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  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Most of the people wear clothes made of the vynalon, a synthetic fiber created in the 50s which is the pride of North Korea. The Dear Leaders wear this very same material. It has become the national fibre of North Korea and is used for the majority of textiles. It is very stiff, uncomfortable, and makes people look like robots. A big problem with vynalon is that there aren’t many colors to choose from. This added to the dull look of DPRK in the past.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea39.jpg
  • PAEKTU, LAND OF NORTH KOREAN LEGENDS<br />
<br />
Mount Paektu volcano is considered a holy place for North Koreans. It is deemed the place of origin for them. The country's founding father Kim Il- Sung commanded anti-Japanese guerrilla in the 50’s from a secret camp in this place.<br />
North Korea says his son Kim Jong-il was born there in 1942. He was actually born in Siberia, where his father had taken refuge from Japanese troops.<br />
The dear Leaders are said to have a "mount Paektu bloodline ». A famous slogan says: « Let us all turn out in the general offensive to hasten final victory in the revolutionary spirit of Paektu! »<br />
A new probelm may erupt: when North Korea tests a nuclear weapon, specialists say the energy could trigger a volcanic...eruption in Paektu. That could be a huge disaster, killing thousands in North Korea and on the chinese side too.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The first stop of the pilgrimage is in Samjiyon Grand Monument. The famous statue of the bugler is a national icon in the DPRK that can be seen in many places.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_LAND_OF_NORTH_KOREAN_LEGENDS16.jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Most of the people wear clothes made of the vynalon, a synthetic fiber created in the 50s which is the pride of North Korea. The Dear Leaders wear this very same material. It has become the national fibre of North Korea and is used for the majority of textiles. It is very stiff, uncomfortable, and makes people look like robots. A big problem with vynalon is that there aren’t many colors to choose from. This added to the dull look of DPRK in the past.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea39.jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • PAEKTU, LAND OF NORTH KOREAN LEGENDS<br />
<br />
Mount Paektu volcano is considered a holy place for North Koreans. It is deemed the place of origin for them. The country's founding father Kim Il- Sung commanded anti-Japanese guerrilla in the 50’s from a secret camp in this place.<br />
North Korea says his son Kim Jong-il was born there in 1942. He was actually born in Siberia, where his father had taken refuge from Japanese troops.<br />
The dear Leaders are said to have a "mount Paektu bloodline ». A famous slogan says: « Let us all turn out in the general offensive to hasten final victory in the revolutionary spirit of Paektu! »<br />
A new probelm may erupt: when North Korea tests a nuclear weapon, specialists say the energy could trigger a volcanic...eruption in Paektu. That could be a huge disaster, killing thousands in North Korea and on the chinese side too.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The first stop of the pilgrimage is in Samjiyon Grand Monument. The famous statue of the bugler is a national icon in the DPRK that can be seen in many places.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_LAND_OF_NORTH_KOREAN_LEGENDS17.jpg
  • PAEKTU, LAND OF NORTH KOREAN LEGENDS<br />
<br />
Mount Paektu volcano is considered a holy place for North Koreans. It is deemed the place of origin for them. The country's founding father Kim Il- Sung commanded anti-Japanese guerrilla in the 50’s from a secret camp in this place.<br />
North Korea says his son Kim Jong-il was born there in 1942. He was actually born in Siberia, where his father had taken refuge from Japanese troops.<br />
The dear Leaders are said to have a "mount Paektu bloodline ». A famous slogan says: « Let us all turn out in the general offensive to hasten final victory in the revolutionary spirit of Paektu! »<br />
A new probelm may erupt: when North Korea tests a nuclear weapon, specialists say the energy could trigger a volcanic...eruption in Paektu. That could be a huge disaster, killing thousands in North Korea and on the chinese side too.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  There are many pictures and murals in the DPRK showing the leaders standing at Mt. Paektu , like this in the hotel at the feet of the volcano that welcome the foreigners.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_LAND_OF_NORTH_KOREAN_LEGENDS19.jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • THE DEAR LEADERS ARE WATCHING YOU<br />
Anywhere you are in DPRK, you will see the portraits of the Dear Leaders. In the houses, in the offices, in the<br />
hospitals, in the subway, they never leave you!<br />
If you look carefully, you will see that they are the frames are leaning forward to avoid reflections that would<br />
make them difficult to see.<br />
Only the portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il can bee seen. Kim Jong Un has not yet portrait yet. They are<br />
sometimes accompanied by a portrait of Kim Jong Suk, Kim Il Sung’s first wife, and the mother of Kim Jong Il.<br />
In this case they are dressed with military uniforms and caps.<br />
They are two versions, one with pictures from the 80’s where the Leaders are very serious, one from the 90s<br />
where they smile. Some say they were the only people who smiled in North Korea.<br />
The portraits are so photshopped, in fact retouched by hand by north korean artists, that they look more ike<br />
paintings that pictures.<br />
The people who marry receive the two portraits and sometimes a third one showing Kim il Sung and Kim Jong Il<br />
chating with papers in the hands. This picture is really bad as it is taken with flash in a corridor office. When i<br />
asked my guide, he admitted this was not a perfect quality picture but it was the perfect illustration of the Dear<br />
Leaders working for the people, even when they were walking.<br />
When you ask north koreans if those portraits are not too much everywhere, they say that as they venerate the<br />
Leaders, it is a pleasure to see them all day long. My guide even noticed that many people have Jesus crucifix<br />
inside their bedrooms in western countries, for him, it was the same…<br />
The frames must always be clean, without fingers marks or dust for example. If you are caught not taking care<br />
of your portraits, you may have problems with the Party or even fined. I noticed that many portraits were dull<br />
because of the sun light on them after years, and were not changed. It seems it was a problem of budget.<br />
The wall where the portraits are hu
    ExPix_THE_DEAR_LEADERS_ARE_WATCHING_...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Americans seen by North Korean's<br />
<br />
