In the summer of 2015 I decided to embark upon travel to the DPRK (North Korea).  I prepared myself with months of Kindle reading, blog research, and website surfing.  A common but intriguing theme regarding DPRK travel included; depression, loneliness, dark despair, and danger. Once proposed as the world’s largest hotel was labeled; “the worst building in the history of mankind” (1).   The New York Times ran a photo blog of Everyday Objects (2) including toothpicks. Was the DPRK really that different?.  One intriguing YouTube video labeled the DPRK as “frozen in time and a dark, futuristic vision of society” (3).

 

Surly no sane social responsible San Franciscan would spend a three year travel budget exploring the most repressed, isolated, & possible dangerous country in the world?  Due to my philosophy of no regret as well as lost opportunity to spend 2 weeks in the USSR during the 1980’s, I had execute on this bucket list.

 

Travel to the DPRK is strictly limited to select regions and only while accompanied by one of two international travel companies.  The biggest, and most popular being Koryo Tours.  I selected the ‘Pyongyang Architecture’ tour due to my Architecture interest, its diversity and opportunity to see less common sites.

 

My fellow tour mates included like minded folks including practicing Architects from China, and Italy, a Mormon from LA, and a local politician from Buckinghamshire.  Perhaps the most traveled Woman in her 70’s inspired me with her ability to explore almost every country in the world.  An Architectural journalist published a post trip article “The Pyonghattan project: how North Korea's capital is transforming into a 'socialist fairyland’” (4).  He provides a different perspective than mine but well worth the read.

 

Photography within the DPRK is challenging but not due to restrictions as commonly perceived.  High noon daylight produce a horrible sans contrast, gray & white dominate all backgrounds, while neon green is the interior color of modernism. Interior lighting includes a mash of Kelvin scale gone insane.   The need for a long (300mm) lens provided lengthy Lighroom distortion repair and many photos where snapped while traveling roadside within a bus.

 

Taking picture of people is challenging as well.  North Koreans are shy, proud, quiet, often sheltered and non expressive.  Adults never smile. However like many parts of the world, kids being kids will often express joy and are more willing to expose vulnerability.

 

In summary I included photos typical of any Pyongyang visit but attempted to focused on photos of people at their best and videos of interest.   Sit Back Relax and Enjoy!  Feedback is more than welcome.