Secretive societyBBC News website reader Alina Paul recently got a glimpse of everyday life in North Korea, one of the world's most reclusive societies. These are some of her photographs and thoughts from the visit.
This panoramic view of Pyongyang was taken from Koryo Hotel's revolving restaurant.
These chic restaurants are one of the features of North Korea's capital which foreigners
Patriotic karaoke
Karaoke is a passion among North Koreans as in most East Asian cultures. Waitresses double up as karaoke singers in restaurants, singing their heart out with patriotic songs about the war.
This essential pastime often reveals hidden talents, as Korean culture reinforces an intense education in art and music from an early age. Most people revel in taking centre stage after a few glasses of soju (which tastes similar to Japan's sake).
Karaoke is a passion among North Koreans as in most East Asian cultures. Waitresses double up as karaoke singers in restaurants, singing their heart out with patriotic songs about the war.
This essential pastime often reveals hidden talents, as Korean culture reinforces an intense education in art and music from an early age. Most people revel in taking centre stage after a few glasses of soju (which tastes similar to Japan's sake).
Mass manpower
North Korea suffers from a constant threat of food insecurity.
Following the partition of the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel in 1945, the North was left with land unsuitable for agriculture.
With arable land making up only 16% of the country's territory, mass manpower is employed to build sea dykes, in an effort to increase the amount of agricultural land and improve food production.
North Korea suffers from a constant threat of food insecurity.
Following the partition of the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel in 1945, the North was left with land unsuitable for agriculture.
With arable land making up only 16% of the country's territory, mass manpower is employed to build sea dykes, in an effort to increase the amount of agricultural land and improve food production.
Musical encouragement
Rice is indispensable to Korean society.
Its cultivation has shaped societies across Asia, and no less so North Korea. The manpower required for the task - such as digging up irrigation canals, replanting and harvesting large paddy fields - means the whole community must adopt a collective approach and work together.
During periods of intensive labour, such as planting rice, rows of red flags flutter in the fields as symbols of the revolutionary effort. Orchestras are sent to motivate the workers
Rice is indispensable to Korean society.
Its cultivation has shaped societies across Asia, and no less so North Korea. The manpower required for the task - such as digging up irrigation canals, replanting and harvesting large paddy fields - means the whole community must adopt a collective approach and work together.
During periods of intensive labour, such as planting rice, rows of red flags flutter in the fields as symbols of the revolutionary effort. Orchestras are sent to motivate the workers
Bicycle transport
Bicycles are an essential asset to those lucky enough to possess one. In the last few years the number of bicycles have increased rapidly showing signs of improved access for locals.
This man is probably taking his pig to a farmers' market.
Since the reforms of 2002, the state has allowed farmers more liberty to sell their surplus in local markets.
Bicycles are an essential asset to those lucky enough to possess one. In the last few years the number of bicycles have increased rapidly showing signs of improved access for locals.
This man is probably taking his pig to a farmers' market.
Since the reforms of 2002, the state has allowed farmers more liberty to sell their surplus in local markets.
Private property
Houses are of simple construction, with cement tiles on which villagers dry their crops.
Over the last few years, villagers have been allowed to have 100 sq m of private garden around their houses, where they can grow personal supplies of food to supplement the state rations.
Every inch of this space is used, and the house walls and roofs are often used to grow marrows and pumpkins to tide families over during the harsh winter season.
Houses are of simple construction, with cement tiles on which villagers dry their crops.
Over the last few years, villagers have been allowed to have 100 sq m of private garden around their houses, where they can grow personal supplies of food to supplement the state rations.
Every inch of this space is used, and the house walls and roofs are often used to grow marrows and pumpkins to tide families over during the harsh winter season.
Lucky catch
A farm labourer shows off his catch on a freezing winter day.
A moment of pure spontaneity is a refreshing change to the often guarded emotions of local people.
People do not like having their picture taken. Photographing everyday life is mostly prohibited, amid suspicions that foreigners want to show the country as backward and poor.
Text and photos: Alina Paul
A farm labourer shows off his catch on a freezing winter day.
A moment of pure spontaneity is a refreshing change to the often guarded emotions of local people.
People do not like having their picture taken. Photographing everyday life is mostly prohibited, amid suspicions that foreigners want to show the country as backward and poor.
Text and photos: Alina Paul
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