![Liberation Day (Aug 15) in Pyongyang](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362713.e2GnHko9.NorthKoreaAug09721.jpg) Liberation Day (Aug 15) in Pyongyang |
![Often the first stop on a visit to Pyongyang, everyone is required to bow to the statue of Kim Il Sung after flowers are laid](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362718.XUEvBNEY.NorthKoreaAug09731.jpg) Often the first stop on a visit to Pyongyang, everyone is required to bow to the statue of Kim Il Sung after flowers are laid |
![North Koreans expect foreigners to offer their respects to Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362719.JssZqezB.NorthKoreaAug09732.jpg) North Koreans expect foreigners to offer their respects to Kim Il Sung |
![You could probably expect a drive back to the airport if you refuse to bow to Kim Il Sung here](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362721.pblCGfZQ.NorthKoreaAug09735.jpg) You could probably expect a drive back to the airport if you refuse to bow to Kim Il Sung here |
![President for Eternity, the Great Leader Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362714.76SmZHfd.NorthKoreaAug09724.jpg) President for Eternity, the Great Leader Kim Il Sung |
![Grand Monument of Mansu Hill, Pyongyang](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362717.CsF6OtxQ.NorthKoreaAug09729.jpg) Grand Monument of Mansu Hill, Pyongyang |
![22.5m tall statue built in 1972](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362720.oZhIPval.NorthKoreaAug09733.jpg) 22.5m tall statue built in 1972 |
![Monumental scupture Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction on the right side of Mansu Hill](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362722.iGPW5iz7.NorthKoreaAug09736.jpg) Monumental scupture "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" on the right side of Mansu Hill |
![These bronze figures average 5m tall](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362734.RwW3jzUX.NorthKoreaAug09748.jpg) These bronze figures average 5m tall |
![Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362738.NYa3msA9.NorthKoreaAug09754.jpg) "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" |
![Monumental sculptures typical to those erected in other Socialist countries at that time](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362724.VqPiGCZF.NorthKoreaAug09738.jpg) Monumental sculptures typical to those erected in other Socialist countries at that time |
![Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction, Pyongyang](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362725.4twg4wy6.NorthKoreaAug09739.jpg) "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction", Pyongyang |
![Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction, Pyongyang](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362730.tctTjM2B.NorthKoreaAug09742.jpg) "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction", Pyongyang |
![The Great Leader Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362731.ECrfaAJk.NorthKoreaAug09743.jpg) The Great Leader Kim Il Sung |
![Under the fierce attacks mounted by the KPRA and active nation-wide uprising, Japan declared its unconditional surrender...](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362732.yeTf5X3Y.NorthKoreaAug09745.jpg) "Under the fierce attacks mounted by the KPRA and active nation-wide uprising, Japan declared its unconditional surrender..." |
![After listening to everything about the Great Leader, one would be forgiven for thinking he single-handedly defeated Japan](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362735.E0fHKpqL.NorthKoreaAug09749.jpg) After listening to everything about the Great Leader, one would be forgiven for thinking he single-handedly defeated Japan |
![We were briefed in Beijing that this statue can only be photographed in its entirety](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362736.w6ZQVk71.NorthKoreaAug09751.jpg) We were briefed in Beijing that this statue can only be photographed in its entirety |
![...and definitely don't stand there with the same gesture](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362740.xzXEwoTW.NorthKoreaAug09756.jpg) ...and definitely don't stand there with the same gesture |
![After several members of our group laid their flowers and we performed our bows, we were given 10 minutes for photos](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362741.v5HJOC5N.NorthKoreaAug09757.jpg) After several members of our group laid their flowers and we performed our bows, we were given 10 minutes for photos |
![I later found out that I had insulted Mr. Oh going off to take these photos rather than get one of me in front of the statue](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362743.YoIxSRn2.NorthKoreaAug09759.jpg) I later found out that I had insulted Mr. Oh going off to take these photos rather than get one of me in front of the statue |
