There are plenty of traffic lights in Pyongyang, but no electricity to power them. Instead, the few cars that exist in Pyongyang must obey the commands of the “traffic girls” posted at various intersections. They stand underneath large umbrellas in the middle of these intersections, directing cars with military precision. According to the Korean Central News Agency, these platforms with umbrellas are a rather new addition to the intersections of Pyongyang, having been set up only weeks before I arrived in North Korea. They were provided, of course, by the Dear Leader Kim Jong-Il.
The female traffic controllers are commanding the traffic with a bright face on the platform under the umbrella even in the hottest period of summer.
Passers-by stop walking for a while to see the new scene.
They say it can be seen only in the country led by Kim Jong Il.
The traffic controllers are moved by the warm affection shown for them by General Secretary Kim Jong Il who saw to it that the platforms with umbrellas are being set up this time after raincoats, rain boots, sunglasses, gloves and cosmetics as well as seasonal uniforms were provided to them.
Rush hour
Here are a few video clips. In the background you can hear little kids yelling at us. I have no idea what they were saying. While we were taking photos of the traffic girl they would slowly sneak up behind us to get a better look at the U.S. Imperialists. When we turned around they ran away screaming their heads off.
Related posts:
- North Korea: The streets of Pyongyang, Part III (Traffic control edition) More random shots, most of them of a random traffic girl who was directing “traffic” near a bookstore that we visited. These little kids would sneak up behind us. When we would turn around, they would run away screaming. Rush hour...
- North Korea: The streets of Pyongyang A few random shots here and there. Ubiquitous propaganda Pyongyang Traffic Girl Another Pyongyang Traffic Girl Building on Kim Il-Sung Square Kim Il-Sung Square. Tower of Juche Idea in the background. Building on Kim Il-Sung Square School children Flags and decorations Pyongyang TV Tower Near the Arch of Triumph. The...
- North Korea: Driving through the streets of Pyongyang, continued… Today I uploaded more footage taken while driving through Pyongyang. The first video includes footage of Kim Il-Sung Square, the Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang Traffic Girls, and the Grand People’s Study House. This second video was taken while driving through Pyongyang in the evening. There is not much to see, due...
From Matt:
So, I’ve been reading your blog for a while but finally decided to leave a comment.
After watching your Pyongyang traffic girls videos, it led to a wonderful piece of propaganda on Youtube.
Pyongyang Traffic Girls From the Sky:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-hyVzTVDLg
Thought that was pretty interesting =)
From Lindsay:
lol, airborne traffic division…that was awesome!
From AEYASSU:
KEEP THIS TECNIOLONY STRICTLY TO NORTH KORIA SINCE IT FITS THE NEED PERFECTLY. PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO EXPORT OR SHARE WITH OTHER SINCE IT WILL CAUSE A DESASTER.