Rare Photos of Life in North Korea You Probably Haven’t seen Before

Welcome to North Korea!

North Korea is known as the Hermit Kingdom, due to the fact that it is so isolated and closed off. What we do know, is that much of the country’s resources are funneled into its own defense. This country is known for jealously guarding the secrecy surrounding the lives of its citizens military. All Korean men must serve at least two years in the military and women may volunteer.

North Korea is also known for illegal nuclear testing, with an estimation of 60 nuclear weapons already in their arsenal. Another thing North Korea is famous for is concentration camps. There are many prison labor colonies that are cut off from the outside world and house roughly 150,000 people. But are they as secure as they seem? A brave photojournalist who was visiting the country took secret pictures of everyday life. This act could have cost him his freedom and gotten sentenced to a concentration camp as a spy.