A billboard depicting Mount Paektu, the legendary ancestral home of the Korean people and the present North Korean leader's official birthplace. There is no advertising in North Korea, but the government does use billboards in its own campaigns. After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

Taiwanese tourists visit the monument to the foundation of the Korean Workers' Party. After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

The Children's Palace, a youth cultural center. After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

Laborers repair a railway line that runs from China, through North Korea to South Korea. After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

A policeman patrols a motorway that runs from Pyongyang to South Korea. After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

A mineral ore processing works near the town of Nampo. After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

A military guard-of-honor waits to greet the Prime minister of Laos at Pyongyang airport. After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

Armchairs in a hotel. After the Korean War, the then North Korean president Kim Il-sung introduced a socialist philosophy of Juche, or militant self-reliance. For decades North Korea was one of the world's most secretive societies, but in recent years relations with South Korea and some other states appeared to be undergoing a thaw. International relations were dealt a blow in late 2002 during controversy surrounding North Korea's alleged nuclear weapons program. Talks about re-opening road and rail links with South Korea stalled.

People in the News,3rd prize