Pyongyang's bus stops depict North Korean landscapes

From mountain, coastal and farming landscapes to views of dams and city squares, the images have no words or slogans. But they are still propaganda - like this image of a coastal military post.

In Pyongyang everyone always appears to have a purpose, whether going to or from work, or taking part in some kind of group activity. At bus stops, though, commuters are forced to put their day on hold as they wait for a ride. Mt. Myohyang, depicted behind them, is one of Korea's most picturesque - and the site of two giant museums of gifts given to "Great Leaders" Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

People here have little choice but to walk or use the limited public transport. Apart from two dozen taxis, there are only some 2,000 cars in the city and nearly all are reserved for state and official organizations.

Buses are by far the most common means of public transport in the capital of around 3 million people, where access to private cars is rare. Tickets cost 5 won each (three euro cents), making journeys virtually free. Depicted are the Mansudae apartments, the latest addition to Pyongyang's skyline.

One commuter says that she uses her time on the public transit network to plan her day, crediting the country's founding father Kim Il-Sung and his descendants and successors for building up the system. The image depicts Kim's birthplace in Mangyongdae, today a national shrine.

"When you go to and from work using the bus you can feel the warm love of the great leaders every time," she says. Depicted behind them is the Rimyongsu Waterfall, near the Chinese border, and close to the site of a purported battle against the Japanese led by Kim Il Sung.