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  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:Many women still wear this colorful, traditional kimono-like dress known as the “choson-ot” on a daily basis. It is called “hanbok"in South Korea.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea02.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Many women still wear this colorful, traditional kimono-like dress known as the “choson-ot” on a daily basis. It is called “hanbok"in South Korea.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea03.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Many say that with the influence of the South Korean culture through the media, many women have started to undergo surgery to widen their eyes. The surgery includes an incision on the upper lid of skin, removing excess skin or adjusting tissue and muscles to get the desired look.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea04.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Every north korean woman will tell you she dreams to buy a perfume from Paris... They’ll have to wait a little bit...<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea08.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Using UV tanning beds to look like you were out in the sun is not yet a trend in North Korea. They only use them for women who have just given birth in the Pyongyang hospital. It is part of the treatment they receive.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea09.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Pale must be maintained, in any situation!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea15.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Pale must be maintained, in any situation!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea16.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Whatever the choice of attire, the Dear Leaders badge must be worn over the heart.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea19.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Even the haircuts are regulated in North Korea. This started with Kim Jong Il’s utterances: ‘Let us trim our hair in accordance with Socialist lifestyle’. Female students must keep their hair short or plaited.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea18.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Whatever the choice of attire, the Dear Leaders badge must be worn over the heart.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea20.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: An upper class family leaving an expensive restaurant in Pyongyang. The bright colors from the Chinese clothes are easy to spot on the teenager while her sister proudly wears her Pioneer uniform. The mother has kept her boots.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea21.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In a village near Hamhung, this shop shows the few clothing options available to the people. Their choice of footwear is limited to boots and simple shoes.  <br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea22.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The mother here can be seen wearing some brand new shoes that could not be found just a few years ago in North Korea. These platform boots are Chinese and have started to change the way North Korean women look. They love to dress like this when they are on vacation or at amusement parks.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea25.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Advertising does not exist in North Korea, but the propaganda billboards sometimes promote fashion by depicting the latest shoes produced in a government factory.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea26.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The cap is an integral part of the fashion in North Korea. Almost all the uniforms include it. Here, a tour guide can be seen wearing it. It is worn very high on the top of the head and gives a unique look!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea28.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: These shoes belong to the extras on a movie set. Since there is no changing room, I could see what they wear.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea30.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: These girls are the daughters of North Koreans who live in Japan. They came back for a visit in Pyongyang but were asked by the officials to have a traditional hairstyle - nothing crazy like the Japanese girls like to have!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea31.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The Korean Central News Agency said of this style: “Spring Fashion for Women’s Formal Wear” features clothing that is “bright, with daring colors appropriate for the overall mood of spring.” <br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea36.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Sometimes the Dear Leaders badges are pinned over brand names like on this fake Pierre Cardin pictured on the right. My fashion magazines were confiscated at the airport by the police.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea37.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Most of the people wear clothes made of the vynalon, a synthetic fiber created in the 50s which is the pride of North Korea. The Dear Leaders wear this very same material. It has become the national fibre of North Korea and is used for the majority of textiles. It is very stiff, uncomfortable, and makes people look like robots. A big problem with vynalon is that there aren’t many colors to choose from. This added to the dull look of DPRK in the past.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea39.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Most of the people wear clothes made of the vynalon, a synthetic fiber created in the 50s which is the pride of North Korea. The Dear Leaders wear this very same material. It has become the national fibre of North Korea and is used for the majority of textiles. It is very stiff, uncomfortable, and makes people look like robots. A big problem with vynalon is that there aren’t many colors to choose from. This added to the dull look of DPRK in the past.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea39.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Very white skin is seen as an attractive trait in North Korea. Darker skin signifies that you work in the fields and are part of a lower cast. Girls use rice powder to make themselves more pale.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea38.