| | We flew to Pyongyang from Beijing on this Soviet-era Air Koryo Ilyushin Il-62 |
| | | We felt welcomed by the Great Leader as soon as we arrived at Pyongyang Airport |
| | | Our Il-62 on the tarmac at Pyongyang (photographed with permission) |
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| | Waiting for the bus to take us for the half minute drive to the terminal |
| | | Our 1st stop was Kim Il Sung Square; we saw a practice for a mass dance |
| | | At the time we were not aware that we would join this dance in a few days! |
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| | Our next stop was Kim Il Sung Stadium on the northern side of the city |
| | | MANY things are named after Kim Il Sung, DPRK's eternal president |
| | | Opposite the stadium, these government buildings were decorated for the holiday |
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| | This mural marks the spot where Kim Il Sung returned to Pyongyang in 1945 |
| | | A closer view of the mosaic of Kim Il Sung |
| | | Kim Il Sung's calligraphy is seen in stone beside the mural |
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| | Pyongyang's Arch of Triumph is modelled on Paris, but higher (of course) |
| | | The Arch, the mural and the Kim Il Sung Stadium form an ensemble |
| | | Another view of Kim Il Sung Stadium |
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| | Our room at the hotel had this wonderful view over the Taedong River |
| | | Next morning, Pyongyang awoke to a low mist caused by a temperature inversion |
| | | Pyongyang's eastern district was covered in an eerie swirling mist |
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| | The sun broke the through the clouds to the still sleeping city |
| | | Looking upstream (north) along the Taedong River |
| | | The western side of the river is where the main city centre is located |
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| | A view of the western part of Pyongyang |
| | | The low blue-roofed building is a new market, an experimental concept in DPRK |
| | | The large building with the upturned green roof is Pyongyang Grand Theatre |
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| | We drove south from Pyongyang along the Reunification Highway - not busy! |
| | | It is not often you can stand in the middle of an expressway for a photo. |
| | | As we drove south, we passed through hilly farmlands |
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| | The farms south of Pyongyang are collectivised and among DPRK's most productive |
| | | A small shop at the service centre, mid-way between Pyongyang and Kaesong |
| | | At Panmumjom, near the border, posters urge reunification |
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| | Soldiers guard the entrance of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), 2km from the border |
| | | A model of the Panmumjom negotiating zone |
| | | This room was used to ruthlessly expose US crimes during peace negotiations |
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| | The Korean War ended here in this room on the morning I was born (27 July 1953) |
| | | "It was here the American imperialists got down on their knees to beg... etc.etc |
| | | The US wanted the signing in a tent to avoid a permanent memorial to the defeat |
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| | A large gallery in the building remembers Kim Il Sung's revolutionary efforts |
| | | Kim Il Sung's signature, written the day before he died |
| | | Guarding the frontier. The border is the thin concrete strip through the huts |
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| | Closer view of the border, looking from the southern side (just) |
| | | Our group in the negotiating hut, being briefed on the DMZ |
| | | Vigilant DPRK soldiers stand guard at Panmunjom |
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| | Andrew at Panmumjom. We wisely decided not to walk south and be shot |
| | | Stephen at Panmunjom; the guard at right is about to stop the photo session |
| | | An elevated view of the negotiating huts. The tall building is in South Korea |
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| | The main negotiating hut at Panmumjom |
| | | The South Koreans have built this huge flagpole near the border |
| | | The North Koreans have built an even taller flagpole near the border |
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| | A revolutionary monument in the centre of Kaesong, 8km north of the border |
| | | We stayed at a Folk Hotel, made from renovated traditional Kaesong houses |
| | | A creek flows through the middle of the traditional Folk Hotel |
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| | | We were taken to see the Concrrete Wall, built in the southern DMZ by the US |
| | | Likened to the Berlin Wall, its existence is denied by the US - but here it is! |
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| | Andrew viewing the Concrete Wall through Army Field Glasses |
| | | Andrew and Stephen with a Korean People's Army colonel |
| | | The colonel describes the Concrete Wall with great sorrow |
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| | The wall has a vertical face to the N, but a grass-covered sloping face to the S |
| | | The Kaesong Museum is in an old converted temple complex |
| | | Painted doors at the Songgyungwan temple |
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| | An area of tranquility in the temple |
| | | Outside the museum, we briefly visited a small food shop for local people |
| | | To the west of Kaesong is King Kongmin's tomb |
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| | The tomb faces Mount "Oh-My', based on a great story about the tomb's location |
| | | | Thongil Street in Kaesong is very wide, but remarkably free of traffic |
