DPRK

At War

Given that there was never a peace treaty for the Korean War a technical state of war still exists and North Korea reminds its population that the recent statements of George Bush about the 'Axis of Evil' is evidence of the imperialist ambitions of the USA. The USS Pueblo spy ship was captured by the North Koreans in 1968 and is a favourite trophy of the regime. Tourists enjoy a wonderful propaganda video about the warmongering Yankees.

The population of North Korea is highly militarised – every man must serve seven years in the armed forces. Groups of soldiers and militia are to be seen everywhere, often having guided tours of the revolutionary monuments and statues of Kim. The country has a military first policy which means that the armed forces are looked after. There is little evidence of military hardware – much of it is claimed to be hidden underground or in storage – but what I did see dated from the 1960s (Chinese made T-55 tanks and Mig-19 fighters for example). Armed soldiers with bayonets fixed are common place, for example guarding buildings and even museums. There were also armed troops at railway stations although on closer inspection the rifles appeared to be wooden dummies!

Seen from the North Korea side of the 38th Parallel in the DMZ at Panmunjon. The South Korean soldiers all do their best Rambo acts and are more intimidating than the commies. In the DMZ the guns are for real but the Americans will be unhappy to learn that members of the Korean People's Army communicate with Motorola walkie-talkies.