Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

North Korean gulags are attracting reviews on Google Maps

Chongjin camp gets 2.8 user rating

Christopher Hooton
Wednesday 29 January 2014 12:49 EST
Comments
Google has made nearly all locations available for review on Google Plus
Google has made nearly all locations available for review on Google Plus (Google)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The whole 'review things in an amusing manner on the internet' thing has taken a macabre twist, with gulags in North Korea being rated on Google Maps and given verdicts like "Most exquisite checkpoint, made possible by Honourable Soldiers of Glorious Leader'.

Dishonest user reviews have previously been used to poke fun at Google's HQ or a box canvas print of presenter Paul Ross, but now are being directed at labour camps in the notoriously secretive state.

Type 'gulags near North Korea' into Google Maps and a host of internment camps appear, including Kaechon, Chongjin and Hoeryong.

Gulags even come with a star rating (Picture: Google)
Gulags even come with a star rating (Picture: Google) (Google)

"Best gulag in town. Very accessible and great accommodation!” one reviewer wrote, with star ratings for each gulag appearing on their respective Google results pages.

North Korea was merely blank space on Google Maps until January 2013, when volunteer cartographers helped piece together aerial images of the country, offering views of Kim Jong Il's tomb, Yongbyon nuclear facility and more.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in