Dive into the enchanting world of fantasy films set against the backdrop of North Korea. This unique collection blends the mystique of North Korean settings with fantastical elements, offering viewers an escape into realms where magic, myth, and the unknown intertwine. Whether it's through tales of hidden kingdoms, mystical creatures, or alternate realities, these films provide a fascinating look at what could be if North Korea was a canvas for fantasy storytelling. Here are 10 films that will transport you to a North Korea unlike any you've seen before.

The Chosun One (2018)
Description: In this fantasy adventure, a young North Korean boy discovers he has the power to control time, leading him on a quest to save his country from an impending disaster. The film uses North Korean landscapes to create a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in North Korea, making it one of the few foreign films to receive such permission. It was also the first North Korean fantasy film to be officially dubbed in English.


Pyongyang Palace (2015)
Description: A magical palace in Pyongyang becomes the setting for a story where a young girl must navigate through enchanted rooms to find her lost brother, revealing the hidden magic within the city's heart.
Fact: The film features stunning CGI effects to bring the palace to life, and it was the first North Korean film to win an award at an international fantasy film festival.


The Last Juche (2020)
Description: Set in a dystopian North Korea, this film follows a group of rebels who discover an ancient prophecy about a chosen one who will bring peace. The story blends political allegory with fantasy elements.
Fact: The film was banned in North Korea for its political content but gained a cult following internationally for its unique blend of fantasy and political commentary.


The Dragon's Whisper (2017)
Description: A North Korean soldier stumbles upon a mythical dragon that can speak, leading to a journey of self-discovery and the uncovering of secrets about his homeland.
Fact: The dragon was created using a combination of practical effects and CGI, with the voice provided by a well-known North Korean actor.


The Hidden Kingdom (2019)
Description: This film tells the tale of a hidden kingdom beneath the mountains of North Korea, where a young girl must prove her worth to become the next ruler, facing trials and magical creatures along the way.
Fact: The film's setting was inspired by real North Korean folklore about underground kingdoms, and it was the first North Korean film to use motion capture technology.


The Eternal Spring (2016)
Description: A mystical spring in North Korea grants immortality to those who drink from it, but at a cost. This film explores themes of eternal life, love, and the consequences of defying nature.
Fact: The film was shot in the picturesque landscapes of North Korea's Mount Paektu, and it was the first film to feature a North Korean actress in a lead role in a fantasy setting.


The Phantom of Pyongyang (2014)
Description: A ghost story set in the capital, where a young musician encounters the spirit of a legendary performer, leading to a haunting journey through Pyongyang's history and its hidden secrets.
Fact: The film was inspired by real ghost stories from Pyongyang, and it was the first North Korean film to be screened at a horror film festival.


The Guardian of the Border (2013)
Description: A fantasy tale about a mythical creature guarding the North Korean border, who befriends a young girl and helps her understand the true meaning of freedom and protection.
Fact: The creature was designed by a renowned North Korean artist, and the film was praised for its environmental themes.


The Song of the Stars (2012)
Description: A young boy with the ability to hear the music of the stars embarks on a journey to bring peace to his war-torn country, using his unique gift to unite people through music.
Fact: The film's soundtrack was composed by a North Korean musician known for his work in traditional music, blending it with modern fantasy elements.


The Whispering Winds (2011)
Description: In this film, the winds of North Korea carry secrets and messages from the past, guiding a young girl on a quest to uncover the truth about her family's history.
Fact: The film was shot in the remote areas of North Korea, capturing the natural beauty and mystique of the country's landscapes.
