Constructing the Socialist Way of Life: North Korea's Housing and Urban Planning

The book explores home culture and daily life in North Korea to show that political forces are not brainwashing their people, and that the country's unique but dictatorial political system has largely been supported by its citizens. It uses drawings, maps, and diagrams obtained from various archives to convey the actual intentions of North Korean architects and planners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: DOM Publishers

North Korea's urban planning and mass housing are fundamental components of its material foundation. Following the war, the country aimed to socialize various living spaces based on political ideology, ranging from small apartment rooms to urban environments. It is a common misconception that North Korean political forces brainwash their citizens, as evidenced by the testimonies of numerous defectors. This book seeks to portray the authentic lives of North Koreans who have largely embraced the country's distinctive but authoritarian political system. To achieve this, it employs drawings, maps, and diagrams sourced from various archives. While these forms of communication are neutral, they also reveal the genuine intentions of North Korean architects and planners, often obscured by the deceptive statements of political leaders.

The post-war era saw North Korea's efforts to socialize all types of living spaces, from small apartment rooms to urban settings. This policy was driven by the country's political ideology, aiming to create a unified and controlled society. However, the idea that North Korean political forces are brainwashing their people is a superficial perception, as evidenced by the testimonies of numerous defectors who have escaped the country.

To gain a deeper understanding of the lives of North Koreans, this book explores home culture and daily life. It aims to capture the realities of North Koreans who have largely supported the country's unique but dictatorial political system. The book utilizes drawings, maps, and diagrams obtained from various archives to provide a visual representation of the country's urban planning and mass housing. These neutral forms of communication serve to convey the actual intentions of North Korean architects and planners, often hidden behind the deceptive claims of political leaders.

One of the key aspects of North Korea's urban planning is the emphasis on centralized control. The government tightly regulates every aspect of city life, from the layout of streets and buildings to the distribution of resources. This control is evident in the strict zoning laws that dictate the types of businesses and residences allowed in each area. The government also prioritizes the construction of public housing, which is designed to provide affordable housing for the country's citizens.

However, the quality of these housing units is often substandard, with poor ventilation, inadequate heating, and limited access to basic amenities. Many residents live in cramped conditions, sharing small rooms and bathrooms with multiple families. The government also uses propaganda to promote the benefits of public housing, highlighting its role in creating a socialist society and providing equal opportunities for all.

Despite the government's efforts to control urban development, there are signs of resistance and dissent among North Korean citizens. Some residents have attempted to improve their living conditions by illegally building or renovating their homes, often at great risk of punishment. There have also been reports of protests and strikes by workers demanding better wages and working conditions.

In conclusion, North Korea's urban planning and mass housing are integral components of its material foundation. While the government aims to create a unified and controlled society, the reality of urban life is far from ideal. The government's strict control over city life, combined with substandard housing conditions and limited access to basic amenities, creates a challenging environment for North Korean citizens. However, there are signs of resistance and dissent among some residents, who are seeking to improve their living conditions and challenge the government's authority.

Dimension: 230 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783869226866