Visiting North Korea and wanting to capture some stunning photos and videos? You’re in for a challenge but also an amazing opportunity. Taking pictures in North Korea isn’t like anywhere else; you’ll need to be mindful of when to shoot, what to shoot, and how to approach it with respect. This guide will help you take the best photos possible while showing respect for local customs.
1. Understand What You Can and Can’t Photograph
First things first: you need to know what’s allowed in North Korea. Guides will often tell you what you can take photos of and what you should avoid. Some things, like military buildings or personnel, are off-limits. Be sure to listen closely and don’t step out of line with your camera. It’s better to check ahead of time if you’re unsure.
Always ask for permission when taking pictures of locals. Some people may feel uncomfortable having their photo taken. And absolutely avoid taking pictures of anything that could be seen as critical of the government or the leadership—this includes damaged buildings or unkempt areas.
2. Best Locations for Photography in North Korea
Pyongyang
North Korea’s capital is a place full of monumental structures. You can’t leave without snapping some photos of Kim Il-sung Square, which is often the site of military parades. It’s perfect for capturing grand, wide-angle shots. The Monument to Party Founding, with its large hammer, sickle, and brush, also makes for a great unique photo.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The DMZ provides a chance to grab striking images of one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world. However, be prepared for strict rules here. You can’t just take photos in every direction. Your guides will give you instructions on which spots are okay and which ones to avoid.
Mount Paektu
If you’re lucky enough to visit Mount Paektu, which is of cultural and historical significance, you’ll find landscapes that are breathtaking. Imagine photographing the beautiful lake that sits inside the crater of the mountain. Early mornings often give you soft light, helping to create serene shots.
Mansudae Grand Monument
This is one of the few locations where photographing statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il is encouraged. Be respectful: Always take a wide shot and avoid cropping out parts of the statues. It’s a rule that’s strictly enforced, and failing to follow it could get you in trouble or have your photos deleted by officials.
Kaesong
Kaesong, with its more traditional Korean architecture, offers an entirely different vibe than Pyongyang. If you want to get shots of historical Korea, this city is a great spot for that. Narrow streets and old-style homes make for picturesque backdrops.
3. Best Times of Day to Shoot
Golden hour is always your best bet no matter where you are in the world, and North Korea is no exception. Try to position yourself for sunrise and sunset photos. The lighting is softer and will add warmth and depth to your images.
If you’re in Pyongyang, mornings are great for capturing the city waking up, with its relatively quiet streets. Not a lot of people will be out, and the morning light reflects nicely off the buildings and monuments.
When photographing in the countryside or at spots like Mount Paektu, aim for early mornings to avoid harsh shadows and bright spots. You’ll also dodge crowds, giving you a cleaner shot.
4. Cultural Considerations: Show Some Respect
When in North Korea, always remember that you’re a guest, and respect for local customs is key. The country has strict rules, especially regarding their leaders. Statues and portraits are sacred. Never take close-ups that crop those statues out, and always take full-frame photos.
Avoid candid shots of the local population without their consent. It’s always better to ask, even if your guide is helping facilitate that. Show humility and patience; North Koreans may not always understand why you’re so interested in taking pictures of everything, so be kind and respectful in your approach.
5. Smartphone Photography Tips
If you don’t have a fancy camera, don’t worry; smartphones these days have incredible photo capabilities. Here’s how to make the most out of your phone:
- Use HDR Mode: Many smartphones have HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, which helps balance out contrasts in tricky lighting environments like sunrise or sunset.
- Keep Your Lens Clean: It sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how much dirt can ruin a shot. Clean your lens regularly, especially if you’re traveling through dusty or misty places.
- Don’t Zoom: Instead of zooming in with your phone, get closer to your subject. Zoomed-in smartphone photos can look grainy and blurry.
- Edit Photos Later: Avoid using preset filters. Instead, use apps like Snapseed or Lightroom to adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness after the fact. Small tweaks go a long way in smartphone images.
6. Equipment Recommendations
A full-on DSLR might seem like a no-brainer for serious photographers, but dragging it around North Korea might not be the best idea, especially with photo restrictions. A mirrorless camera could be the middle ground you’re looking for. They’re compact, offer near-DSLR quality, and are less conspicuous.
- Sony Alpha a6400: This mirrorless camera is lightweight, perfect for travel, and performs well in low-light, making it great for golden-hour shots.
- Canon G7X Mark III: If you don’t want to carry bulky gear, this compact camera takes sharp photos and performs well in almost any lighting condition.
- iPhone 13 Pro or Google Pixel 7: If you prefer to shoot on your phone, these devices continue to set the standard for mobile photography.
7. Working with Your Guides
Your guide is your best friend in North Korea. They’re tasked with showing you around and making sure you stay within the rules. Be upfront and ask them when and where you can take pictures. Often, they’ll help stage photos or even snap a few shots of you that you wouldn’t get otherwise.
Your guide may “approve” your photos here and there to make sure they don’t break any rules. Don’t be alarmed; they’re just making sure you follow local guidelines. It’s best to respect their input to avoid running into any issues later.
8. Don’t Forget to Capture Videos
While photos often get all the attention, shooting videos of your trip gives a completely different perspective of your experience in North Korea. If you’re using your phone, use it in landscape mode for a wider field of view. Slow pans across monuments, streets, and landscapes can help create beautiful clips.
Since you won’t always be able to talk on camera (especially concerning politics), let the visuals tell the story. Capturing ambient audio is equally important. The sounds of marching soldiers, city life, or the wind by Mount Paektu can elevate a simple clip into a more powerful memory.
9. Final Words of Advice
Remember that traveling in North Korea isn’t just about capturing the best footage. It’s also about understanding and respecting the strict guidelines around you. Don’t overstep boundaries just for the sake of a photo. Trust me, the memories will stick with you whether you capture a perfect image or not.
Come prepared, be aware, and respect the rules. You’ll leave with plenty of compelling photos and videos that will document your journey without causing any issues for yourself or your guides.
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