Politics aside, North Korea is certainly one of the least understood countries on earth. I have been fortunate to visit the ‘Hermit Kingdom’ four times. By exploring beyond Pyongyang and meeting as many North Koreans as possible, I can confirm that reality here defies the image painted by Western media. There is much to see but perhaps most importantly, this is a safe travel destination quite unlike any other.

Guide at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in Pyongyang, North Korea.
North Korean women dressed in traditional Hanbok dresses at Kumsusan Palace of the Sun Mausoleum in Pyongyang, North Korea.
A cooperative farm worker in Hamhung, North Korea.
Students practice for the Mass Games in Kim Il-Sung Square, Pyongyang, North Korea.
A clam farmer wearing snorkeling gear in Wonsan, North Korea.
Students practicing for the Mass Games with the Pyongyang Arch of Triumph in the background.
Kids shoot at targets in a local park - a common past time in North Korea.
North Koreans target shooting in Pyongyang.
The Reunification Gate leading into Pyongyang from Kaesong and the DMZ.
A factory worker at the Hungnam Fertilizer Factory in Hamhung, North Korea.
Students in Pyongsong, North Korea.
Performers at the Arirang Mass Games in Pyongyang, North Korea.
A newly married couple poses for photos in front of a statue of the Dear Leader, Kim Il-Sung in Pyongyang.
Music practice at the at the Mangyondae Children's Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea.
A retired colonial in the Korean People's Army at the Pyongyang Metro.
North Korean soldiers out for some May Day fun in Pyongyang, North Korea.
A North Korean man looks suspiciously at my camera during May Day celebrations in Pyongyang.
A factory worker at the Hungnam Fertilizer Factory in Hamhung, North Korea.
A bartender at the Paradise Beer Bar, in Pyongyang.
A middle school student posing for photos after performing for a group of tourists in Pyongyang.
A factory worker at the Hungnam Fertilizer Factory in Hamhung, North Korea.
A North Korean traffic lady directs traffic in Pyongyang, with backdrop of propaganda posters.
Performance at the at the Mangyondae Children's Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea.
Kids at the Nampo Orphanage in North Korea.