Life Behind Walls: North Korea

A festival of stories, courage, and life in North Korea
led by writer and Korean studies expert Nina Špitálníková

What lies behind the borders of one of the most secretive countries in the world?
How do people live whose stories the regime never wanted the world to hear?
The multimedia festival Life Behind Walls: North Korea will be the largest event dedicated to North Korea and North Korean defectors not only in the Czech Republic, but in all of Europe. It is created under the leadership of writer and Korean studies expert Nina Špitálníková, who has long documented the testimonies of people escaping totalitarian rule.

The main immersive installation, spread across 1,500 m² in Hall 13 of the Prague Market, will take visitors behind the walls of the world’s most closed-off country, into a system designed to control every aspect of life. The strong visual identity of the festival is created by architect Barbara Bencová, while portraits of North Korean defectors — those who escaped the regime — are provided by Tim Franco, author of the acclaimed series Unperson. The exhibition will also feature illustrations by Dana Lédl (Myokard).

At the heart of the festival are authentic testimonies of North Koreans, speaking also for those whose voices were taken by the regime. Designed as an intergenerational experience, the festival ensures that the reality of oppression is not forgotten and that the stories of survivors continue to resonate with future generations. There will also be a children’s zone — Tota Flies, helping younger visitors understand the value of freedom through play.

“The regime silenced them. We hear them.” \

The festival allows visitors to go beyond commonly accessible information about life in the DPRK and connect with the personal stories of those who lived behind its walls.

**VIP tickets are available for purchase here.