Michal Huniewicz is an avid traveler, and during his latest journey, he decided to visit North Korea to explore the real life of its people. However, he was surprised when his guide prohibited him from using his camera, repeating warnings every time he attempted to take a picture.
This “photographer” also shared that the guide continuously warned him that if they discovered any photos taken in unauthorized areas, he would be detained in North Korea. After returning home, he felt extremely tense about successfully smuggling a collection of photos out of this mysterious country.
Interesting Facts About North Korea:
In North Korea, instead of trams and scooters, people use coal and wood-powered vehicles!
Most cyclists are men.
If you are a woman and want to become a traffic police officer in North Korea, you must meet three criteria: height, vision, and… beauty, as police officers represent the “face” of the city and even the country.
Unlike the Gregorian and lunar calendars, North Koreans use a unique calendar system called the “Juche Calendar,” which is based on the birth date of the late leader Kim Il-sung – April 15, 1912.
Let’s explore the real life in North Korea and see what makes this “strangest” country in the world so special.
The government and military are omnipresent in the capital, Pyongyang
The stark contrast between North Korea (left) and China (right)
At night, the differences between the two neighboring countries become even more pronounced
When photographing the statue of Kim Il-sung, you are required to take a full-body shot of the statue
Border control procedures are quite tedious, requiring a lot of information to fill out
Taking photos on this train is illegal
Human feces can also be sold for fertilizer production. The people in the photo are waiting to sell their “product.”
North Koreans can only travel within the country when granted permission
Those in positions of power enjoy many privileges, even if they hold only a minor position
Your guide will accompany you everywhere, not allowing you to stray a single step, even reminding you of bedtime and waking you up
Photography in North Korea must be done discreetly
Old-fashioned architecture in the capital, Pyongyang
Urban landscape from Yanggakdo Hotel
The elevator does not have a fifth floor; you must take the stairs to get there
It is difficult to have long conversations with locals as they seem very cautious around strangers
Kim Il-sung Square is the only place where you are allowed to take photos
Those permitted to live in Pyongyang enjoy many perks and always wear badges on their clothing. These badges cannot be bought in North Korea, but you can find fakes in China!
This store is only for local residents
One of the souvenirs you can buy in this country
The capital, Pyongyang, is extremely clean
Traffic jams are rare
North Korean workers
There are still instances of incivility
People commute to work and children go to school on coal or wood-powered vehicles.
