Rare photos reveal life inside a ‘North Korean Airbnb’ where locals watch black and white television and eat grass for lunch
Eric Lafforgue captured the eye-opening pictures while visiting the fishing village of Jung Pyong Ri in North Korea
RARE photos have revealed what life is like inside a North Korean Airbnb in a fascinating snapshot of life inside the secretive nation.
French photographer Eric Lafforgue captured the incredible pictures while visiting the fishing village of Jung Pyong Ri.
He recalled how the lights were switched off at 9pm and said he suffered an electric shock while taking a bath.
Eric, 52, claimed his pictures were deemed so damning by Kim Jong-un’s regime that he has been banned from ever returning.
He was put up by one of the 23 families in the fishing village in North Hamgyong province during his sixth visit to the country – which seldom lets foreigners to explore.
His fascinating pictures show how the house was decorated in a "pretty kitschy" style and filled with toys and propaganda.
Eric also described how the living room doubled as a greenhouse and was used to grow some food.
“From the outside, it appears large. Inside, the residence is fully equipped with televisions and fans,” he said.
“The decoration is pretty kitschy though, consisting of huge plush toys one might find at a carnival, plastic flowers and, of course, propaganda.
"The living room seems to double as a greenhouse, with plants growing in large pots in front of the sofa.
“On the wall, the Dear Leaders watch me through their ubiquitous portraits. I'm surprised to see three televisions in the house.”
"I’m surprised to see three televisions in the house. According to my guide, every family in North Korea has at least three television sets.
"One TV is broadcasting an old black-and-white Russian movie while the home stereo plays melodious anthem-like songs. The combination of the two creates cacophony."
He described his room as "very clean" and with 60s wallpaper - but he said it was missing a bed.
"Apparently, I’m going to sleep on the floor on something resembling a very light futon," he said.
"The junior suite I am staying in has a private bathroom complete with a toilet, which is quite a luxury in this area.
"The freezer containing smoked fish in my room turns out to be the only downside of my lodgings. Each time the power cuts out, the foul scent of fish becomes stronger."
For the evening meal, he was told he would be dining on "sea duck".
But after being unable to identify the meat, he saved his appetite for giant fresh crabs, an unusual meal for these poor families.
The following day he explored the surrounding area and described the poverty he witnessed.
"I can see emaciated oxen and women carrying heavy loads. I also see some girls picking flowers and others picking grass in Red Cross bags to eat for lunch," he said.