It is not a secret, apart from the guides and drivers, socialising with North Koreans is almost impossible. There are however some places where different nationalities can mix - and even in a very cordial way - like at Munsu Aquatic Centre.

Opened in 2013 after only nine months of work, the very colourful establishment covers about fifteen hectares and consists of many basins, whether indoors with a wave pool or outdoors. There are fourteen slides, basketball courts, volleyball, a climbing wall, trampolines and a restaurant where you can, even as a tourist, have a drink and enjoy French fries with... Heinz brand ketchup! The bravest will try a new haircut in the building's hairdresser: select a cut on the proposed models and you'll have it (you just have to appreciate the local style).

For those travelling in groups, the "single" visit of the Centre is free, but you have to pay about 5 euros to go swimming. It is anyway possible to rent swimsuits, hats and goggles for those who have not planned theirs.

The place is often crowded, especially on weekends, and you have to wait a little before having fun on a slide.

Do not forget to be polite in the hall of the building where there is a statue in real size of Kim Jong-Il.

Who are the locals in the pools? It is not easy to know who they really are; in any case, they are necessarily from Pyongyang and can afford this hobby, so they are not “ordinary” people. This may explain why tourists are not looted as in other more popular places, like in parks.