Mass housing and urban planning are a key element in North Korea's material foundation. In the
post-war era the country attempted to socialise all types of living spaces - from small
apartment rooms to urban settings - based on political ideology. The idea that North Korea's
political forces are brainwashing their people is superficial - as testimonies from many
defectors have revealed. By exploring home culture and daily life this book aims to capture
the actual life of North Koreans who have largely supported the country's unique dictatorial
political system. To this end it uses drawings maps and diagrams obtained from various
archives. While these are neutral forms of communication they also convey the actual
intentions of North Korean architects and planners hidden behind the deceitful claims of
political leaders. · The reconstruction of Pyongyang and Hamhung · Piotr Zaremba and the urban
planning of Chongjin · The creation of Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang · The emergence of mass
housing in Post-War North Korea · The introduction of microdistricts in site planning ·
Socialisation of rural space in North Korea · The planning of Gwangbok Street New Town in
Pyongyang · The development of the housing market
