Continuing to dafy the odds stacked heavily against it, North Korea is a land where ancient myths bead to modern political reality, where dictator Kim Jong ll runs the only brand around and is also believed to control the weather. Few are allowed into the hermit state, and then only under constant escort, leaving the country free of commercial tourism and ensuring that the lives of ordinary North Koreans remains as mysterious to outsiders as that of its leader. Behind the propaganda, rumour and weirdness are the real story; the fascination is in finding the fruth.

May, for May Day and the Arirang Mass Games, or any time free of famine

Feeling the full