When you think of North Korea, you probably picture military parades and strict government rules. It is widely known as one of the most isolated countries in the world. Yet, if you look closely at the capital city of Pyongyang, you will see an unexpected outbreak of fun and modern lifestyle activities.
In recent years, the government has built several modern amenities to keep citizens entertained. You can now find trendy coffee shops, busy waterparks, and modern stores for retail shopping. The ruling regime led by Kim Jong Un is actively promoting these activities to create an image of domestic success. However, these pleasures are not available to everyone in the country. They are mostly enjoyed by the wealthy elite who live in the capital city. For these rich citizens, spending a day at a waterpark offers a welcome distraction from the harsh realities of living under strict international sanctions. They can spend their foreign currency and enjoy their leisure time in style. Meanwhile, the average citizen outside Pyongyang still struggles with basic needs like electricity, heating, and food. This massive divide shows that the new entertainment is reserved only for a chosen few.
Therefore, this trend does not mean there is widespread prosperity across the entire nation. While some people in the capital enjoy their new lifestyles, the rest of the country remains in deep poverty. The shiny new waterparks are just a small cover for a very difficult reality.
