Taking Pictures in North Korea

Mayur Rele | Photographer

Hi, my name is Mayur Rele I am a New Jersey-based nature photographer. Today we will talk about the condition of rules and regulations in North Korea about photography. North Korea is the most isolated, secretive nation in the world that is lead by the Dictator – Kim Jong-un. North Korea remains on the front page of the newspaper regarding the speculation of its nuclear power.

Access to the country

North Korea doesn’t allow tourists, journalists, and foreign photographs in their country so the hardest thing to do is gaining access to the country. Getting access to the country is nearly impossible but many journalists and tourists get permission every year, says Mayur Rele. You have to submit tons of paperwork including photos and serial numbers of camera equipment.

Moving within the country

The journalist cannot move freely in this country, access to many places is restricted for foreign tourists and journalists.

Rules for shooting and clicking pictures

As a photographer, I never faced such tight rules and regulations for photography as they have in North Korea. The major and the most unique rule they have is capturing only full-frame images of Kim II-sung and Kim Jong-Il statues and iconography, you cannot crop the feet off the statues. You can’t cut a bit of the corner.