North Korea capital Pyongyang seen in stunning timelapse by National Geographic filmmakers

A JAW-DROPPING timelapse video from Pyongyang has provided an unexpected glimpse of everyday life, including what North Korean kids do for fun.

LIFE inside North Korea has always been something of a mystery.

Now, National Geographic has helped lift the veil on the everyday activities inside the capital Pyongyang — and you will likely be intrigued by what you see.

Filmmakers Rob Whitworth and JT Singh were given extensive access to sites across Pyongyang, allowing viewers to duck down into North Korea’s subways, ride the train and watch a group of children skate in a half-pipe.

Watch the timelapse video above.

North Koreans are seen riding the train in Pyongyang. Picture: Rob Whitworth and JT Singh/National Geographic

During the three-minute video a traffic cop can be seen going out of the way to help a woman with a pram.

Whitworth says watching life inside North Korea was “like entering an alternate universe”.

“Surprised isn’t really the right word. I would say I was beguiled — everything is just so very different,” he told National Geographic.

A traffic cop helps a woman pushing a pram in Pyongyang. Picture: Rob Whitworth and JT Singh/National Geographic

“At its core Pyongyang is a city lived in by humans going about their everyday lives. I think a key part of travel is learning more about where you’re from and your own values and beliefs. Being in a place so very different really makes you think.”

One of the reactions that most people have when watching the video, Whitworth says, is “how colourless the city looks”.

National Geographic has provided a rare glimpse inside North Korea’s capital Pyongyang. Picture: Rob Whitworth and JT Singh/National Geographic

“If you think about it, a lot of the colour we experience in cities consists of adverts competing for our attention,” he said.

The filmmakers say they were given access to Pyongyang through a British-based company called Koryo Tours, which has a close relationship with KITC, the North Korean tourism board.

Whitworth said the rules were pretty strict about what couldn’t be filmed including constructions sites and military bases.

Filmmakers were unable to crop out images of North Korea’s leaders. Picture: Rob Whitworth and JT Singh/National Geographic

They were also not allowed to crop out images of North Korean leaders.

“I think not shooting military bases is reasonably universal and the others were pretty easy to avoid,” he said.

“There were also little things, like having to all get in the van and be driven across the road rather than just walking on occasion.”

His favourite image from the video?

A North Korean girl is seen skating in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in a time-lapse video of the city by filmmakers Rob Whitworth and JT Singh. Picture: Rob Whitworth and JT Singh/National Geographic

“I think the shot of the girl in the skate park is my favourite,” Whitworth said.

“Korean people are very reserved, and most of the sites we were shooting from were large, deserted monuments, so being in and among Pyongyangian people was quite rare.”

“The skate park was amazing. It was May Day (a public holiday), the sun was shining, and the park was packed with families having fun,” he said. “I think the little girl in the video says something like, ‘Oh, they are filming.’ Such a lovely moment.”

Filmmakers Rob Whitworth and JT Singh take viewers through a train station in North Korea. Picture: Rob Whitworth and JT Singh/National Geographic

North Korea has long been open to tourists and companies in China offer trips into the country, although what you see as a visitor is strictly controlled.

About 1000 Americans each year paid a visit, almost all without any drama, but the death of detained tourist Otto Warmbier in June changed all that.

The university student was arrested after stealing a poster and mysteriously fell into a coma. He was sent home to the US and passed away days later.

It resulted in a travel ban for all US citizens.

Inside the tain station in North Korea: Picture: Rob Whitworth and JT Singh/National Geographic

As tensions escalate with North Korea, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop also told parliament the Australian government has updated its travel advice for South Korea and Japan in response to North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

“Our official advice for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the DPRK, is that Australians should reconsider their need to travel to the DPRK,” she said.

“I would urge Australians not to travel to North Korea.

“We have no consular presence there. We have little capacity to assist should any Australians get into trouble.”

The country’s reclusive culture and sizeable investment in military hardware are just a few of the reasons that have made North Korea a drawcard for tourists.

Originally published as North Korea capital Pyongyang seen in stunning timelapse by National Geographic filmmakers