North Korea is modernizing, but hunger is never far away

Just like in many other countries, mothers are also in the spotlight in North Korea one day a year.

Just like in many other countries, mothers are also in the spotlight in North Korea one day a year. If they are lucky, they get a bag of cosmetics and other luxury products from their husbands, and they go out to dinner with the family. On Mother's Day there is no more table at the Taedonggang fish restaurant in Pyongyang. In blue waders, an employee of the Taedonggang wades carefully between the fish. In his hand he holds a net with which he wants to catch the fish that a customer has just designated. The trout, salmon and cod that are served on the second floor are found in basins on the ground floor. The women in Pyongyang take good care of themselves. Their colorful jackets and scarves stand out cheerfully at the dull black jackets of their men.