Photos compiled by Nicolle Loughlin 

Every month or so a major newspaper publishes "rare" photos of "daily life" inside North Korea.  Often the accompanying article explains how the "privileged" photographer got in with exceptional access to shoot daily life in North Korea. But a close look at these albums shows that beyond some often beautifully artistic shots, these albums rarely offer the "rare glimpses" into North Korea they make out to be.   Instead, they usually present samey photos of the Pyongyang metro, "unhindered" views from the 35th floor of the Yanggakdo hotel, and of course an obligatory shot of the "empty" highway to Kaesong.