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Last year, I travelled to North Korea to write and photograph a feature for GQ Magazine in Australia.
It was the most fascinating and depressing week of my life. These photos are a glimpse of the carefully choreographed tour that visitors are allowed to go on. It's a facade, for sure, but there are little moments of humanity that peek through.
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#1
Final score:
58points
RELATED:
#2
Final score:
49points
Adam Baidawi (Submission author) 8 years ago
Here's more context around the photos: http://www.gq.com.au/entertainment/film+tv/that+time+we+went+to+north+korea,44899
#4
Final score:
37points
#8
Final score:
32points
#9
Final score:
30points
#10
Final score:
29points
#11
Final score:
24points
Koko Sempai 8 years ago
I love the sound of these instruments! I went to see a Japanese performance before, and it was so good!
#12
Final score:
21points
Mirriam Banda 8 years ago
I wonder if they will ever manage to fully finish and open that hotel (Ryugyong Hotel).
#14
Final score:
19points
#15
Final score:
19points
#16
Final score:
19points
#17
Final score:
17points
Dylan Barsby 8 years ago
I've always loathed all the litter and obvious pollution around me - in the streets etc. and have always enjoyed a 'clean' environment... but this is practically sterile. I'm surprised to find that I dislike it.
#18
Final score:
16points
#20
Final score:
15points
Notchimine Mette 8 years ago
International marathon that no one outside N Korea has ever heard of...
#22
Final score:
14points
#23
Final score:
13points
#24
Final score:
13points
#25
Final score:
12points
#26
Final score:
12points
#27
Final score:
11points
#28
Final score:
11points
Kira Leseman 8 years ago
What is the middle statue depicting? A bayonet with a flag around it maybe?
#29
Final score:
11points
Diana Burolo 8 years ago
wow! that's a picture you won't see in croatia schools anytime soon... :/
#31
Final score:
11points
Jumailiana Iwan 8 years ago
i got this pic from the south side....... that big building with horn like roof is where the south house north koreans defectors , where the south will screen and check whether the defectors are real or spies trying to inflitrate
#32
Final score:
10points
Claire Von Hirdler 8 years ago
looks like some of these pics were taken through glass...there's the slight reflection. maybe a car tour?
#33
Final score:
10points
#34
Final score:
10points
#35
Final score:
9points
#36
Final score:
9points
#37
Final score:
8points
#39
Final score:
5points
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Violaine LB 8 years ago
Yes! I remember a few weeks/months ago, somebody else posted pictures from North Korea trying to show that it was not as bad as what people say, and I thought it was revolting to deny there was any problem in North Korea. I like the fact that the author acknowledges that there are issues but also humanity, that's a more balanced approach. And these pictures are more beautiful too, I love the light on these. Really great.
Sweep the Leg 8 years ago
I remember that post from a few months ago. It really was ridiculous how they insisted it was a much better life than we all believed. I was thinking the same thing as you when I began reading this post. Glad to see the author has a much more realistic view on the topic, and great pictures! Well done!
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Talia Johnson 8 years ago
It is fascinating to see these photos - thank you for sharing them. It would be great to have a bit of context also for some of the places and events, if possible.
Adam Baidawi (Post author) 8 years ago
Thanks Talia! My article here goes into more depth: http://gq.com.au/entertainment/film+tv/that+time+we+went+to+north+korea,44899
Load More Replies...
TheReader19 8 years ago
Hi Adam, the pictures were really interesting, however; at the top you really should have put some description of where they were taken. The blue empty seats really leaves me wondering if that was an airport that most North Koreans will never get to go to
Violaine LB 8 years ago
Yes! I remember a few weeks/months ago, somebody else posted pictures from North Korea trying to show that it was not as bad as what people say, and I thought it was revolting to deny there was any problem in North Korea. I like the fact that the author acknowledges that there are issues but also humanity, that's a more balanced approach. And these pictures are more beautiful too, I love the light on these. Really great.
Sweep the Leg 8 years ago
I remember that post from a few months ago. It really was ridiculous how they insisted it was a much better life than we all believed. I was thinking the same thing as you when I began reading this post. Glad to see the author has a much more realistic view on the topic, and great pictures! Well done!
Load More Replies... Talia Johnson 8 years ago
It is fascinating to see these photos - thank you for sharing them. It would be great to have a bit of context also for some of the places and events, if possible.
Adam Baidawi (Post author) 8 years ago
Thanks Talia! My article here goes into more depth: http://gq.com.au/entertainment/film+tv/that+time+we+went+to+north+korea,44899
Load More Replies... TheReader19 8 years ago
Hi Adam, the pictures were really interesting, however; at the top you really should have put some description of where they were taken. The blue empty seats really leaves me wondering if that was an airport that most North Koreans will never get to go to
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