PYONGYANG A PARK CITY
A Collection of Photographs Showcasing the Unique Architecture and Green Spaces in Pyongyang, the Capital of North Korea

Excerpts from PYONGYANG A PARK CITY:

Pyongyang has changed beyond recognition thanks to the tireless efforts and lofty virtues of President Kim Il Sung, who applied his motto "The people are my God" in the reconstruction of the city and the afforestation policy and wise guidance of the Workers' Party of Korea.

After the Korean War (June 1950-July 1953), only piles of rubble remained in Pyongyang. The US imperialist aggressors dropped more than 428,000 bombs on Pyongyang, a greater number than the population of the city. They boasted that Korea would not be able to rise again, even in 100 years. A report of an international fact-finding group said at the time: "In fact, destruction is 100 percent at present." Not a single brick remained intact.

Under the wise guidance of President Kim Il Sung, Pyongyang healed its war wound in less than 10 years. The city, which rose from the ashes, was designed as a modern one, and grew even more splendidly in the period from the 1950s to the 1970s.

In the 1980’s another great change began with the construction of Changgwang Street under the outstanding guidance of leader Kim Jong Il. In this grand street, attractive high-rise buildings in a variety of styles were built in green open spaces, harmonizing well with each other. The Tower of the Juche Idea, the Arch of Triumph, the Monument to Party Founding, the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace, the Pyongyang Maternity Hospital, the Okryu Restaurant, the May Day Stadium and other monumental edifices have completely altered the appearance of the capital.

The elegance of Pyongyang is not limited in afforestation and water conservancy and in the architectural changes. Large areas of greenbelt, fountain parks, pleasure parks and fun fairs have been built. The amount of green space per resident is 58 square metres.

The River Taedong and its tributary, the River Pothong flow to the east and west respectively, of Moran Hill. These rivers add much to the beauty of the landscape of this park city. Before the liberation of the country, the riverside along the River Pothong was considered as an eyesore because of the flood damage and contamination that occurred every year. It has since been turned into a riverside loved by the people. Willows, pine, fir and nut-pine trees and dozens of species of flower and fruit trees grow on the banks. Gray mullet, carp, crucian carp and eel are caught by anglers from clear waters. Pleasure parks have been built for the people along the River Taedong

Pyongyang has turned into a powerful production city with heavy and light industries and agriculture, but at the same time it has become a city in a green forest through the constant expansion of afforested areas. Today, the city continues to renew its appearance in line with the Workers Party of Korea’s belief that a city must be in a park, and houses in a garden

Visitors to Pyongyang say they feel as refreshed as they are when in a park. Therefore, Pyongyang is called a park city