The USA is the arch nemesis of North Korea, but Americans can still visit the country. According to the Juche Travel, the North Korean travel agency, “American tourists are permitted to visit the DPRK however they can only enter or exit the country by plane (not train), and cannot spend more than 10 days in the country.”<br />
 I met many American tourists during my 6 trips, and most of them were surprised as they were well welcomed by the guides and locals alike. It was a far cry from the aggressive propaganda and menacing official statements issued by the regime. The Americans were allowed to go everywhere except the homestays in the Chilbo area where tourists sleep in [carefully selected] local farmers’ seaside homes. There was no explanation given, just an “It is not possible”.<br />
 North Koreans are quick to employ images and symbols of America in their own propaganda. During the Cold War, they seized the American spy boat, the USS Pueblo. It is now a Pyongyang tourist attraction. The guide on the boat explains that the US soldiers wrote letters of apology since they were so ashamed of what they did to North Korea. After Bill Clinton went to North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were arrested by the North Koreans while researching human-trafficking, a director made a movie with the tv footages.<br />
In the giant “Gifts Museum” that displays all the gifts the Dear Leaders received from all around the world (mainly from communist countries), the guides are proud to point out Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s gift to Kim Jong-Il: a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan. No photo allowed!<br />
 Most of the propaganda posters depicting North Korea’s hatred of the USA has been removed from the streets. Photographing the only such billboard I saw during my stay in Pyongyang was not easy as the guides always found an excuse not to stop the bus. “Too much traffic,” they said, on a
    ExPix_Americans_seen_by_North_Korean...jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Roller skating is very popular for few years, since China has invaded the country with products. The huge Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang is perfect to learn.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea14.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   If you live in the countryside, you’ll be able to visit Pyongyang on sunday. This is a great privilege, and this will remain as a great souvenir in your life. A visit to pay respect in front of the giant statues of the Dear Leaders is a must.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea13.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Every sunday, the parks are full of people who enjoy korean BBQ with friends. The park becomes smoky and the air is filled with soju (rice alcohol) that north koreans are happy to share with foreigners. This is for wealthy people who can afford to buy meat.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea09.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Leaving Pyongyang for the week end is very difficult, as you need special permits to travel inside the country. So locals enjoy a cruise on Taedong river. The safety equipement is made with old life buoys.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea20.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:    Drinking a 7Up and a kind of burger in a very modern restaurant is something new for the north koreans, but as everywhere, kids ask the parents to go there, even if this is not cheap.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea17.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Roller skating is very popular for few years, since China has invaded the country with products. The huge Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang is perfect to learn.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea14.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Sunday is the best time to meet north korean families. During the week, it is very hard to get contacts as people are in their factories or at home. During the week end, i was even able to wander without my guides in the park.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea12.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Every sunday, the parks are full of people who enjoy korean BBQ with friends. The park becomes smoky and the air is filled with soju (rice alcohol) that north koreans are happy to share with foreigners. This is for wealthy people who can afford to buy meat.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea09.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   At night, people like to have fun in the Kaeson Youth Park in Pyongyang. This was the first time i saw people fighting in North Korea: they were queueing for the rollercaster, and someone tried to jump the queue, and the fight erupted!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea16.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   The bowling is one of the favorite place for the teens, to meet girls, and friends. People do not host guests at home, so they like to meet in places like this.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea19.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   On sundays, cars are not allowed to drive in town. But in fact as most of the cars belong to officials or high rank people, it does not change anything. North koreans like to say that on sunday they can enjoy a walk in a pure air.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea01.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Fishing is one of the most prefered activities of the men on sunday, they fish in Taedong river which is supposed not to be polluted. it is a good way also to get fresh food for the north korean!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea04.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   On sunday the young women wear their latest clothes made in China, very fashionnable compared to the dull uniforms they have to wear at school, universities or in factories...<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea08.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:    Drinking a 7Up and a kind of burger in a very modern restaurant is something new for the north koreans, but as everywhere, kids ask the parents to go there, even if this is not cheap.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea17.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   For this family less wealthy, a small picnic will make their sunday. They were surprised to see a car coming as while were eating in the middle of the road in the suburb of Pyongyang.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea22.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   For this family less wealthy, a small picnic will make their sunday. They were surprised to see a car coming as while were eating in the middle of the road in the suburb of Pyongyang.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea22.