Constructing the Socialist Way of Life

Mass housing and urban planning constitute a key element of the material foundation of North Korea. In the post-war era, the country attempted to socialise all types of living spaces based on political ideology, from small apartment rooms to urban settings. The idea that North Korea’s political forces are brainwashing their people is superficial – as the testimonies of many defectors reveal. By exploring home culture and daily life, this book aims to capture the actual life of North Koreans who have largely supported the country’s unique but dictatorial political system. To this end, it uses drawings, maps, and diagrams obtained from various archives. While these are neutral forms of communication, they also convey the actual intentions of North Korean architects and planners hidden behind the deceitful claims of political leaders.