Constructing the Socialist Way of Life

What Architectural Drawings Reveal about North Korea

Housing and urban planning constitute a key element of the material foundation of North Korea. In the post-war era, the country attempted to socialize all types of living spaces based on political ideology, from small apartment rooms to urban set- tings. The idea that North Korea’s political forces are brainwashing their people is, as the testimonies of many defectors reveal, superficial.

Exploring domestic culture and daily life, this book aims to capture the actual lives of North Koreans, who have largely supported the unique political system of the country. 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 claims of political leaders.