Senegal

Abandoned North Korean Embassy Has Us All Screaming 'Inside Job!'

When North Korea ghosted its embassy in Senegal, we just had to take a peek! Dive into our exclusive tour and the surprising secrets we uncovered. 🏛️👀

In the heart of Dakar, Senegal, sits an abandoned North Korean embassy that's become a rare and eerie relic from a bygone era. This embassy is one of the seven that Pyongyang abruptly closed last year, leaving much speculation and curiosity in its wake. Thanks to the daring team at RFA Korean, we now have an exclusive look inside this ghostly embassy. Reporters Jaewoo Park and Hyung Jun You embarked on an unexpected and thrilling tour, revealing the secrets hidden within its decaying walls.

Stepping through the creaky front door, the first thing that hits you is the thick layer of dust covering practically everything. From forgotten diplomatic documents to eerie portraits of Kim Jong Un, the place is a frozen snapshot of North Korean bureaucracy. Rooms that once buzzed with political negotiations and covert operations now stand silent, hauntingly reminding us of a secretive regime's past.

One of the most fascinating finds was an intact map of Dakar with various points of interest marked in Korean. It was a stark reminder of the careful and meticulous planning that characterized North Korea's diplomatic presence around the globe. Along with this, the team found numerous technical gadgets likely used for communication and potential espionage. While these relics might not be operational today, they surely tell tales of a time when covert affairs were the embassy's lifeline.

The reasons behind the sudden closure of these embassies still remain a subject of debates among political analysts. Some theories suggest it was a cost-cutting measure, while others believe it was part of a strategic withdrawal from less significant global outposts. But one thing is clear – the mysterious aura of the North Korean regime only deepens with such abrupt moves.

Interestingly, the North Korean embassy in Dakar had a unique status. It was one of the few embassies that permitted limited public visits under strict supervision. This special status not only fostered a rare diplomatic relationship but also attracted curious locals and visiting diplomats. With those doors now sealed indefinitely, one can't help but reflect on the unusual open-door diplomacy North Korea occasionally dared to exhibit.

Another compelling fact about North Korea's diplomatic shenanigans is their heavy investment in secret communication networks. These networks were essential for maintaining Pyongyang's far-reaching diplomatic and intelligence operations. Such networks highlight the lengths to which North Korea would go to remain an enigmatic yet influential player on the world stage.