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The Korean Central News Agency said of this style: “Spring Fashion for Women’s Formal Wear” features clothing that is “bright, with daring colors appropriate for the overall mood of spring.” <br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea36.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: North Koreans do not decorate their businesses. This sign only indicates that it is a tailor.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea35.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The elite can travel in North Korea. Many go to China or Europe and return with new trendy clothes. This lady with Christian Dior glasses may be part of this upper echelon. The clothes North Koreans wear signify their economic status.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea34.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: These girls are the daughters of North Koreans who live in Japan. They came back for a visit in Pyongyang but were asked by the officials to have a traditional hairstyle - nothing crazy like the Japanese girls like to have!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea31.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: For the women living in the north of the country, dog fur coats are the best option to fight off the cold temperatures. In Paektu, it gets as cold as minus 30!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea27.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In a village near Hamhung, this shop shows the few clothing options available to the people. Their choice of footwear is limited to boots and simple shoes. <br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea24.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Whatever the choice of attire, the Dear Leaders badge must be worn over the heart.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea20.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: An upper class family leaving an expensive restaurant in Pyongyang. The bright colors from the Chinese clothes are easy to spot on the teenager while her sister proudly wears her Pioneer uniform. The mother has kept her boots.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea21.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Pale must be maintained, in any situation!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea15.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The clothing floor in one of the biggest malls in Pyongyang. This kind of store is reserved for the elite, but still the selection remains very limited. Many North Korean students can watch movies from the west when they study English, but they all told me it was impossible to find the clothes from the films in their country. I found some Adidas shoes in this store, at the high price of 100 US dollars.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea14.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Very white skin is seen as an attractive trait in North Korea. Darker skin signifies that you work in the fields and are part of a lower cast. Girls use rice powder to make themselves more pale.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea12.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Using UV tanning beds to look like you were out in the sun is not yet a trend in North Korea. They only use them for women who have just given birth in the Pyongyang hospital. It is part of the treatment they receive.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea09.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Every north korean woman will tell you she dreams to buy a perfume from Paris... They’ll have to wait a little bit...<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea08.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The Kim Jong Il sunglasses model is still very popular in Pyongyang. Every new arrival in the shops is shown on state television. <br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea06.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: A hair salon in Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un launched a new style: slicked-back hair with the sides cut high at around an inch above the ears. Some say his grandfather had the same haircut in his younger years.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea05.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:Many women still wear this colorful, traditional kimono-like dress known as the “choson-ot” on a daily basis. It is called “hanbok"in South Korea.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea02.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA31.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA32.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA20.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA19.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA16.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA14.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA11.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA10.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA04.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: A tailor makes a cap with the iconic communist red star. She told me that sometimes there are not enough red stars, so they cannot produce the foreseen amount each year. This cap is worn by both men and women from the Worker’s party.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea01.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In a shop of a luxury hotel in Pyongyang, high end perfumes can be bought with euros. Most of these products however are made in China.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea07.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: A hair salon in Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un launched a new style: slicked-back hair with the sides cut high at around an inch above the ears. Some say his grandfather had the same haircut in his younger years.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea05.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The Kim Jong Il sunglasses model is still very popular in Pyongyang. Every new arrival in the shops is shown on state television. <br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea06.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Clash of civilization... Kil Il Sung Vs Prada...<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea10.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: A pioneer girl wears this uniform from the ages of nine to fifteen. Proud of this outfit, many children wear it outside of the school hours. They love to customize their look with unique hairstyles and jewelry.  