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| | The Kwandok Pavilion gives a wonderful overview of Kaesong |
| | | Unlike most DPRK towns, Kaesong was not destroyed by bombing in the War |
| | | The statue of Kim Il Sung looks over the town from the hill |
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| | At dusk on the eve of the holiday, everyone came to pay their respects |
| | | The crowds continue to come to the Great Leader, even well after dark |
| | | At the Folk Hotel, the cooks prepared our rice cakes |
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| | Andrew was very happy to join in - after he managed to lift the mallet |
| | | Andrew slept well that night, even though there were no beds in our room |
| | | We awoke next morning to light rain in our courtyard |
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| | The street opposite our hotel is typical of Kaesong's traditional streets |
| | | Kaesong ladies in their best clothes pass a monument to the Great Leader |
| | | Returning to Pyongyang, we came to this revolutionary relief sculpture |
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| | The sculpture adorned the Reunification Arch, striding the Reunification Highway |
| | | The arch was built to commemorate Kim Il Sung's 3-point plan for Korean unity |
| | | The arch was a destination for this family to so some holiday sightseeing |
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| | We visited Kim Il Sung's birth place, with the famous distorted clay pot |
| | | Kim Il Sung's birth place, Mangyongdae, is now a focus of pilgrimage |
| | | Coca-Cola is not sold in DPRK, but Andrew found a great substitute |
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| | | This mural shows a young Kim Il Sung resolving to liberate Korea from oppression |
| | | A closer view of the mural |
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| | A pavilion on Mangyongdae provides a great view of Pyongyang in the distance |
| | | Looking across Turu Island towards Pyongyang in the distance |
| | | This monument shows where Kim Il Sung fought a bully, and won (of course!) |
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| | Young Koreans walk past the point where Kim Il Sung defeated the bully |
| | | We entered the Pyongyang Metro through this door at Puhung (Revival) Station |
| | | The turnstiles at Puhung (Revival) Station on the Pyongyang Metro |
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| | The Pyongyang Metro is over 100 metres deep as it doubles as a fallout shelter |
| | | Each station has its own socialist theme. Revival focuses on industry |
| | | The main platform at Puhung (Revival) Station |
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| | The main platform at Puhung (Revival) Station |
| | | At the end of the platform, a huge mural of Kim Il Sung is brightly flood-lit |
| | | Inside a railway carriage on the Pyongyang Metro |
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| | Yonggwang (Glory) Station has lights to resemble soaring and exploding fireworks |
| | | Andrew climbs the steps from the platform at Yonggwang (Glory) Station |
| | | Sosong Street, looking towards Central Railway Station (background) |
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| | Pyongyang's streets have very few cars or bicycles |
| | | Pyongyang Central Railway, decorated for the 60th anniverary of Liberation |
| | | The US spy ship Pueblo, was captured in DPRK waters in 1968, and is now a trophy |
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| | Electronic surveillance equipment on the USS Pueblo |
| | | The official signed confession by the US admitting illegal espionage |
| | | A KPA officer gently explains the aggressive imperialism of the US towards Korea |
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| | The USS Pueblo, now in Pyongyang's Taedong River |
| | | A factory near the site of the USS Pueblo |
| | | A housing block near the site of the USS Pueblo |
|
| | We attended a performance of the Military Circus |
| | | School children attending the performance of the Military Circus |
| | | A clever balancing act commemorating Pyongyang's reconstruction |
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| | balancing on the high wire |
| | | A US Army soldier is humiliated and then kicked by a four-legged clown |
| | | Spell-bound children watching the flying trapeze |
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| | At the end of the show, the sponsor is thanked |
| | | Politics meets circus - the Army Circus salutes the audience |
| | | The Pyongyang Documentary Film Studio produces many DPRK classics |
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| | These buildings are opposite the Tower of the Juche Idea in east Pyongyang |
| | | A view across the Taedong River to the Grand People's Study Hall |
| | | In the foundation of the Juche Tower are goodwill stones from around the world |
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| | Abundant harvests is the theme of this sculpture at the Juche Tower |
| | | View from the Juche Tower towards the north along the Taedong River |
| | | View from the Juche Tower towards the north-east over Pyongyang |
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| | View from the Juche Tower towards the east over Pyongyang |
| | | View from the Juche Tower towards the west over Kim Il Sung Square |
| | | Street scene near the base of the Juche Tower |
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| | Pyongyang's roads are remarkable for their width and little traffic volume |
| | | Housing blocks near the Juche Tower |
| | | Tongil Street is a massive housing project finished in 1993 |
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| | There are 290 tower blocks in Tongil Street, some as high as 30 storeys |
| | | Evening over Tongil Street |
