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More articles by 'Taylor Darby'
A diplomat’s life: Christmas in North Korea has lots of lights but little cheer
While foreigners can celebrate privately, Dec. 25 is just another cold winter’s day for the rest of the country
December 23, 2022
A diplomat’s life: Parting advice for those going to work in North Korea
Foreigners must learn to accept the political system but remain critical, while caring for their own mental health
December 29, 2021
A diplomat’s life: The mundane, ordinary routines of the North Korean people
For most in Pyongyang, worshipping the Kim family is just a part of the 9-to-5 grind
December 23, 2021
The good, the bad and the memorable of expat life in North Korea
The system is stifling for Koreans and foreigners alike, but human interactions carry one through difficulties
December 15, 2021
A diplomat’s life: On the ground in Pyongyang during the ‘fire and fury’ era
North Koreans in the capital city seemed to genuinely believe conflict could break out at anytime
December 9, 2021
A diplomat’s life: Tight schedules and resort-like thrills touring North Korea
State travel agencies plan every detail of visitors’ itineraries, careful to show only the best it has to offer
December 1, 2021
A diplomat’s life: Navigating North Korea’s complex travel permission system
North Korea’s extreme social controls mean a complex process for any travel request, even for foreign diplomats
November 24, 2021
A diplomat’s life: Pyongyang meals for diners with adventurous palates
From Korean hot pot to sturgeon blood, the DPRK capital has a range of restaurant options beyond just burgers and pizza
November 17, 2021
A diplomat’s life: Dining on pizza and ‘meat in bread’ in Pyongyang restaurants
A handful of specialty eateries serve international fare, but many locals stick to kimchi and Korean classics
November 10, 2021
A diplomat’s life: The ephemeral beauty of concrete Pyongyang
North Korean builders are highly skilled, but erratic leadership priorities and few materials make for an unsafe skyline
November 3, 2021
