Rare images have surfaced showing glimpses of everyday life in North Korea, a country known for its secrecy and strict government control. Captured from the Chinese-North Korean border by photographer Pedro Pardo, the images provide a rare look at the isolated nation.
One photograph shows rows of nearly identical houses in the town of Chunggang, with a large sign facing China that translates to “My country is the best!” Another captures North Korean soldiers working near the border, reinforcing the heavily guarded perimeter. A watchtower in Hyesan reveals a soldier wearing a face mask, seemingly keeping an eye on outsiders, while a dummy figure appears to be stationed at a window.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has tightened its borders with additional fencing and stricter security measures. A Human Rights Watch report from last year detailed how the government expanded 482 kilometers of new fencing and reinforced 260 kilometers of existing barriers, making it nearly impossible for citizens to flee.
While glimpses inside North Korea remain rare, these images highlight the regime’s continued control and isolation. Strict rules on photography mean visitors can only capture government-approved landmarks, making unauthorized images like these especially significant.
