Absurdities and curiosities from North Korea
North Korea is a country full of mysteries, where reality often seems to go beyond the limits of imagination. Dominated by a regime in which propaganda, societal control, and absurd rules are commonplace, this nation hides countless fascinating, albeit sometimes surprising, facts.
On this page, you will find a collection of the most interesting and bizarre phenomena that reveal how life in this closed-off country differs from anything we know. We invite you to discover the most extraordinary curiosities and absurdities that could only happen in North Korea. Get ready for a true journey through one of the most fascinating and unsettling realities in the world.
Snake Whisky – A Luxurious Cure-All
In stores, you can buy whisky and wine with a snake, advertised as remedies for everything. These products are considered luxurious health elixirs.
Defeat at the Olympics? A labor camp awaits
Olympic athletes who lose may be sent to labor camps. Sporting achievements are considered a duty to the state.
Pyongyang – A City Full of the Ghosts of Propaganda
Pyongyang is a ghost city – many of its “residents” are staged individuals for propaganda purposes. In reality, most citizens live in poorer provinces.
Jeans are banned! The attire must be revolutionary.
The authorities even control clothing – jeans are considered a symbol of capitalism and are banned. Outfits must comply with “revolutionary standards.”
Statues of the Kims More Important Than Anything Else
Statues of the Kims are regularly cleaned and cleared of snow – this remains a priority even during crises. Maintenance of these monuments takes precedence over all other tasks.
North Korea World Champion 2010! (according to propaganda)
Propaganda claims that North Korea won the 2010 World Cup, even though they were eliminated in the group stage. The alleged victory was broadcast on state television.
Welcome to Year 113! A calendar exclusively for North Korea.
The country follows its “own” calendar – the year 2024 is the 113th year of the Juche Era. The regime counts time from the birth of Kim Il-sung, the founder of the state.
Fashion control – only 15 hairstyles to choose from
Only selected hairstyles are allowed – the list includes 15 approved styles. Any other choice may be deemed incompatible with state ideology.
Internet? Not Here! Kwangmyong Instead of the Global Network
The internet is virtually inaccessible – there is only an internal network called Kwangmyong. Access to it is limited to a select few, and its content is strictly censored.
Democracy North Korean Style – One Candidate, One Result
Elections are held every five years, but voters can only choose one candidate. Casting a vote for anyone other than the regime’s designated candidate is nearly impossible.
Traveling with Permission – No Go Without Approval!
Citizens must obtain permission to travel between cities. Failure to comply may result in severe consequences.
Luxury Exclusively for the Elite – Stores Beyond the Reach of the Masses
In Pyongyang, there are luxurious shops exclusively for the elite, completely inaccessible to ordinary citizens. Regular people are not even allowed to enter these places.
The Bible as a Threat – Faith Strictly Forbidden
Possessing a Bible can result in forced labor camps or execution. Religion is strictly banned in the country as it poses a threat to the cult of personality.
Foreign electronics? No, it’s “our” creation!
Electronics from abroad are being repainted to appear as domestic production. Every product is meant to symbolize the “achievements” of the regime.
Tourists Under Supervision – Cameras Only Where Permitted
“Guides” monitor tourists 24/7 and decide what can be photographed. Any unauthorized photo may lead to arrest.
Soap opera for real – betrayal ends in death
The country has its own version of a soap opera – where characters are executed for treason. The series serves as a propaganda tool designed to strengthen loyalty to the regime.
Mandatory Mourning – Laughter After the Leader’s Death is a Crime
Laughter on the day of Kim Jong Il’s death was considered a crime. Any display of a lack of mourning could result in severe punishment.
A car? Reserved for the elite – the rest walk on foot.
Only a select few can own cars – the majority travel on foot or by bicycle. Owning a car is a privilege reserved for the elite.
Kim Jong Un and the Hamburger – The Regime’s Version of History
Schools teach that Kim Jong Un invented the hamburger. This story is meant to emphasize the “genius” of the leader.
Mother’s Day, but… only for Kim Jong Il’s mother
There is a “National Mother’s Day” – but it commemorates the birthday of Kim Jong Il’s mother. Every holiday serves as an opportunity to honor the Kim family.
Billboards without ads – just propaganda in a massive format
There are no advertisements on the streets – all billboards display propaganda slogans. Instead of product promotions, you see phrases praising the leaders.
There are atomic weapons, but there’s a lack of electricity.
The country is testing nuclear weapons, but most provinces lack electricity. Military investments take higher priority over the needs of the citizens.
Even plants must be faithful to the ideology
Even plants must be planted in accordance with the Juche ideology. The country’s landscape is meant to reflect the values of the revolution.
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Image Sources: Open AI
