An Illegal Look Inside The Crazy World Of North Korea

(source: www.hrw.org)

(source: www.hrw.org)

In 2015, Michal Huniewicz, professional photographer for periodicals such as National Geographic, took a journey from China to North Korea. The two countries are pals, both communist, but what Huniewicz discovered was how stark the difference between them. Whereas China models a country slowly loosening its grip in favor of capitalism, North Korea remains stuck in the 1950s, an echo of Communist Russian architecture and Stalinist intimidation.

For the few who can tour the country, the North Koreans put a steering wheel on the experience. Oh yeah, and taking pictures is forbidden. Huniewicz risks it all once he crosses into North Korea, bringing us revealing images depicting what the heck goes on north of the 38th parallel. What this writer finds most interesting is how pristine the countryside appears in contrast to the city. There is beauty in North Korea, but you will have to search for it.