Seeing is believing–an exclusive look inside North Korea’s cities

Not much is known about Pyongyang other than it has attracted visits from famous US basketball players, the chairman of Google and former US President Bill Clinton. Richard Forster visited the North Korean capital to speak with city administrators about urban development and their desire to forge links with other cities.

It is 6.15 am when the trill of the 1970s phone announces that it is time to get up. I am used to being woken by my iPhone but here my mobile does not work so it is switched off inside my suitcase. There is no phone signal and no Internet. I am told I am lucky to even have my mobile as they used to be confiscated at the airport and returned on your departure.

“Come to br...