| | | On 15th August we were invited to join the mass dancing in Kim Il Sung Square |
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| | Thousands of Pyongyangites came together for this community event |
| | | The event began with a performance, after which anyone could join in |
| | | Fireworks added to the festivities of the celebration |
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| | Dancing in Kim Il Sung Square on the 60th anniversary of Liberation from Japan |
| | | Dancing in Kim Il Sung Square on the 60th anniversary of Liberation from Japan |
| | | Dancing in Kim Il Sung Square on the 60th anniversary of Liberation from Japan |
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| | The dancing finished with another fireworks finale |
| | | Andrew chatted with famous CNN reporter, Mike Chinoy |
| | | This Ministry building in Kim Il Sung Square features Marx and Lenin portraits |
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| | This Ministry Building features an illuminated portrait of Kim Il Sung |
| | | Pyonyang on the evening of the 60th anniverary of the end of World War II |
| | | Pyongyang No.1 Department Store. Foreigners are not permitted to enter |
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| | The Mansudae Art Theatre is the venue for many bombastic revolutionary operas |
| | | The Grand People's Study House is Pyongyang's central library |
| | | Mansudae Fountain Park is a favourite meeting place for Pyongyangites |
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| | Looking to the Grand people's Study House from Mansudae Fountain Park |
| | | Murals on the Mansudae Art Theatre show scenes from the opera 'Sea of Blood' |
| | | A rainbow reflects in the spray of the Mansudae Fountain Park |
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| | Looking to the monument to Kim Il Sung from Mansudae Park, over 1 km distant |
| | | Revolutionary sculptures show the anti-imperialist struggle of the Korean people |
| | | "Long Live the Banner of Marxist-Leninist-Style Proletariat Internationalism" |
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| | Unveiled in 1972, the bronze monument to Kim Il Sung stands 20 metres tall |
| | | It is a focus of respect for DPRK people who show their boundless devotion |
| | | The monument is flanked by the world's biggest socialist realist sculptures |
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| | The masses wanted this to be 40m high but the Great Leader modestly said only 20 |
| | | Stephen with the Great Leader and Eternal President, Comrade Kim Il Sung |
| | | Andrew with the Great Leader and Eternal President, Comrade Kim Il Sung |
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| | The nearby Chollima Statue models a fast mythical horse - and economic progress |
| | | Like all Pyongyang's main roads Kaeson Street is remarkable free of traffic |
| | | Korean liberators triumph over American aggression (note bullet hole in helmet) |
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| | Mansudae Grand Monument is on a hill overlooking the city of Pyongyang |
| | | "Let us bow in respect to the Great Leader Kim Il Sung" |
| | | Children practising for a night torch parade in Kim Il Sung Square |
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| | In the parade, groups file through the square forming lit up Korean words |
| | | Foreigners are never invited to the torch parades; this is as close as we get |
| | | Children practising for a night torch parade in Kim Il Sung Square |
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| | Local people admire paintings in the Korean Art Galley on Kim Il Sung Square |
| | | The art gallery has a different emphasis from the crass styles found elsewhere |
| | | The Dear Leader, Kim Jong Il, gives on-the-spot guidance in a shoe factory |
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| | The Dear Leader, Kim Jong Il, takes a break from his arduous work |
| | | Local people admire paintings in the Korean Art Galley |
| | | Korean art is not confined to the gallery - it is found throughout the streets |
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| | A female police officer directs traffic in Pyongyang |
| | | Sungri Street, decorated for the 60th anniversary celebrations |
| | | Change of shift of the robots, otherwise known as traffic police |
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| | A beautiful old Soviet car in the hotel car park |
| | | A beautiful old Soviet car in the hotel car park |
| | | The western district of Pyongyang from our hotel window |
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| | The large block building in mid-ground is Kim Il Sung's mausoleum |
| | | An inscription from Kim Il Sung at the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery |
| | | The Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery remembers those who died (of course!) |
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| | Bronze busts show the martyrs who are buried (or remembered) here |
| | | A row of revolutionary martyrs |
| | | Music from discreet speakers provides a calm and sombre mood |
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| | The revolutionary martyrs look across the Pyongyang skyline to May Day Stadium |
| | | Kim Jong Suk (wife of Kim Il Sung and mother of Kim Jong Il) has pride of place |
| | | At the top of the cemetery is a granite red flag that is polished every day |
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| | The largest wreath to Kim Jong Suk is from her son, the Dear Leader Kim Jong Il |
| | | Amazingly, this amusement park is found just below the cemetery |
| | | We visited the Kwangbop Buddhist Temple |
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| | It was destroyed by US bombing, but re-built by the government in 1990 |
