THE TRAFFIC LADIES 

OF

 NORTH KOREA


Referred to as traffic ladies in North Korea, the women who marshal vehicles through Pyongyang are chosen for their looks in a society that remains traditionalist in many respects
Referred to as traffic ladies in North Korea, the women who
 marshal vehicles through Pyongyang are chosen for their 
looks in a society that remains traditionalist in many respects


Snapping their heads from side to side, marching into the roads in
 close-fitting blue uniforms and black heels, the 'traffic ladies' who 
marshal vehicles at the intersections of Pyongyang are an emblematic 
image of the North Korean capital.
Officially known as traffic security officers but universally referred 
to as traffic ladies, they are chosen for their looks in a society that
 remains traditionalist in many respects.
They must leave the role if they marry, and have a finite shelf-life, 
with compulsory retirement looming at just 26.
The 300-odd ladies are unique to Pyongyang, which North Korean
 authorities are always keen to present in the best possible light 
despite their nuclear-armed country's impoverished status, 
and ensure a steady supply of photogenic young women 
who are the favourite subject of visiting tourists and journalists.
Referred to as traffic ladies in North Korea, the women who marshal vehicles through Pyongyang are chosen for their looks in a society that remains traditionalist in many respects
Referred to as traffic ladies in North Korea, the women who
 marshal vehicles through Pyongyang are chosen for their
 looks in a society that remains traditionalist in many respects
The women must leave the role if they marry, and have a finite shelf-life, with compulsory retirement looming at just 26
The women must leave the role if they marry, and have a
 finite shelf-life, with compulsory retirement looming at just 26
The 300-odd ladies are unique to Pyongyang are the favourite subject of visiting tourists and journalists
The 300-odd ladies are unique to Pyongyang are the favourite
subject of visiting tourists and journalists
The women, who marshal vehicles at the intersections of Pyongyang are an emblematic image of the North Korean capital
The women, who marshal vehicles at the intersections of
 Pyongyang are an emblematic image of the North Korean capital
'They are representing the capital city,' explained a senior officer
 of the ministry of public security, which supervises traffic regulation. 
'That's why they are selected based on their appearance and physique.'
No age limit applies to their roughly 400 male counterparts -
 who tend to be stationed at roundabouts.
The rules were because 'normally, the women in our country marry 
at the age of 26 or 27', explained the officer, who did not want to be
 named. 'Because the role is tough and difficult, they can only do
 the job when they are single.'
The traffic ladies were originally introduced in the 1980s, when 
vehicles were a rarity on the streets of Pyongyang and remained so
 for decades, giving rise to the surreal sight of them directing - with
 precision and energy - non-existent cars on wide but deserted boulevards.
As part of North Korea's security forces they hold officer ranks, 
and Senior Captain Ri Myong-Sim, 24, said: 'I have to carry out each 
and every action with discipline and spirit.'
No age limit applies to their roughly 400 male counterparts - who tend to be stationed at roundabouts
No age limit applies to their roughly 400 male counterparts - 
who tend to be stationed at roundabouts
The rule that the women have to leave the role by 26 came about because most women in North Korea get married when they're 26 or 27, one officer (not pictured) says
The rule that the women have to leave the role by 26 came about because most women in North Korea get married when they're 26 or 27, one officer (not pictured) says
The traffic ladies were originally introduced in the 1980s, when vehicles were a rarity on the streets of Pyongyang and remained so for decades, giving rise to the surreal sight of them directing - with precision and energy - non-existent cars on wide but deserted boulevards
The traffic ladies were originally introduced in the 1980s, when vehicles were a rarity on the streets of Pyongyang and remained so for decades, giving rise to the surreal sight of them directing - with precision and energy - non-existent cars on wide but deserted boulevards
A traffic security officer walks in front of several vehicles while on duty at an intersection in Pyongyang
A traffic security officer walks in front of several vehicles while on duty at an intersection in Pyongyang
A seven-year veteran, she cuts an imposing presence in her high-peaked cap and white gloves.
Her 'tough training' had involved 'exhausting repetition' of the moves, she told AFP.
'But every time I felt that, the thing that kept me going and drove me was the thought that our leader, who cares for only the happiness of our people all year long, was watching us work,' she said, standing ramrod-straight at the Changjon crossroads in central Pyongyang.
'So I could practice throughout the night and keep going on the next day without feeling tired at all.'
Ordinary North Koreans normally only express officially approved sentiments when questioned by foreign media.
An obelisk down the road proclaimed: 'The Great President Kim Il-Sung and the Great Leader Kim Jong-Il will always be with us.'
The women face 'tough' training for the role, one officer (not pictured) said, which involved 'exhausting repetition' of the moves
The women face 'tough' training for the role, one officer (not pictured) said, which involved 'exhausting repetition' of the moves
