North Korea pictures: Kim Jong-un's home has been revealed in shock photos

FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

North Korea was captured in stunning new images by Russian journalist Valery Sharifulin, who accompanied Vladimir Putin’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on a trip to the hermit state this week. Mr Sharifulin was granted almost complete access during the high-profile trip - including incredibly an incredibly rare visit to Kim Jong-un’s home. Kim is believed to own almost a dozen houses in the city, with details purposefully restricted due to security fears. The house visited by Mr Sharifulin was palatial in nature with huge, pristine gardens filled with neatly trimmed lawns and beautiful, colourful flower beds.

PICTURED: Inside Kim Jong-un's home Fri, June 1, 2018 North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un lives a life of luxury in this palatial home Play slideshow Valery Sharifulin/TASS 1 of 8 Kim Jong-un luxurious home is a modern masterpiece

Luxury cars were shown parked outside and in huge garages as fountains sprung up from a private lake. And several Renaissanse-style sculptures were visible in his home, showing an appreciation for high art. He also travelled around the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, capturing everyday citizens as they went about their day. READ MORE: NORTH KOREA PHOTOS: Inside Kim Jong-un's sick 'show churches'

North Korea pictures: Kim Jong-un's verdant garden in Pyongyang

However on closer inspection these images are likely to have been staged by Mr Sharifulin’s North Korean hosts. Citizens are shown wearing sharp suits and high heels, while a crowd of Pyongyang residents left floral tributes at statues of the Kim dynasty. And the photos captured the moments Mr Lavrov met Kim and other high-ranking North Korean officials. READ MORE: NORTH KOREA PHOTOS: Kim's kingdom as never seen before

North Korea pictures: One of Kim Jong-un's many palatial homes in Pyongyang