Photographer Shows Differences Between North and South Korea

Photographer Shows Differences Between North and South Korea

If North and South Korea ever reunite, the two cultures will need some time to gel together, as their ways of life and culture are very different. Check out these 40 images that show just how different the two countries truly are.

Fun in the Sun

In those hot days of summer, there are few things better than hitting a waterpark with your friends and family. Typically, North Korea is a little more traditional and conservative, while South Korea looks very Western in the way they suit up for the park.

Fun in the Sun

Skyline

There are a lot of differences between North and South Korea, even when you look at the skyline of both the countryโ€™s capitals. The top is from Pyongyang, and though there is a tall skyscraper-like building, they are nowhere near as modern as the city of Seoul. On top of that, you can see the pollution very clearly in the North Korean capital, which is odd, as there are fewer cars!

Skyline

Airlines/Airport

There is only one airline in North Korea, and it is rated as one of the worst airlines in the world. On the flip side, South Korea has a multitude of carriers, plus those of other countries, as well. Another difference is that there are very few flights into North Korea, whereas South Korea has a wide range of flight options. This is because of its place in the world economy and its efforts to improve tourism.

airline/ariport

Lifeguards

Both countries make their lifeguards dress in a uniform. The difference comes out in both functionality and formality. The North Korean lifeguard pictured here looks more like a flight attendant than someone who is going to jump in the water and save you. The South Korean lifeguard is a little more properly dressed for the task at hand. Plus, he is wearing some sort of first aid kit. Both are probably skilled; one just looks more ready, thatโ€™s all.

Lifeguards

School Uniforms

We all know that one of the most iconic things in most Asian countries are its school uniforms. Here, you can see the difference between North and South Korea very easily. The North Korean uniform looks more traditional and is just as cute as the South Korean option. The South Korean uniform looks more like a Westernized private school design. The other big difference is that the girl in the top image is fresh-faced, while it looks like the one below her is wearing a little makeup.

School Uniforms

College Students

Once again, we take a look at the differences between students, but this time, we have moved up to college. College is important in both cultures, but as you can see, the dress code and style are just a bit different. The North Koran student is a little more formal and conservative. The South Korean student seems to be dressed more in a trendy style, as well as a little more casual.

College Students

Monuments

The culture and outlook on history are different, and that means that their ideas of monuments will also differ. In North Korea, it is run by a dictator who wants to commemorate his and his familyโ€™s excellence. In South Korea, it is more about remembering than idolizing. You can see the stark difference between these two examples. The North Korean monument is a place to come and almost worship in reverence, and the South Korean war monument is something to help commemorate a tragic event.

Monuments