Global - Technology - Review

It would be difficult to imagine a greater contrast between two neighbouring states sharing the same heritage as that between North and South Korea. Technically still engaged in the Korean War of 1950-53, South Korea is a highly developed economy, while the North continues to justify its ‘Hermit Kingdom’ nickname. Europeans are unlikely to visit the North except in an official party. Most of the country is closed to foreigners and travel within the People’s Republic is severely restricted, so it is impossible to meet ordinary North Koreans, or to see anything of which the authorities disapprove. Industrial success stories, and evidence of devotion to the hereditary dictator, Kim Jong-il, are likely to be high on the agenda. The country has suffered widespread famines. The capital, Pyongyang, has been entirely rebuilt with huge monuments and wide avenues, suitable for massive military parades. The Arch of Triumph is larger than the equivalent in Paris. The first World Heritage Site in North Korea is the Goguryeo Tombs Complex, dating from the fifth to the seventh century, which contains original wall paintings. However the impressive Tomb of King Tongmyong in Pyongyang, with its traditional Buddhist temple is a reconstruction.