![...it wasn't intentional...they didn't say anything in briefing and I almost never have my photo taken in front of monuments](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362746.1MZPEtg1.NorthKoreaAug09762.jpg) ...it wasn't intentional...they didn't say anything in briefing and I almost never have my photo taken in front of monuments |
![...I must say I had visions of the statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad while I was here...](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362744.zHU1uyET.NorthKoreaAug09760.jpg) ...I must say I had visions of the statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad while I was here... |
![Mosaic of Mount Paektu behind the statue of Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362745.uw3EdwPP.NorthKoreaAug09761.jpg) Mosaic of Mount Paektu behind the statue of Kim Il Sung |
![Mansudae Grand Monument, Pyongyang](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362751.uhIWA2rS.NorthKoreaAug09767.jpg) Mansudae Grand Monument, Pyongyang |
![The Great Leader Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362753.4qmHeK2n.NorthKoreaAug09769.jpg) The Great Leader Kim Il Sung |
![The second monumental sculpture group at Mansu Hill](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362715.EBZo2vtL.NorthKoreaAug09726.jpg) The second monumental sculpture group at Mansu Hill |
![Monumental sculpture Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle, Manu Hill Grand Monument](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362747.Yz0QT5rR.NorthKoreaAug09763.jpg) Monumental sculpture "Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle", Manu Hill Grand Monument |
![Each figure averages 5m tall](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362750.c49UXalt.NorthKoreaAug09766.jpg) Each figure averages 5m tall |
![Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362754.BXPUmAR7.NorthKoreaAug09770.jpg) "Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle" |
![Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362755.W84dxwXL.NorthKoreaAug09771.jpg) "Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle" |
![Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle on the left side of the Mansu Hill Grand Monument](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362756.Q7AwOAsa.NorthKoreaAug09772.jpg) "Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle" on the left side of the Mansu Hill Grand Monument |
![Mansu Hill Grand Monument, Pyongyang, a national shrine to the Great Leader Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362757.DZQY3U07.NorthKoreaAug09773.jpg) Mansu Hill Grand Monument, Pyongyang, a national shrine to the Great Leader Kim Il Sung |
![The vast square in front of the statue of President Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362758.OsvlH6bG.NorthKoreaAug09778.jpg) The vast square in front of the statue of President Kim Il Sung |
![On the left, Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362759.sI4vMksJ.NorthKoreaAug09780.jpg) On the left, "Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle" |
![On the right, Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362760.vh2bhlDa.NorthKoreaAug09781.jpg) On the right, "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" |
![Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362770.9I7rwwYC.NorthKoreaAug09791.jpg) "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" |
![Liberation Day marks the end of 40 years of Japanese occupation (1905-1945)](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362761.js2tkbp8.NorthKoreaAug09782.jpg) Liberation Day marks the end of 40 years of Japanese occupation (1905-1945) |
![Our three DPRK guides - senior guide Mr. Kim, Miss Kim Song Sim, and Mr. Oh](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362762.OAKTqmAP.NorthKoreaAug09784.jpg) Our three DPRK guides - senior guide Mr. Kim, Miss Kim Song Sim, and Mr. Oh |
![A lone woman bows in front of the statue of Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362766.i4CJHgg2.NorthKoreaAug09786.jpg) A lone woman bows in front of the statue of Kim Il Sung |
![A group of school children in the red scarfs of the Young Pioneers arriving](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362767.dM9aof0F.NorthKoreaAug09787.jpg) A group of school children in the red scarfs of the Young Pioneers arriving |
![The Young Pioneers approach the statue of Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362768.JR5NJlNb.NorthKoreaAug09789.jpg) The Young Pioneers approach the statue of Kim Il Sung |
![Young Pioneers at the statue of Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362769.aAaW4qmA.NorthKoreaAug09790.jpg) Young Pioneers at the statue of Kim Il Sung |
![Young Pioneers bowing to the statue of Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362771.k9trJv2O.NorthKoreaAug09792.jpg) Young Pioneers bowing to the statue of Kim Il Sung |
![Mansu Grand Monument, Pyongyang](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362772.Zp8jShJP.NorthKoreaAug09793.jpg) Mansu Grand Monument, Pyongyang |
