Now in midwinter, ice rinks across the DPRK are crowded with people.
The same is the case with the open-air ice rink in downtown Pyongyang.
From the time when darkness sets in, it presents a spectacular nocturnal view with bright lights, colourful decorative illuminations and cheerful music going well with each other, luring passersby.
“The atmosphere is very romantic here. I feel as if I am a figure skater as I skate to the tune of light music,” said a girl student, who entered the rink after putting on a pair of skates she borrowed at a skate lending room.
Mesmerizing and jovial scenes unfold as boys swiftly thread their way through the crowds, girls gracefully slide on the ice and some novices are off balance and fall.
“Even those who do not know how to skate can skate soon if they get the knack of skating and practise a little. Beginners start to learn various basic technical movements such as standing and walking forward and backward on skates. In this way, many people have learned skating skills,” said Choe Kwang, an instructor of the ice rink.
Among the skaters there are girls who learn to walk on ice, pushing the walking aid equipment, or learn to slide led by instructors. And some other girls forming a group of five or six try to catch the tail of other group or play choochoo, advancing in a line like a steam engine.
Outside the rink, you can see the old persons and other adults lovingly gazing at their children.
"My granddaughter who started skating yesterday is now gliding on the ice. It’s very delightful to see her skating and I feel an urge to skate myself as I did in my youth," an old man said.
The open-air ice rink is vibrant, filled with joy and optimism of skaters.
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