely malnourished. The people survive on rats and squirrels and anything else they can get their hands on. In order to fix this problem, and feed the masses, the government is trying to increase the land available for farming.
Unfortunately, these efforts have been mostly unsuccessful due to outdated farming techniques which are roughly 300 years old! Therefore, people all over the country are emaciated and weak. North Koreans who manage to make it to China are immediately spotted and are well known for being very thin and with an enormous appetite and willingness to eat anything.
Empty trains
Empty trains run on time Foreigners who visit the Hermit Kingdom are heavily monitored, with only 4,000 to 6,000 western tourists being allowed access per year. They are taken on regulated, closely guarded tours, where taking photographs without permission could get them in serious trouble, thrown into jail or worse.
This picture of an empty train station was taken at great peril to the photographer’s life. The lives of North Korean citizens are monitored closely, and they are not allowed to travel. The only way to leave your town or village is with the regime’s express written permission. The train in this picture is mainly for tourists and is also used a propaganda tool by North Korea’s leaders to show the country’s modern and convenient transportation.
Taxis everywhere
North Korea has been flooded by taxis in recent years, but they are limited to the capital city of Pyongyang. Although most of the country’s residents live in poverty, the North Korean elite, some of which are even multi-millionaires, seem to be keeping this vast amount of cabs occupied and profitable. All the taxis in North Korea are part of state-run businesses and the competition is fierce.
Taxi driving has become so lucrative that workers who want to become drivers must sometimes bribe their way into the business. All this probably means that you shouldn’t count on catching an Uber in Pyongyang, there is very little chance you could get one.
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.