Students who refuse to wear the school uniform will be subject to punishment.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea11.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Very white skin is seen as an attractive trait in North Korea. Darker skin signifies that you work in the fields and are part of a lower cast. Girls use rice powder to make themselves more pale.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea12.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Very white skin is seen as an attractive trait in North Korea. Darker skin signifies that you work in the fields and are part of a lower cast. Girls use rice powder to make themselves more pale.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea13.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The clothing floor in one of the biggest malls in Pyongyang. This kind of store is reserved for the elite, but still the selection remains very limited. Many North Korean students can watch movies from the west when they study English, but they all told me it was impossible to find the clothes from the films in their country. I found some Adidas shoes in this store, at the high price of 100 US dollars.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea14.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Fashion trends exist even in the military. As soon as the female soldiers are off duty, they like to wear their caps further back on their heads. Or wear plastic bracelets...<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea17.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: cosmetics in a village shop. <br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea23.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In a village near Hamhung, this shop shows the few clothing options available to the people. Their choice of footwear is limited to boots and simple shoes. <br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea24.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: For the women living in the north of the country, dog fur coats are the best option to fight off the cold temperatures. In Paektu, it gets as cold as minus 30!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea27.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  the cosmetics section in Kumgang, the zone created by South and North Koreans where divided families were supposed to meet. Only a few people go as the intermingling has been stopped.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea32.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Sometimes fashion is dictated by the government. In the countryside, women are not allowed to ride a bike with a dress. So they have to wear trousers. In the towns, it is better to wear a dress. I did not see any blue jeans at all. When I told my guides that in France we pay for new blue jeans that look worn with holes, they did not believe me! Clothes must be clean and perfectly washed in North Korea.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea33.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The elite can travel in North Korea. Many go to China or Europe and return with new trendy clothes. This lady with Christian Dior glasses may be part of this upper echelon. The clothes North Koreans wear signify their economic status.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea34.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: North Koreans do not decorate their businesses. This sign only indicates that it is a tailor.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea35.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Very white skin is seen as an attractive trait in North Korea. Darker skin signifies that you work in the fields and are part of a lower cast. Girls use rice powder to make themselves more pale.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea38.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Sometimes the Dear Leaders badges are pinned over brand names like on this fake Pierre Cardin pictured on the right. My fashion magazines were confiscated at the airport by the police.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea37.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows:  the cosmetics section in Kumgang, the zone created by South and North Koreans where divided families were supposed to meet. Only a few people go as the intermingling has been stopped.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea32.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Sometimes fashion is dictated by the government. In the countryside, women are not allowed to ride a bike with a dress. So they have to wear trousers. In the towns, it is better to wear a dress. I did not see any blue jeans at all. When I told my guides that in France we pay for new blue jeans that look worn with holes, they did not believe me! Clothes must be clean and perfectly washed in North Korea.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea33.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: These shoes belong to the extras on a movie set. Since there is no changing room, I could see what they wear.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea30.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: <br />
Clash of civilization... Kil Il Sung Vs Prada...<br />
The clothing floor in one of the biggest malls in Pyongyang. This kind of store is reserved for the elite, but still the selection remains very limited. Many North Korean students can watch movies from the west when they study English, but they all told me it was impossible to find the clothes from the films in their country. I found some Adidas shoes in this store, at the high price of 100 US dollars.<br />
In a shop of a luxury hotel in Pyongyang, high end perfumes can be bought with euros. Most of these products however are made in China.<br />
Every north korean woman will tell you she dreams to buy a perfume from Paris... They’ll have to wait a little bit...<br />
Very white skin is seen as an attractive trait in North Korea. Darker skin signifies that you work in the fields and are part of a lower cast. Girls use rice powder to make themselves more pale.<br />
Pale must be maintained, in any situation!<br />
Using UV tanning beds to look like you were out in the sun is not yet a trend in North Korea. They only use them for women who have just given birth in the Pyongyang hospital. It is