One officer (not pictured) said what keeps her going is the approval of the North Korean government. Ordinary North Koreans normally only express officially approved sentiments when questioned by foreign media
One officer (not pictured) said what keeps her going is the approval of the North Korean government. Ordinary North Koreans normally only express officially approved sentiments when questioned by foreign media
Vehicle numbers have increased in the capital in recent years as authorities quietly liberalise the economy
Vehicle numbers have increased in the capital in recent years as authorities quietly liberalise the economy
The increase in cars has led to growth despite United Nations sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes
The increase in cars has led to growth despite United Nations sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes
Vehicle numbers have increased in the capital in recent years as authorities quietly liberalise the economy, leading to growth despite United Nations sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes, although the North keeps most statistics secret and precise figures are not available.
Traffic lights have been introduced at most intersections, but the ladies - who say they work an hour on, an hour off, although their feet can still get sore - have no fear of their blue uniforms being replaced by red, amber and green.
The lights 'help the humans do their jobs more easily', said Ri.
Their kit includes thick cotton coats for winter - when their breath condenses instantly in the bitter cold - flashing orange halters for night work, and sunscreen.
'The great leader shows them endless care and love,' the ministry officer said. 'That's why they do their best in their efforts, to repay the great love of the great presidents and dear Respected Marshal Kim Jong-Un.'
Traffic lights have been introduced at most intersections, but the ladies have no fear of their blue uniforms being replaced by the lights
Traffic lights have been introduced at most intersections, but the ladies have no fear of their blue uniforms being replaced by the lights
In a photo taken on June 5, 2017 a traffic security officer speaks with a pedestrian as she stands on duty at an intersection in Pyongyang
In a photo taken on June 5, 2017 a traffic security officer speaks with a pedestrian as she stands on duty at an intersection in Pyongyang
Their women's kit includes thick cotton coats for winter - when their breath condenses instantly in the bitter cold - flashing orange halters for night work, and sunscreen
Their women's kit includes thick cotton coats for winter - when their breath condenses instantly in the bitter cold - flashing orange halters for night work, and sunscreen
The traffic ladies are 'second to none' as a photo subject for tourists visiting Pyongyang, said Simon Cockerell, general manager of specialist travel agency Koryo Tours
The traffic ladies are 'second to none' as a photo subject for tourists visiting Pyongyang, said Simon Cockerell, general manager of specialist travel agency Koryo Tours
Cockerell, who has been leading trips to North Korea for more than 15 years, said that the women 'brighten up' the streets of Pyongyang
Cockerell, who has been leading trips to North Korea for more than 15 years, said that the women 'brighten up' the streets of Pyongyang
The traffic ladies are 'second to none' as a photo subject for tourists visiting Pyongyang, said Simon Cockerell, general manager of specialist travel agency Koryo Tours, who has been leading trips to North Korea for more than 15 years.
'They appear to have the dual function of directing traffic and brightening up the streets of the capital,' he said.
'I don´t believe there has been a tourist who has visited Pyongyang and not taken a photo of a traffic lady.'
'I think it would be no exaggeration to call them iconic,' he added - although they were 'somewhat objectified' by visitors.
With retirement ahead Senior Captain Ri is taking a training course to become a teacher.
But she let the facade of discipline slip when asked if the focus was annoying.
'We are so concentrated on doing our jobs we rarely notice the attention,' she giggled.
Cockerell said he doesn't believe that there's a tourist who has visited Pyongyang and not taken a photo of the famous traffic ladies
Cockerell said he doesn't believe that there's a tourist who has visited Pyongyang and not taken a photo of the famous traffic ladies
One officer (not pictured) said that she gets so concentrated in her job of marshaling traffic that she doesn't notice the attention she gets from passersby
One officer (not pictured) said that she gets so concentrated in her job of marshaling traffic that she doesn't notice the attention she gets from passersby
Because the women have to retire from their job so early, many look into other opportunities for a new career post-traffic lady. One officer (not pictured) said she is training to become a teacher
Because the women have to retire from their job so early, many look into other opportunities for a new career post-traffic lady. One officer (not pictured) said she is training to become a teacher

One officer (not pictured) said married women are not allowed to take up traffic directing because the job is 'tough and difficult', so they can only do it when they're single
A senior officer of the ministry of public security, which supervises traffic regulation said the women work hard to 'repay the great love of the great presidents and dear Respected Marshal Kim Jong-Un'
A senior officer of the ministry of public security, which supervises traffic regulation said the women work hard to 'repay the great love of the great presidents and dear Respected Marshal Kim Jong-Un'
(The Mail, UK)