North Korea is one of the most closely-guarded countries in the world - rarely are people allowed in, and photography is banned.
Vintage advertising shows how then-leader Kim Il-sung attempted to lure people to the country, with pictures of people relaxing on beaches, enjoying theme park rides and eating the local cuisine.
These snapshots were taken in the 1970s and '80s, before the collapse of the USSR. During this time, virtually no foreigners were allowed entry to North Korea except for communist allies.
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| This is how North Korea advertised itself to potential tourists back in the 1970s and 80s when only visitor from allied communist countries were allowed within its borders. |
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| Among the many attractions potential tourists had waiting for them include volleyball, a favorite sport in North Korea, which is pictured being played here on Wonsan beach. |
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| Gymnastics classes were another of the cultural offerings for potential communist visitors. Women are pictured taking part in a class on Songdowon beach here. |
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| The beach in Wonsan is filled with tourists, most like from the USSR, in this 1980s snap that was included in a brochure given to prospective visitors. |
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| This is the beach at Majon, in North Korea's second-largest city of Hamhung, photographed some time in the 1990s. |
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