In every North Korean home there are pictures of the country’s three leaders: Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un. It is mandatory for every family to have these pictures prominently displayed in their homes and due to Kim’s cult of personality, they are also used as religious icons with prayers being offered to the images.
In fact, the pictures are considered so important, that there is a famous story of a young girl who was swept away by a flood trying to save them. She is now considered a hero of the state.
This office is only for women
Sometimes it seems like North Korea is stuck in a 1950’s time warp with no natural progression. Furthermore, the societal norms even seem to be reverting to feudal times. Therefore, it not surprising that most jobs in the country are divided by gender, something that was popular in the US and most of the world 70 years ago!
These women are most likely best friends who work in the same place, and in North Korean society, it is not considered strange or unusual for grown men or grown women to hold each other’s hands in public.
The rise of tourism
Not that long ago, even in 2012, it was extremely difficult for foreigners to be granted entrance into isolated North Korea. Actually, the only chance to get into the Hermit Kingdom was to travel to China, stay in a North Korean run hotel there, give your passport to the North Korean embassy (don’t forget the bribe please) and wait with your fingers crossed.
Today, the process is much simpler, and locals are much more used to tourists. This shot was taken before foreigners were a regular sight.
The best defense
These massive stone blocks on the sides of the road are not decorative. In case of attack, the United States being the most likely invader, these blocks will be blown up to create tank traps.
As these blocks fall, they will block the road making it impassable. Furthermore, the walls are made of rocks which are designed to form shrapnel, making sure any soldiers on the ground will be hurt or worse.
Time off
Even though it seems hard to believe, even North Koreans sometimes need a break to enjoy time off just like you or me. One of the preferred leisure activities for (well off) North Korean kids is to rollerblade.
Even though they are about two decades behind in this trend, it is something they enjoy, and a small sign that North Korea may be slowly catching up with the rest of the world.