As record high temperatures ravage countries around the world, North Korea was no exception to this summer's persistent heat wave. Here's a glimpse into life in the North's capital, Pyongyang, in images captured by Kyodo News photographers.

The mercury began to rise around mid-July, topping 40 C in the northern part of the country.

In the capital Pyongyang, some citizens used portable fans to beat the heat.

"Even the days' lows are above 25 C," said Kang Chol Chun, a senior official at the Hydrometeorological Service, the state's weather forecast agency. "The hot weather is affecting people's daily lives and has caused economic damage in various fields."

Meanwhile, among the businesses benefitting from the scorching weather is Ok Ryu Gwan, a restaurant in Pyongyang famous for cold buckwheat noodles.

The restaurant, located in an expansive building with a blue-tiled roof, opened in August 1960 upon the orders of nation founder Kim Il Sung.

Pyongyang-style cold noodles gained further international fame and popularity -- even in the South -- after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un brought staff from Ok Ryu Gwan with him to the truce village of Panmunjeom and served the dish to South Korean President Moon Jae In at their historic summit in April.

The thin and chewy black noodles, made from 100 percent buckwheat flour, are served with slices of pear and spicy kimchi in an iced clear broth on a brass bowl.

While it is generally considered bad manners to make noise when eating, North Koreans enjoy slurping their cold noodles, just as Japanese do with soba noodles.

"It's delicious and I love it," said one patron who visited the restaurant with her colleagues. "I come here three to four times a month."

The restaurant has seen an increase in customers since the inter-Korea summit, including tourists from China and elsewhere. About 6,000 people from various walks of life visit the restaurant each day.

"Pyongyang-style cold noodles have now become a symbol of peace and I hope to let more people around the world know about it," a waitress at the restaurant said.

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