Rare Images Reveal Everyday Life Inside North Korea

North Korea isn't exactly the kind of place you can just pack up and visit whenever you like. Because of that, these rare images offer a fascinating look into life inside this secluded nation.

For people in most countries, traveling abroad—whether for work, leisure or to visit family—is a normal part of life. But in North Korea, things work very differently. Citizens there don’t have the same freedom to travel as people in other parts of the world.

On the other hand, gaining entry into North Korea as a foreigner is no easy task either. The country is known for its strict entry policies, making it one of the most difficult places in the world to visit.

Officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea has been under the control of The Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) since its establishment in 1948.

For decades, the country—led by Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un—has gained a reputation for being difficult to access. This situation became even more challenging around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when border restrictions tightened significantly. Despite these barriers, a small number of people have managed to visit in recent years and document what life inside the country is really like.

But getting permission to enter is just the first step. Once inside, strict rules must be followed at all times. Visitors cannot simply roam freely or act however they please—there are clear guidelines that must be respected.

Kim Jong-un, the controversial Supreme Leader of North Korea MANAN VATSYAYANA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Additionally, certain activities that might be seen as critical of the country or its leadership are strictly forbidden by law.

For instance, visitors are only permitted to take photographs of approved public tourist sites and landmarks. Taking pictures of anything else—especially anything that portrays the country in an unflattering way—could lead to serious consequences, including imprisonment.

Photographer Pedro Pardo traveled to the Chinese-North Korean border to capture images offering a rare glimpse into everyday life in the highly controlled state.

With careful planning, Pardo gained access to the border in China’s Jilin province, where he was able to photograph scenes of North Korean life. His images, taken between February 26 and March 1, 2024, provide a unique perspective on the country.

One striking photograph captures the town of Chunggang, where rows of identical houses stretch across the landscape, highlighting the uniformity often seen in North Korean architecture.

Another image shows a large propaganda sign facing China, believed to translate to ‘My country is the best!’, offering insight into how the nation presents itself to the outside world.

Views of North Korean homes PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images

In another image, taken from Tumen in China, North Korean soldiers can be seen working along the border. A government building in the town of Namyang is also visible, providing a rare look at the country's infrastructure.

Pardo was also able to capture an image of a watchtower in the North Korean city of Hyesan. The photo shows a soldier wearing a face mask, seemingly spotting Pardo from the tower. Interestingly, another figure in the watchtower appears to be a dummy positioned to give the illusion of additional surveillance.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has significantly increased its border security. According to a report by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) published in March last year, the country has implemented 'expanded fences, guard posts, strict enforcement, and new rules, including a standing order for border guards to shoot on sight.'

Soldiers watch on at a guard tower in North Korea PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images

The HRW report, titled 'A Sense of Terror, Stronger than a Bullet: The Closing of North Korea 2018–2023,' sheds light on the country’s growing isolation in recent years.

Through satellite imagery analysis, HRW found that between 2020 and 2023, North Korea constructed an additional 482 kilometers of new fencing along its borders. Additionally, 260 kilometers of pre-existing fencing were reinforced to further tighten border security.