Customer Reviews

Charlie Crane: Welcome to Pyongyang

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North Korea puts its best foot forward in this collection of Pyongyang folk presented in a `this is how we would like the world to see us' corporate style book. Of the sixty-four photos thirty-four are rather stiffly posed portraits of people you would probably see if you visited the capitol. All scrubbed up, neat and tidy and no doubt just waiting to happily serve any foreign visitor, especially business people who could help the country out of its ramshackle condition.

The other photos show various buildings and interiors mostly devoid of anyone. Was everybody hiding just in case photographer Charlie Crane might capture a person who didn't look immaculate? Even the fold-out of the Mansudae Grand Monument is empty despite the caption saying it is the first place people go to when they return to Pyongyang after a visit abroad. The cynical might conclude the plaza is empty because no one is allowed to go abroad.

Overall I thought the photos rather contrived and bland (the sun clearly didn't shine while Crane was there either) but probably just what the Dear Leader would approve of. A much more interesting look at Pyongyang is provided by photographer Philippe Chancel in his book North Korea with 129 color images. Frequently a building is featured in both books but Chancel was lucky enough to have the locals going about their business when he took his shots.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

Created by a British-run China-based company that leads tours to North Korea, Welcome to Pyongyang is a collection of staged shots and the official explanation for each. It's a glimpse, not into North Korea's reality, but into how the country wants to be seen. The introduction from Nick Bonner makes this very clear, this book provides a window into North Korea, it does not attack it.

A gatefold image of Pyongyang's empty boulevards is waved away "you cannot see many cars the street because Sunday is declared as a walking day to prevent pollution". Nearly everyone in the pictures stands at attention and every description speaks of how happy they are with their jobs and their lives. Captions are filled with phrases extolling the virtues of the Kims and damning the American imperialists. It's a fascinating peek into one of the most secretive nations on Earth.

But the book offers no perspective and no dissenting views. We're never told that only the most loyal and the most fit North Koreans are allowed to live in Pyongyang. We never hear that the highrise apartment houses don't have working elevators. And there's certainly nothing in there about starvation or prison camps.

But that's not what this book is for. This book gives the official point of view of North Korea, as long as readers have the background and can provide that perspective it is an interesting read but if you're looking for an honest assessment of North Korea this is not the book for you.

I am enjoying this book. THe photos and the stories are most interesting
and the portraits of the North Korean people are fascinating. I am planning a trip to North Korea in August and this book is most helpful
in preparing me for the sights I will see in Pyongyang as well as introduce me to some of the people I will meet. The author has done a splendid job in providing a comprehensive introduction to the DPRK as well
as providing important cultural, historical and political insights.
Welcome to Pyongyang is excellent in every way. The photos are magnificent
and the information provided will help me understand the people of North
Korea and their culture.