Weird Facts About North Korea That People Must Know
North Korea has many secrets that you must not know. However, the country is popular because of its rules. There are many surprising facts about North Korea. North Korea is also called the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and is located in East Asia. Even after having the largest military, the country is still poor.
Moreover, the government controls North Koreans even for their basic life requirements. North Korea shares its border with China, Russia, and South Korea. Since 1948, the country has been ruled by the Kim Jong Un family. Living in North Korea is no less than a war, as the government restricts basic things such as the Internet, media, freedom of speech and more.
12 Most Surprising Facts About North Korea
If you want to know more about North Korea, here is some information people need to learn. Let’s check them out:
1. Internet Access
In North Korea, most people do not have access to the Internet. However, those with access can use only a limited number of government-controlled websites. Access is only allowed to foreigners and high-ranking officials. The access citizens get through a national intranet known as Kwangmyong.
2. Hairstyle
One of the weirdest facts about North Korea is that they allow only 28 haircuts to male citizens. Similarly, women are allowed to have short haircuts before marriage, and they can have more options after marriage. Also, younger males can have hair sizes less than 2 inches, and older males can have hair lengths less than 2 ½ inches.
3. TV Channels
North Koreans are allowed to watch only four TV channels controlled by the government. People cannot watch any other channel on their television. The TV channels are Korean Central Television, Mansudae Television, Ryongnamsan Television, and Athletic Television.
4. Blue Jeans
Nobody can wear blue jeans in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The reason behind this weird fact is that the government says that blue jeans are an American culture which should be followed in the country.
5. 3 Generation Punishment
One of the most heartbreaking punishments in North Korea is 3 generation punishment. If a person commits any crime in the country, his whole family has to suffer. It means, along with the culprit, his children and grandchildren have to suffer.
6. Largest armies
North Korea has the largest army and military force in the world. The country has over 1.28 million active military members ready to fight with any other military force. Every man has to serve ten years of his life, and females should serve seven years. The force also includes teenagers.
7. 8 July is the saddest day
Every year on 8 July, the nation mourns and shops remain closed. The reason behind the weird facts is the death of Kim Il Sung. On this day in 1994, at age 82, Kim II died due to a heart attack. So, due to this rule, the whole nation has to be sad for the whole day.
8. North Koreans are living in another century
North Koreans have lived in the year 119. If you are visiting North Korea, do not bring your calendar to the country; you have to follow their calendar. Although the dates and days are similar to those in other countries, the year differs. Their calendar is named “Juche.”
9. Bow down to the statues
Although North Korea is one of the cheapest travel destinations, you must follow the country’s rules. If you go against it, they end up imprisoning you. Whether you are a North Korean or not, you have to bow your head in front of statues. The person is allowed to visit only the government-approved places.
10. You cannot record things
In the country, tourists cannot click pictures of construction, police buildings, and government officials. This rule is because the government does not want to show these things to other countries. Also, you cannot pose in pictures before any monuments or statues. At the airport, the government checks your phone’s gallery.
11. Weird schooling and studies
In North Korean schools, instead of teaching history about the world, the teachers teach the history of Kim. They teach the things that Kim has done for the country. At age 5, the government treats the students as laborers for two days. Also, students cannot sing any song they do not want.
12. Save Kim II Sung’s picture
In all, the worst fact about North Korea is that everyone must have a picture of Kim II Sung in their house. They have to clean the picture every day; any day, a government official can check it. If they find dust on the picture, the person will be punished. Even if the home catches fire, you must save the picture first and then your family.
Bottom Line
North Korea is popular globally for its strict rules. There are many weird facts about North Korea. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is another name of the county and Kim Jong Un is its supreme leader. Even foreigners cannot visit the country, and if so, they have to follow the rules made by Kim and his ancestors.
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Fascinating read, you really captured some eye-opening details about North Korea! It’s incredible how strict even everyday aspects, like hairstyles and TV choices, are controlled there. I’m curious, how do North Koreans generally perceive these controls, especially with such limited access to information from the outside world?