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea29.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The cap is an integral part of the fashion in North Korea. Almost all the uniforms include it. Here, a tour guide can be seen wearing it. It is worn very high on the top of the head and gives a unique look!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea28.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Advertising does not exist in North Korea, but the propaganda billboards sometimes promote fashion by depicting the latest shoes produced in a government factory.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea26.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: The mother here can be seen wearing some brand new shoes that could not be found just a few years ago in North Korea. These platform boots are Chinese and have started to change the way North Korean women look. They love to dress like this when they are on vacation or at amusement parks.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea25.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: cosmetics in a village shop. <br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea23.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In a village near Hamhung, this shop shows the few clothing options available to the people. Their choice of footwear is limited to boots and simple shoes.  <br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea22.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Whatever the choice of attire, the Dear Leaders badge must be worn over the heart.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea19.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Even the haircuts are regulated in North Korea. This started with Kim Jong Il’s utterances: ‘Let us trim our hair in accordance with Socialist lifestyle’. Female students must keep their hair short or plaited.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea18.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Pale must be maintained, in any situation!<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea16.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Fashion trends exist even in the military. As soon as the female soldiers are off duty, they like to wear their caps further back on their heads. Or wear plastic bracelets...<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea17.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Very white skin is seen as an attractive trait in North Korea. Darker skin signifies that you work in the fields and are part of a lower cast. Girls use rice powder to make themselves more pale.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea13.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: A pioneer girl wears this uniform from the ages of nine to fifteen. Proud of this outfit, many children wear it outside of the school hours. They love to customize their look with unique hairstyles and jewelry.  Students who refuse to wear the school uniform will be subject to punishment.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea11.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Clash of civilization... Kil Il Sung Vs Prada...<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea10.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In a shop of a luxury hotel in Pyongyang, high end perfumes can be bought with euros. Most of these products however are made in China.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea07.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Many say that with the influence of the South Korean culture through the media, many women have started to undergo surgery to widen their eyes. The surgery includes an incision on the upper lid of skin, removing excess skin or adjusting tissue and muscles to get the desired look.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea04.jpg
  • Fashion in North Korea<br />
<br />
In every corner of the earth, women love to look beautiful and keep up with the latest fashion trends. The women of North Korea are no different. Fashion is taken seriously here. But in North Korea, women do not read Elle or Vogue; they just glimpse a few styles by watching TV or by observing the few foreigners who come to visit. In the hermit kingdom, clothing also reflects social status. If you have foreign clothes it means you travel and are consequently close to the centralized power. Chinese products have inundated the country, adding some color to the traditional outfits that were made of vynalon fiber. But citizens beware, too much style means you’re forgetting the North Korean juche, the ethos of self-reliance that the country is founded on! But the youth tend to neglect it despite the potential consequences.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: A tailor makes a cap with the iconic communist red star. She told me that sometimes there are not enough red stars, so they cannot produce the foreseen amount each year. This cap is worn by both men and women from the Worker’s party.<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_Fashion_in_North_Korea01.jpg
  • The football stars of tomorrow<br />
<br />
Thousands of Football shirts of Arsenal, Manchester, Chelsea, Milano, etc end up their carreer in... Ethiopia. Sold in the deep south, in the Omo Valley, those second hand clothes are bought by the local tribes. Most of them ignore the meaning of those shirts, and just buy them for the color, the logo, or the shape.<br />
No warrior will go out without his little pillow/seat.<br />
Some, like in Hamer tribe wear at the top of the head a clay helmet where they can put some ostrich feathers when they make a special action, like killing a wild animal, or...a man.<br />
Those tribes won’t exist in few years as the ethiopian governement has launched a huge plan to develop the area.<br />
Soon, a highway coming from Mombassa - Nairobi will pass thru the villages to reach Addis Ababa.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Bana tribe- Arsenal<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_The_football_stars_of_tomorrow...jpg
  • The football stars of tomorrow<br />
<br />
Thousands of Football shirts of Arsenal, Manchester, Chelsea, Milano, etc end up their carreer in... Ethiopia. Sold in the deep south, in the Omo Valley, those second hand clothes are bought by the local tribes. Most of them ignore the meaning of those shirts, and just buy them for the color, the logo, or the shape.<br />
No warrior will go out without his little pillow/seat.<br />
Some, like in Hamer tribe wear at the top of the head a clay helmet where they can put some ostrich feathers when they make a special action, like killing a wild animal, or...a man.<br />
Those tribes won’t exist in few years as the ethiopian governement has launched a huge plan to develop the area.<br />