![The Young Pioneers depart for the next stop on their Liberation Day Kim Il Sung pilgrimage](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362773.zDclsjzn.NorthKoreaAug09796.jpg) The Young Pioneers depart for the next stop on their Liberation Day Kim Il Sung pilgrimage |
![North Korean Young Pioneers, Pyongyang](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362774.yihrfMXL.NorthKoreaAug09797.jpg) North Korean Young Pioneers, Pyongyang |
![Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362775.4Fsuh0Cr.NorthKoreaAug09798.jpg) "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" |
![Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362776.ZnoMIRDi.NorthKoreaAug09799.jpg) "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" |
![Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362778.qvTMNgh3.NorthKoreaAug09801.jpg) "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" |
![North Korean flag](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362782.xtf1zVtp.NorthKoreaAug09805.jpg) North Korean flag |
![Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362783.2ek2xbUG.NorthKoreaAug09806.jpg) "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" |
![A mother with two children](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362784.mP93SfsC.NorthKoreaAug09807.jpg) A mother with two children |
![Push out all American goods, Make the country united!](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362785.v25szEik.NorthKoreaAug09808.jpg) "Push out all American goods, Make the country united!" |
![Happy Birthday for Kim Jong Il](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362786.HQzLE3Sb.NorthKoreaAug09809.jpg) "Happy Birthday for Kim Jong Il" |
![Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362787.54Tc7sOJ.NorthKoreaAug09810.jpg) "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" |
![A large North Korean work unit dressed in Mao-suits arrives at the Mansu Grand Monument](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362790.teNoP57h.NorthKoreaAug09814.jpg) A large North Korean work unit dressed in Mao-suits arrives at the Mansu Grand Monument |
![The work unit ascends the steps of Mansu Hill](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362791.VU56GrmR.NorthKoreaAug09815.jpg) The work unit ascends the steps of Mansu Hill |
![North Korean work unit in Mao suits at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362792.BmtkABZq.NorthKoreaAug09816.jpg) North Korean work unit in Mao suits at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument |
![North Korean work unit in Mao suits at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362793.J7KQGTyZ.NorthKoreaAug09817.jpg) North Korean work unit in Mao suits at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument |
![North Korean work unit in Mao suits at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362795.qfUW3pBJ.NorthKoreaAug09819.jpg) North Korean work unit in Mao suits at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument |
![North Korean work unit in Mao suits at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362796.pXBkrjgR.NorthKoreaAug09820.jpg) North Korean work unit in Mao suits at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument |
![...bow complete...](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362797.uOQhmNxM.NorthKoreaAug09822.jpg) ...bow complete... |
![The work unit leaving the statue of Kim Il Sung](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362798.eYuqBgA6.NorthKoreaAug09823.jpg) The work unit leaving the statue of Kim Il Sung |
![The guides grabbed some women in traditional dress](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362799.oknrw6oZ.NorthKoreaAug09825.jpg) The guides grabbed some women in traditional dress |
![North Korean woman dressed traditionally for Liberation Day](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362800.8rwfarIp.NorthKoreaAug09827.jpg) North Korean woman dressed traditionally for Liberation Day |
![North Korean women posing with American tourists at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362801.5ksWq3qW.NorthKoreaAug09829.jpg) North Korean women posing with American tourists at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument |
![Traditional Korean dresses, Pyongyang](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362802.b21wHAcI.NorthKoreaAug09830.jpg) Traditional Korean dresses, Pyongyang |
![Two North Korean women in uniform at Mansu Hill](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362804.InghPawq.NorthKoreaAug09832.jpg) Two North Korean women in uniform at Mansu Hill |
![North Koreans in uniform at Mansu Hill Grand Monument](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362805.DOJdqADG.NorthKoreaAug09832a.jpg) North Koreans in uniform at Mansu Hill Grand Monument |
![Mansu Hill Grand Monument, Pyongyang](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362806.MYdyKbho.NorthKoreaAug09833.jpg) Mansu Hill Grand Monument, Pyongyang |
![Panorama of the Mansu Hill Grand Monument, Pyongyang](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/116362807.8WbA1s4q.NorthKoreaAug09panorama7.jpg) Panorama of the Mansu Hill Grand Monument, Pyongyang |