Pyongyang, North Korea: Architectural & Cultural Guide, Vol 1 & 2
Publisher: DOM PUBLISHERS (March 15, 2012)
ISBN-10: 3869221879
ISBN-13: 978-3869221878
Visiting Korea? Or, like me, an avid armchair traveler? Maybe neither, but you might be a lover or architecture and color. In any case, you need this wonderful little double volume in its handy slipcase. Turn a page and fall in love.
I’d never heard of Pyongyang before. Or, maybe I had, on the news or in an article and never really paid attention until I got these guides in the mail. Now, it’s on my list of places I want to visit.
The guides are lovely with full color photos and handy colored tabs for easy referencing. The pages are thick and glossy, tough enough for constant flipping back and forth and easy enough to fit into a suitcase. They are organized as follows:
Volume 1
- Urban Planning;
- Residential buildings;
- Culture venues;
- Education and sport;
- Hotels and department stores;
- Transport infrastructure; and
- Monuments.
Volume 2
- Introduction;
- Cabinet of Curiousities;
- Korean Architecture;
- Learning from Pyongyang;
- On Architecture;
- Urban Propaganda; and
- Appendix.
I fell in love with the buildings. Being a great fan of architecture, it was a pleasure seeing all the styles and there are some amazing buildings in Korea. Buildings that really stood out for me were the Grand People’s Study house that has ten stories and fifteen reading rooms. Yes, I gravitated straight to a book house.
Both volumes are incredibly comprehensive with a wealth of information and photos. They include maps, historical photos, photos of buildings under construction, etc. I found the section on urban propaganda particularly interesting as well as the section on Korean architecture.
My grandchildren and daughter-in-law were also fascinated by the guides and their interest led to a long evening poring over and then discussing Korea, politics, architecture and color theory. They are definitely educational and spark discussion. I think they are a great way to get kids talking about world events, as well as giving them an interest in art, architecture and travel. I foresee more spirited discussion and activity in future evenings with them. Jasmine is already asking if she can take the set to her school to show her teacher. Korea, most probably not anywhere near her radar, is now a source of great interest and is getting her to read more about it. I love that.
These guides are also a great way to get both kids and adults interested in non-fiction. The color and vibrancy of them make them fun to read and look at, making it a great way to get information without it being too dry, which is often the case with serious non-fiction.
The publisher was kind enough to provide lots of photos from the guides which I have included here as a photo gallery.
Disclosure: A free copy of this book was furnished by the publisher for review, but providing a copy did not guarantee a review. This information is provided per the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission. Thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer.
