Previously we published a photo collection of “everyday life in Pyongyang“, outlining a unique take on life in North Korea’s capital city. But, inevitably, some people were wondering and questioning just what is life “outside” Pyongyang like? For many, this is an important variable, as it is true to say those living outside of the capital are not as fortunate or privileged as their urban counterparts. Indeed, in rural areas, life has a much less prosperous and much more traditional outlook, but that does that mean we’re shying away from it? Absolutely not. Here again, is a few years worth of photos of life in rural North Korea, all taken by the author. Enjoy!
1) A man asleep on top of a cargo train full of goods.2) Children play on a frozen river in North Pyong’an province3) Street in Kaesong4) Rural Men look upon our bus in North Hwanghae Province
5) Children in Kaesong. The little girl has rollerstakes and is carrying a bag from a designer Chinese brand
6) Working in the fields, near Sariwon
7) This was taken in a village near the Sariwon collective farm
8) A truck carrying a large number of people, this is a common form of rural transport. Without a doubt one of the most bizarre scenes you witness in the countryside.9) Working in the fields, South Pyong’an province10) Two men on a train, South Pyong’an province
11) This is on the hill overlooking Sariwon, the man looks remarkably like Kim Jong-il from the back, wearing identical dress
12) This was a special moment. This grandfather came in from the street in Sariwon to introduce his grand-daughter to us. 13) Cattle Plows are very much common in the North Korean countryside
14) Children in Kaesong15) North Korean women wash their clothes in the Yalu river, directly opposite China. We were able to take a boatride and see scenes of North Korean rural life without entering the country.
16) Look carefully at this one. Someone is walking with a heavy load of hay strapped to their back
17) A village scene in North Pyong’an province.
18) A Wedding at the Koryo Museum, Kaesong.
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