North Korea seen through the eyes of an American tourist

North Korea seen through the eyes of an American tourist - Taken by an anonymous American tourist, these undated amateur snapshots succeed in capturing everyday life in Pyongyang and the North Korean countryside. Included are images of posters and wall murals illustrating anti-US propaganda. Interestingly, the candid images also reveal that American popular culture is embraced by many ordinary North Koreans.

Browse the gallery for a rare glimpse inside the world's most secretive state.

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The 38th parallel - The contentious border separating North Korea from its southern neighbor. The two countries are technically still at war, as no formal peace agreement was signed after the Korean war.

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Graphic propaganda - Anti-US sentiment is vented through the graphic use of propaganda. This poster depicts children in military uniforms expressing delight "in beating the Americans."

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A fan of Mickey Mouse - Despite the regime's anti-US saber rattling, this young girl is clearly a fan of Mickey Mouse. Most locals welcome foreign tourists, including US citizens, warmly.

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Duel-purpose metro - Yonggwang subway station in Pyongyang is situated 3,280 ft below the surface and also serves as an atomic shelter.

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Korean canine - An everyday street scene in Pyongyang, but living in North Korea is anything but a dog's life.

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"Fake news" - Pages from state-run newspapers are displayed daily.

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Industrial landscape - Soviet-style architecture characterizes Pyongyang's drab, monochrome skyline.

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Provocative artwork - North Korea's opinion of America is made very clear in this poster, erected in a Pyongyang park, which warns the US that "if you provoke us, it will be the end."

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Commerce - A smiling store assistant poses in front of her wares, a selection of colorful children's footwear.

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Keeping watch - Along the border with South Korea and across the country, North Korean "eyes" are everywhere.

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Picture-perfect - Happy, well-nourished children wearing Disney apparel. At least that's what this picture paints!

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Making a point - The USA and its ally South Korea receive the sharp end of a bayonet in this propaganda illustration, highlighting the Military Demarcation Line, which runs near the 38th parallel.

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Make it real - Ryongjin Cocoa, North Korea's version of Coca-Cola, as advertised on a billboard. Note the incorrect English spelling.

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Empty and desolate - Beyond city limits, the grim reality of North Korea's dire economic situation is brought into stark focus.

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Disconnected - A busy Pyongyang internet cafe. Above the sleeping figure, a sign exclaims: "To Victory."

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Two-wheel travel - The morning commute. Few North Koreans own vehicles, and the humble bicycle remains the most popular mode of transport.

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Parklife - Children caught by the camera playing near a city boating lake.

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Burning desire - Colorful but aggressive graffiti. The images depict attacks on foreign powers.

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Martial artists - A North Korean army officer supervises a martial arts training session.

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Food in short supply - A ration card of sorts, listing the name of the food, portion size, and calorie count for each family member.

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Wartime legacy - A female member of the North Korean armed forces points out bullet and shrapnel holes pockmarking a military installation, made perhaps during the Korean War.

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Unusual tourist attraction - Foreign tourists touring the USS Pueblo, an American spy ship seized by the North Korean military in 1968, during the Cold War. It is now a popular Pyongyang tourist attraction.

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Protecting the home front - A bizarre wall mural shows cartoon figures in military maneuvers, and in playful recreation. Roughly translated, the slogan reads "we will protect our front garden."

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Just do it - A North Korean citizen proudly wears his Nike baseball cap.

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Everyday life - Tourists are able to capture glimpses of everyday life beyond the city, but only from a moving tour bus.

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Hummer time - A civilian Humvee appears incongruous on a Pyongyang street. The passenger adds a dash of color.

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Behind closed doors - The photographer managed to capture portraits of Pyongyang citizens in their homes

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Outdated - The Windows XP operating system was released in 2001. Few opportunities exist for ordinary North Koreans to upgrade their software.

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The "Eternal Leader" - Kim Il-sung, leader of North Korea from its establishment in 1948 until his death in 1994, smiles forever across the entire country.

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A call for unification - This nondescript concrete structures standing in the North Korean countryside is unusual in that it urges "Action," "Peace" and "Reunification."

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