Known for its harsh reaction to criticism of its human rights and atomic energy policy, North Korea rarely opens its doors to the outside world. This makes the images by Associated Press photographer David Guttenfelder all the more meaningful.

Early in 2012, accompanied by a cadre of observers, Guttenfelder was granted access to selected areas of the country. Although much of what he saw was certainly orchestrated, the images from his trip nevertheless provide a fascinating glimpse of a little-known land.