| | | It is in immaculate condition, almost as though it was never used! |
| | | The staff comprises one 'monk' and one sales lady selling postcards |
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| | The tranquil courtyard of the remote Kwangbop Buddhist Temple |
| | | The 'monk' strolls contemplatively through the temple grounds |
| | | A messenger greets visitors to the Kwangbop Buddhist Temple |
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| | The scale of the Monument to Founding of the Korean Workers Party dwarfs people |
| | | A housing block beside the Monument to the Founding of the Korean Workers Party |
| | | A close view of the Monument to the Founding of the Korean Workers Party |
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| | Reliefs on the Monument to the Founding of the Korean Workers Party |
| | | The hammer, brush and sickle represent workers, intellectuals and farmers |
| | | Looking from the Party Founding Monument to the pyramid of the Ryugyong Hotel |
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| | Building of the 323 metre high 105-storey Ryugyong Hotel stopped in 1992 |
| | | A housing block beside the Monument to the Founding of the Korean Workers Party |
| | | A housing block beside the Monument to the Founding of the Korean Workers Party |
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| | A group of residents in their best dress walks to the Metro entrance |
| | | The workers paradise of Pyongyang had a festive air for the holiday celebrations |
| | | Tram in Mansu Street, Pyongyang |
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| | National flags decorate Mansu Street for the 60th anniversary celebrations |
| | | | Tram in Mansu Street, Pyongyang |
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| | Andrew in Mansu Street, Pyongyang |
| | | Stephen in Mansu Street, Pyongyang |
| | | Socialist street art at the foot of the Chollima Statue |
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| | Socialist street art at the foot of the Chollima Statue |
| | | A poster celebrating the 60th anniversary of Liberation from Japanese oppression |
| | | Socialist street art at the foot of the Chollima Statue |
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| | Pyongyangites walk past 60th anniversary street decorations |
| | | Pyongyang Grand Theatre was opened in 1960. It was built 'in Korean style' |
| | | View of Yanggak Island in the Taedong River, showing the golf course |
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| | View of Pyongyang's southern districts from Yanggak Island |
| | | Looking north to the Juche Tower, with May Day Stadium in the background left |
| | | View of Pyongyang's eastern districts from Yanggak Island |
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| | The Taedong River, looking north from Yanggak Island |
| | | View of Pyongyang's western districts from Yanggak Island |
| | | View of Pyongyang's eastern districts from Yanggak Island |
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| | View of Pyongyang's eastern districts from Yanggak Island |
| | | Looking north to the Juche Tower, with May Day Stadium in the background left |
| | | Our hotel, the Yanggakdao, reflected in the waters of the Taedong River |
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| | The Tower to the Juche Idea honours Kim Il Sung's philosophy of self-reliance |
| | | Looking across the Taedong River to the Tower of the Juche Idea |
| | | At the foot of the Juche Tower is the worker-farmer-intellectual statue |
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| | Dinner on our last night was on this boat opposite the Tower to the Juche Idea |
| | | The boat never left the shoreline |
| | | Leaving the hotel for the trip highlight - the mass games |
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| | On our last night, we attended the opening night of the spectacular mass games |
| | | Kim Jong Il was present, so cameras were not allowed. This is from a video |
| | | I will never forget the electric atmosphere when the Dear Leader entered |
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| | The performance was in May Day Stadium, with an audience of over 100,000 people |
| | | Over 50,000 people participated in the performance |
| | | A major theme was peace and reunification |
|
| | CNN reporters were at our performance and filed a report for global viewing |
| | | Stephen was interviewed about the messages he saw in the mass games |
| | | A well-dressed Andrew proudly shows his ticket to mass games opening night |
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| | Our visas were kept by DPRK authorities - a photo is our only memento |
| | | Pyongyang Central Railway Station was the starting point of our return journey |
| | | We travelled from Pyongyang to the Chinese border and on to Beijing |
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| | Some DPRK children going to Beijing are farewelled at Pyongyang Railway Station |
| | | Andrew beside our Chinese railway carriage before departure |
| | | A typical DPRK railway station |
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| | A larger DPRK railway station |
| | | Andrew teaching some Belgian friends some amazing card tricks |
| |
| | Sinuiju is the DPRK's border city with China on the Yalu River |
| | | 'Advertising' at Sinuiju Railway Station |
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| | The shop at Sinuiju Railway Station |
| | | Looking across the Yalu River to the Chinese city of Dandong |
| | | The Chinese city of Dandong differs greatly from its DPRK twin across the river |
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| | Our journey finished at Beijing Railway Station |
| | | Andrew beside our rail carriage at Beijing railway Station |
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