12 (Kim Jong) Un-Believable Photos North Korea Don't Want You To See

Photographer Eric Lafforgue's astounding photography has got him banned from further travel to North Korea. Not your usual holiday snaps.

1. A busy day in Pyongyang Airport

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With only four commercial airlines operating, Pyongyang Sunan International is one of the least busy airports located in a capital city. There are on average 8 flights into Pyongyang a week from Beijing, though you can also get there from Shenyang, Bangkok and that popular tourist hangout, Vladivostok.

2. Sleep well, our army will protect you from America..

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.... this man seems to be saying to his child.

North Korea is the most militarized country in the world, with a standing army of 1.2 million and four times as many in reservists protecting 23 million citizens. But even if may think that North Korea has nuclear weapons, all the guns, vehicles and military equipment seemed to come from the 1960's ......

3. K-Pop?

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More than 100,000 dancers stood in Kim Il Sung Square,with music performed by a live band. Times like this are good for young people to meet each other, as there aren't too many bars or clubs in North Korea.

4. Lonely Road

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The Youth Hero Highway connects Pyongyang and Nampo but in a pinch can also double as an aircraft landing strip. The expressway makes up 46 of the DPRK's 724km of paved roads.

5. Stop!

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Although there aren't too many cars in North Korea, at every Pyongyang crossing there are female traffic officers who act as if there are cars everywhere, moving very quickly!

This woman was very angry with me after coming so close to her to shoot (some zoom lenses are banned in North Korea). As I took the picture she shouted "STOP!" .. but with a nice smile.

6. The Hotel of Doom

Via ericlafforgue.com

Named 'The Worst Building in the History of Human Kind' by Esquire magazine, the Ryugyong Hotel or 'Hotel of Doom' in Pyongyang is a one hundred and five story building that towers over the rest of the city.

Under construction since 1987, the hotel's 3000 rooms still remain empty, though it was scheduled to open this year.

7. Pyongyang's Got Talent

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Opened in 1989, the palace is an eight story building consisting of 700 rooms where kids can go after school to learn music, dance, mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, computer science, sports etc.

Over 1200 pupils visit the palace each day, cared for by over 500 teachers and several hundred more lecturers and assistants, said the guides.

8. Party Time in Pyongyang

Via ericlafforgue.com

In his hand: a Kimjongilia , a plastic flower that is used by the North Korean people when there is a special occasion.

Near his lapel is the Worker's Party badge, which must be worn at all times.

9. Big Brothers

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Two boys play in front of giant portraits of Kim Il Sung (left) and Kim Jong Il (right). Constructed in 1954, Kim Il Sung square has an area of 75,000 square meters, more than that of 10 football pitches. Mass athletic and military parades take place in this square on a regular basis, but during the daytime kids are allowed to roller-skate here.

10. Yes General

Via ericlafforgue.com

One Star General Pak Chan Su. When we asked him why he had so many medals, he answered that he killed a lot of people!..Stupid question!

11. The Six O'Clock News

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The 'Great Leader' Kim Il Sung stands among the workers, at Puhung subway stations in Pyongyang. All 17 stations have on the subway line have names like 'Triumphant Return', 'Reunification' and 'Paradise'.

12. Apple-Juche

Via ericlafforgue.com

When you arrive Pyongyang the officers will ask for your mobile phone and look carefully over your lenses, cameras, GPS, etc. But the iPad is still unknown and has been a huge success with the local teenagers.

To see more of Eric's amazing images from the DPRK go here and here.