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   The bowling is one of the favorite place for the teens, to meet girls, and friends. People do not host guests at home, so they like to meet in places like this.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea19.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   A visit in the Kim Il Sung Native House in Pyongyang on sunday. I asked people how many times they came here, some told me it was their 7th visit. Usually the visits are orgnanised by schools or the Party.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea18.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   After few drinks, everybody becomes happy and dances. Most of the times, sunday leisure is also ornganised by the Party or the factories for the workers lie those ones from an electric factory in Kaesong.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea10.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  Sunday is also a time to show you are a good citizen by joining collective works. This group of adults from Pyongyang as been sent to help to rebuild a road. You have no choice, and even the kids must be part of those tasks.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea07.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Culture is everywhere on sundays. North Koreans can enjoy circus, classic concerts, and many shows. But they all tend to promote the regim.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea03.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   If you live in the countryside, you’ll be able to visit Pyongyang on sunday. This is a great privilege, and this will remain as a great souvenir in your life. A visit to pay respect in front of the giant statues of the Dear Leaders is a must.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea13.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   On sunday, the pionners kids wear their uniforms and wander in the streets. This girl was very proud as she wears on the arm the red star meaning she is the leader of her classroom.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea21.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  Sunday is also a time to show you are a good citizen by joining collective works. This group of adults from Pyongyang as been sent to help to rebuild a road. You have no choice, and even the kids must be part of those tasks.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea07.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Karaoke is popular in North Korea and on sunday, with a mobile quipement, people like to sing patriotic and melancholic songs. This is the only time you’ll be able to see people really relaxed.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea11.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Roller skating is very popular for few years, since China has invaded the country with products. The huge Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang is perfect to learn.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea15.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   On sunday, the pionners kids wear their uniforms and wander in the streets. This girl was very proud as she wears on the arm the red star meaning she is the leader of her classroom.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea21.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  For very few north koreans, sunday morning is the time to go to the church or the protestant temple. Hard to say if those religious places are fake, just set for foreign visitors, or real, as freedom of religion is not an option in North Korea.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea05.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   On sundays, cars are not allowed to drive in town. But in fact as most of the cars belong to officials or high rank people, it does not change anything. North koreans like to say that on sunday they can enjoy a walk in a pure air.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea01.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   A visit in the Kim Il Sung Native House in Pyongyang on sunday. I asked people how many times they came here, some told me it was their 7th visit. Usually the visits are orgnanised by schools or the Party.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea18.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Leaving Pyongyang for the week end is very difficult, as you need special permits to travel inside the country. So locals enjoy a cruise on Taedong river. The safety equipement is made with old life buoys.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea20.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Culture is everywhere on sundays. North Koreans can enjoy circus, classic concerts, and many shows. But they all tend to promote the regim.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea03.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   After few drinks, everybody becomes happy and dances. Most of the times, sunday leisure is also ornganised by the Party or the factories for the workers lie those ones from an electric factory in Kaesong.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea10.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Sunday is the best time to meet north korean families. During the week, it is very hard to get contacts as people are in their factories or at home. During the week end, i was even able to wander without my guides in the park.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea12.jpg
  • What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   At night, people like to have fun in the Kaeson Youth Park in Pyongyang. This was the first time i saw people fighting in North Korea: they were queueing for the rollercaster, and someone tried to jump the queue, and the fight erupted!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea16.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Roller skating is very popular for few years, since China has invaded the country with products. The huge Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang is perfect to learn.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea15.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   Karaoke is popular in North Korea and on sunday, with a mobile quipement, people like to sing patriotic and melancholic songs. This is the only time you’ll be able to see people really relaxed.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea11.jpg
  • Sunday in North Korea<br />
<br />
What can you do on sunday when you live in a dictatorship? You can hardly fly outside of the for a week end, or take your car to the beach...<br />
So this is the time to enjoy simple activities for the north koreans and the best opportunity for foreigners to meet them as everyone is more relax, including your minders!<br />
<br />
Photo shows:   On sunday the young women wear their latest clothes made in China, very fashionnable compared to the dull uniforms they have to wear at school, universities or in factories...<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Sunday_in_North_Korea08.jpg
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