North Korea, one of the world’s last closed societies, has always attracted global attention. Beneath all of the political issues surrounding the country, endless rumors about the country’s leadership, accusations of human rights abuses and claims about deadly labor camps, everyday life in North Korea goes on. This photo gallery reveals a fascinating, raw and unfiltered view of everyday life in North Korean capital Pyongyang.
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© East News / Gavin John
Beneath all of the political issues surrounding the country, endless rumors about the country’s leadership, accusations of human rights abuses and claims about deadly labor camps, everyday life in North Korea goes on.
Above: Pyongyang residents bow in front of statues of former leaders Kim Il-sung (left) and his son Kim Jong-il (right) at Mansudae Grand Monuments.
Above: Pyongyang residents bow in front of statues of former leaders Kim Il-sung (left) and his son Kim Jong-il (right) at Mansudae Grand Monuments.
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© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev
The capital of North Korea has a great many portraits of Kim Il-sung, the country’s founder. Although dead for two decades, Kim Il-sung still casts a powerful spell over his country, his status almost akin to a religion.
Above: The center of Pyongyang.
Above: The center of Pyongyang.
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© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev
A military parade commemorating Kim Il-sung's 100th birthday anniversary was the biggest celebration in the nation’s history. A group of Western journalists were invited to witness the event.
Above: A grand military parade marked the 100th birthday of Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, in 2012.
Above: A grand military parade marked the 100th birthday of Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, in 2012.
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© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev
It is said that North Korea has 4.5 million active reserve personnel; if extraordinary military situations are to occur, the country could pull up to ten million people fit for military service.
Above: Soldiers of the Korean People's Army gather at the Kim Il-sung stadium.
Above: Soldiers of the Korean People's Army gather at the Kim Il-sung stadium.
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© Sputnik / Iliya Pitalev
Pyongyang streets are roamed by fashion police, unpaid members of the government-run Socialist Youth League, who ensure residents do not wear clothes deemed too “provocative” or “unpatriotic”.
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© AP Photo / Wong Maye-E
North Korea is gradually changing – more cars are seen on the streets, people have started to wear relatively modern-looking, Chinese-made clothes and even a few tourists can be spotted walking around in Pyongyang.
Above: Residents wait for a bus in downtown Pyongyang.
Above: Residents wait for a bus in downtown Pyongyang.
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© AP Photo / Alexander F. Yuan
The city is said to have a complex underground subway system with secret bunkers, military bases and transport depots.
Above: Puhung subway station in Pyongyang.
Above: Puhung subway station in Pyongyang.
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© AP Photo / Wong Maye-E
People enjoying a ride at Kaeson Youth Amusement Park, the “happiest place in North Korea”, as CNN sarcastically described the place in 2011.
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© Flickr / Matt Paish
Pyongyang is working hard to keep the country’s image positive. Despite this, the country is said to be struggling with widespread poverty. Many people commute to work via bicycle.
Above: Cyclist traveling through the streets of Pyongyang.
Above: Cyclist traveling through the streets of Pyongyang.
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© East News / Gavin John
Last year, rumors spread that young traffic police officer Ri Kyong-Sim may have saved Kim Jong Un from an assassination attempt.
Above: A traffic policewoman directs cars in Pyongyang.
Above: A traffic policewoman directs cars in Pyongyang.
