The entire country of DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) is shrouded in myth and secrecy; making it one of the most mysterious places in the world. Not many outsiders get a chance to visit North Korea. In fact, after 1 Sep 2017 it will be nearly impossible for any American to enter DPRK.

For those who make it inside North Korea's borders, photography is highly restricted and controlled.

Photographer Tariq Zaidi traveled from Dandong (on the Chinese border) in the north to the DMZ in the south and across the country from Pyongyang to Wonsan on the east coast to take a closer look at this country. Here are just a few images showing a glimpse of what lies behind the world’s most secretive Nation.

To see more of my work from North Korea please copy/paste this link for full story @smithsonianmagazine https://bit.ly/2AwlP66

Music: “Tortured by Doubt” composed and played by the incredibly talented Othon @OthonPanMuzik

©Tariq Zaidi Photography. All Rights Reserved.