Inside North Korean Summer Camp for Children (49 photos)

A rare look inside North Korea reveals a surprising destination for children: the Songdowon International Children’s Camp in Wonsan.

This government-run summer camp welcomes kids from around the country and occasionally from allied nations for a carefully curated experience meant to showcase North Korean hospitality and pride. Set by the sea, the camp features swimming pools, sports facilities, dormitories, and patriotic murals. Children attending the camp participate in synchronized dancing, singing, and various group activities, all designed to reinforce loyalty to the regime. While it may resemble a typical summer retreat on the surface, life inside North Korea adds a unique twist. Everything is monitored, and the camp serves as a tool of soft propaganda. Still, for many North Korean children, it’s one of the few chances to travel or socialize beyond their hometown. Visiting the Songdowon International Children’s Camp in Wonsan offers a glimpse into how childhood is shaped under one of the most secretive governments in the world.