ADVERTISEMENT

Last year, I travelled to North Korea to write and photograph a feature for GQ Magazine in Australia.

It was the most fascinating and depressing week of my life. These photos are a glimpse of the carefully choreographed tour that visitors are allowed to go on. It's a facade, for sure, but there are little moments of humanity that peek through.

More info: Instagram

#2

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's more context around the photos: http://www.gq.com.au/entertainment/film+tv/that+time+we+went+to+north+korea,44899

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#5

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Full Name
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a fan of ornate things as a rule, but that's one of the most gorgeous buildings I've ever seen.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Koko Sempai
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the sound of these instruments! I went to see a Japanese performance before, and it was so good!

#12

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mirriam Banda
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if they will ever manage to fully finish and open that hotel (Ryugyong Hotel).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Olivia W
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because its not an actual newspaper it's for tourists to see how "great" their country is.

Load More Replies...
David
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm probably totally wrong with this, but isn't is possible that this is too white to be regular recycled paper for mass produced newspapers, meaning it's a low-volume thing for tourists?

Diana Burolo
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

where i come from - croatia - you can buy foreign newspapers and on national tv and radio broadcast you can hear daily news in english i think all media is for some kind of propaganda... i don't think people from western countries are less brainwashed by media than n. koreans.

Ymme Cruijff
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I believe they are. In western countries you're allowed to start your own newspaper en you are protected from interference from the government by civil rights, mostly laid down in constitutions. Although there are state run media, you can come by independent news from (many) different sources. I don't think North Koreans have that luxury...

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#16

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Apollo
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good to see there is still the freedom of expression in this beautiful ancient art. Unless she is writing Kim Jong-Un's name...

ADVERTISEMENT
#17

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Dylan Barsby
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always loathed all the litter and obvious pollution around me - in the streets etc. and have always enjoyed a 'clean' environment... but this is practically sterile. I'm surprised to find that I dislike it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Holly Hofmann
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks like she was caught mid-Michael Jackson dance routine.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#25

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

#28

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kira Leseman
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is the middle statue depicting? A bayonet with a flag around it maybe?

#29

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

#31

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jumailiana Iwan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i got this pic from the south side....... that big building with horn like roof is where the south house north koreans defectors , where the south will screen and check whether the defectors are real or spies trying to inflitrate

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Claire Von Hirdler
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

looks like some of these pics were taken through glass...there's the slight reflection. maybe a car tour?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#33

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#38

I'm A Freelance Photographer That Went To North Korea. Here's What I Saw

Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda