As ordinary North Koreans endure the sweltering summer heat without respite, the country’s elite are quietly enjoying lavish vacations, highlighting the stark class divisions in the country.
In exclusive interviews with Daily NK, two high-ranking officials revealed a world of privilege unknown to most citizens. The interviews offer a rare glimpse into the lives of North Korea’s upper echelons.
A Pyongyang-based Workers’ Party official, referred to as “A,” said that while there are group activities at places like Munsu Water Park, Mirim Riding Club, and Mirim Aviation Club in July and August, many officials have already quietly spent their vacations in various places like Pyongyang, Majon, and Wonsan in early June away from ordinary people.
A provincial party official from North Pyongan Province, “B,” spoke of family retreats to mountain resorts.
“We went to Dongrim Falls with our family. Even though we’ve visited several times, it’s always new and enjoyable. We spent several days resting at the Dongrim Falls resort, which was transformed from Jang Song-thaek’s guesthouse into a cultural facility for the people long ago, following the orders of the supreme leader,” he said, referring to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Both officials emphasized the importance of family time during these getaways. A said: “Of course, we had a great time walking on the beach with our families and enjoying stream fishing in the seaside pine forests.”
Officials avoid vacationing during rainy season
The timing of these trips is strategic. Officials take vacations before the July-August rainy season when they must be on call for potential crisis management. “During the rainy season in July and August, we mainly have to stay in the office or on-site,” explained A, who plans a second, shorter vacation once the rains subside.
This vacation pattern marks a shift from previous years. A noted, “The trend has become to split the vacation into two parts – in June and fall – if possible, instead of going on vacation in July and August as before.”
B added: “During the rainy season, we can’t do special activities because we have to conduct on-site inspections. At times like these, we spend time at home with our families, reading books or watching movies to rest.”
The ease with which these vacations are taken is telling. “The Workers’ Party doesn’t prevent us from going on vacation,” B stated. “Those who are economically well-off can use their 15-day annual leave all at once in the summer. As long as we work better after coming back, it’s fine.”
This freedom stands in sharp contrast to the experience of ordinary North Koreans. B observed: “I saw ordinary residents pooling money to rent a car for day trips, which made me think that some wealthy people are still living comfortably.”
The disparity in vacation practices mirrors the larger socioeconomic divide in North Korea. As the elite enjoy repeated escapes to nature and leisure facilities, the majority of the population faces a summer of unrelenting labor.
Daily NK works with a network of sources living in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous for security reasons.
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