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 Juche Tower in P'yongyang by DSwede
Juche is the principle that the late Kim il-Sung created that in short states that North Korea can do everything unassisted, being completely self-reliant. All it takes is hard work and discipline.
This idea enforces the concept that in any situation, its disciples can overcome any need and obtain their goals by their own had. North Korea can control its own industry, utilities, agricultural production, power generation, education, etc. without the assistance of any outside hand.
It could be argued that this was yet another way for Kim il-Sung to separate DPRK from the rest of the world and build the dividing wall even higher.
As another point of fact, North Koreans now subscribe to the Juche Calendar. Similar to the Christian calendar being based off of Jesus, the Juche Calendar is based off of the life Kim il-Sung. Day 1 of Juche was Kim il-Sung's birth, and to this day, events and publications are commonly dated with both Christian and Juche dates.
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 Police Woman in P'yongyang by DSwede
As with most of the country, electricity is a premium. Street lights and traffic signals are no exception. That and the fact that posting someone in each intersection is a way to keep everyone employed adds to the unique sight of Police Women in their circle.
These traffic officers stand on the little metallic square, in the center of white painted circle, which is likewise in the center of the intersection. If there is any traffic, they must yield to their instructions or be served a violation.
The woman's movements are rigid, sharp, exact... military. They stand, rotate about-face, snap their arms and their baton in militaristic marching fashion. It is a constant ballet for their entire working shift, regardless of the number of vehicles that pass.
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 Speakers at Rakwon department
stores by DSwede
The public can only adjust the volume of these speakers, but cannot change the channel, since they are hard-wired. Nor can they turn them off. If the wires are severed, they may have to answer to the officials.
These speakers are used to pipe propaganda to the masses, as well as many public announcements. Air-broadcast radio is not an option for most North Koreans, and cell phones are not allowed, therefore these squawk-box horns serve to communicate to people when they are not at home watching the government TV channels.
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 The armistice signing
table (Panmunjom) by DSwede
Your tours here will all be for an educational and cultural value, since there is not much of a night life or socializing that you will be allowed to participate in.
It should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway, take everything that the guides say with an open mind. I have heard many stories about DPRK from war veterans, South Koreans and North Koreans. They all have their own versions of the truth, their own biases and forms of censorship.
Remember that when you are in North Korea, they will take you to places that they want to show you and tell you information that they want you to believe in. Do not take any of it as the whole truth, but remember what you witnessed and investigate it upon your return home. Many of the bizarre and seemingly unbelievable facts are true, but many of the general stereotypes are misconceptions.
I will not bore you with anecdotes and trivia, but recommend if you are going to travel to DPRK, read as many varying sources as you can to get. As an example, one tangible way to get a counterpoint would be to visit the DMZ area from South Korea and hear the opposition's arguments.
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 by WillettsworldLeave a Comment
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At a couple of attractions that we visited, we were met by a guide who wore the Korean national costume which, I think, is called the hanbok. Our tour guide wore one on the morning of our departure and also they were for sale in the souvenir shop at the Yanggakdo Hotel. Also young girls were wearing them at a school we visited. Basically, people where them whenever they entertain or put on a performance or a service to impress. Leave a Comment
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Dotted around the city are small stalls that sell fruit juices and, I think, cider etc. I went up to one that was on the corner of the foreign language bookshop we visited and tried to buy something with the North Korean Won that I obtained from my hotel only to get a horrified look on the face of the lady at the kiosk. Buying something with local money is a definite no-no. On another street corner we sure several kiosks lined together that appeared to be selling fast-food of some sort. Leave a Comment
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Unlike in China, where residents cycle, the vast majority of residents appear to walk and bicycles are notable by their absence. People walk around wearing old style clothes that look like they're from the 1940's and 50's and very few people where any bright colours. It's all drab blacks, greys and dark blues with white shirts, almost like a uniform. Young girls in their 20's wear unpleated skirts that are just below the knee. There's also hardly any branded sports clothing or personal items such as bags. The only time we mixed with them was when we visited the Pyongyang Metro and even then it felt like we were on the set of The Trueman Show. Leave a Comment
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 by ColmNugent
There is no religion, but you should treat Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il as minor deities - and show respect accordingly, lay flowers, bow when told to etc. It is a cult and whether you think it odd or not, you'd better accept it or you'll have an uncomfortable time (it's also a bit rude not to respect what your hosts respect).
Wearing a suit is a good idea. You'll be offered a wide range of books praising the revolutionary exploits of the two Kims. In the Pyongyang library there are shelves of books produced by the two Kims on every conceivable subject known to man - clearly very prodigious authors!
The photograph is of one of the human traffic lights in Pyongyang - note, no traffic! This lady (and her colleagues) have a very respected position in Pyongyang and they carry out their duties with the precision of an Olympic gymnast - absolutely fascinating to watch.
In terms of souvenirs, you can get stamps and books as well as a range of lapel pins. If you are nice to your guides, they'll let you buy revolutionary hand-painted posters of the type seen all over Pyongyang. These are truly excellent but a bit militaristic for some. Leave a Comment
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The women have very nice cultural dresses or army uniforms and some smile - they prefer if you ask to be taken for a picture: I requested from our minder would it be possible to marry a North Korean girl and he said: 'There is no law against it..', but the other fellow contiued '..but this time (compare with MUST SEE ACTIVITIES) it is not encouraged!' First impression you may get is that the time has stopped at 1989: no mobiles, many cars 1970s and 1980s (this may change since Fiat Siena plant is operational), pictures in International Friendship exhibitions of friends who have dissappeared from the scene. Pyongyang is one of the most peaceful big cities: few cars, little air pollution, few people. You may also find that North Korea is more hierarchial society as your home country. You will enjoy your discussion with your minders - our where very eager to learn, but most difficult was to explain what is internet to a fellow who never seen it. Leave a Comment
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