Soon, a highway coming from Mombassa - Nairobi will pass thru the villages to reach Addis Ababa.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Bana tribe- Chelsea FC<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_The_football_stars_of_tomorrow...jpg
  • The football stars of tomorrow<br />
<br />
Thousands of Football shirts of Arsenal, Manchester, Chelsea, Milano, etc end up their carreer in... Ethiopia. Sold in the deep south, in the Omo Valley, those second hand clothes are bought by the local tribes. Most of them ignore the meaning of those shirts, and just buy them for the color, the logo, or the shape.<br />
No warrior will go out without his little pillow/seat.<br />
Some, like in Hamer tribe wear at the top of the head a clay helmet where they can put some ostrich feathers when they make a special action, like killing a wild animal, or...a man.<br />
Those tribes won’t exist in few years as the ethiopian governement has launched a huge plan to develop the area.<br />
Soon, a highway coming from Mombassa - Nairobi will pass thru the villages to reach Addis Ababa.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Hamer tribe - Manchester United<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_The_football_stars_of_tomorrow...jpg
  • The football stars of tomorrow<br />
<br />
Thousands of Football shirts of Arsenal, Manchester, Chelsea, Milano, etc end up their carreer in... Ethiopia. Sold in the deep south, in the Omo Valley, those second hand clothes are bought by the local tribes. Most of them ignore the meaning of those shirts, and just buy them for the color, the logo, or the shape.<br />
No warrior will go out without his little pillow/seat.<br />
Some, like in Hamer tribe wear at the top of the head a clay helmet where they can put some ostrich feathers when they make a special action, like killing a wild animal, or...a man.<br />
Those tribes won’t exist in few years as the ethiopian governement has launched a huge plan to develop the area.<br />
Soon, a highway coming from Mombassa - Nairobi will pass thru the villages to reach Addis Ababa.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Bana tribe - Arsenal<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_The_football_stars_of_tomorrow...jpg
  • The football stars of tomorrow<br />
<br />
Thousands of Football shirts of Arsenal, Manchester, Chelsea, Milano, etc end up their carreer in... Ethiopia. Sold in the deep south, in the Omo Valley, those second hand clothes are bought by the local tribes. Most of them ignore the meaning of those shirts, and just buy them for the color, the logo, or the shape.<br />
No warrior will go out without his little pillow/seat.<br />
Some, like in Hamer tribe wear at the top of the head a clay helmet where they can put some ostrich feathers when they make a special action, like killing a wild animal, or...a man.<br />
Those tribes won’t exist in few years as the ethiopian governement has launched a huge plan to develop the area.<br />
Soon, a highway coming from Mombassa - Nairobi will pass thru the villages to reach Addis Ababa.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Hamer tribe - Brazil<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_The_football_stars_of_tomorrow...jpg
  • The football stars of tomorrow<br />
<br />
Thousands of Football shirts of Arsenal, Manchester, Chelsea, Milano, etc end up their carreer in... Ethiopia. Sold in the deep south, in the Omo Valley, those second hand clothes are bought by the local tribes. Most of them ignore the meaning of those shirts, and just buy them for the color, the logo, or the shape.<br />
No warrior will go out without his little pillow/seat.<br />
Some, like in Hamer tribe wear at the top of the head a clay helmet where they can put some ostrich feathers when they make a special action, like killing a wild animal, or...a man.<br />
Those tribes won’t exist in few years as the ethiopian governement has launched a huge plan to develop the area.<br />
Soon, a highway coming from Mombassa - Nairobi will pass thru the villages to reach Addis Ababa.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Tsamay tribe- Manchester United<br />
©Eric Lafforgue/Exclusivepix Media
    ExPix_The_football_stars_of_tomorrow...jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA30.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA28.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA27.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA29.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA26.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA25.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA22.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA24.jpg
  • AIRBNB IN NORTH KOREA<br />
<br />
When I first arrived in North Korea in 2008, my guide told me that in the near future it may be possible for tourists to lodge with a North Korean family during their stay. I had to wait years before this sort of North Korean Airbnb came into existence so I’m thrilled when they finally tell me that I could do it. During my stay, I’ll be a guest at the residence of a local fisherman’s family in the village of Jung Pyong Ri, in Myongchon county, situated in the North Hamgyong province. With white sandy beaches, the remote village doesn’t exist on any map. This beautiful portrayal of rural life provides the North Korean government a flattering image to capitalize on, showing tourists this pillar of the country’s economy. <br />
After 5 trips to North Korea, I’m always a tad suspicious when my guides tell me something is amazing. They regularly oversell events I should attend or places I should visit. In the past, I was brought to a fish farm without fish and a host of abandoned factories. Hopefully, this time will be different and Jung Pyong Yi will live up to its hype. <br />
My journey there gives me a great opportunity to view the countryside, as it requires a several-hour bus ride to reach. The roads on the east coast are very muddy and filled with potholes that workers try their best to fix. I see an electric fence lining the beach as an attempt to stall possible Japanese invasion. <br />
The poverty in these rural villages is palpable. From the comfy seat in my bus, I see old, dilapidated houses with roofs ready to collapse. Only huge murals of the smiling Kim Il Sung bring color to these bleak landscapes. My guide informs me that most tourists do not journey this far into the countryside, and that I may be the first European to ever visit this area. The bus continues on, accelerating every time it passes through a village, aggressively forcing other motorists to make way for the bus. There is a disparaging difference between the attitudes of the
    ExPix_AIRBNB_IN_NORTH_KOREA21.jpg
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