Daily Life in North Korea: Between Routine, Absurdity, and the Struggle for Survival

North Korea is one of the most closed-off countries in the world. The secrecy surrounding the nation, driven by propaganda and strict information control, makes the daily lives of its citizens a subject of immense curiosity. Testimonies from defectors and rare reports from foreign observers reveal a reality filled with absurdities, hardships, and an ongoing battle for survival.

Everyday Life Under Propaganda and the Cult of Personality

Life in North Korea is strictly controlled by the state, and daily routines and ceremonies play a crucial role in maintaining the regime and shaping the citizens’ consciousness. One of the central elements of the morning routine in North Korea is the collective gathering, which takes place in almost every institution, from schools to workplaces. This is a time when citizens are required to express gratitude and loyalty to their leader, Kim Jong Un.

What Are Collective Gatherings?

A collective gathering is a ritual that takes place every day, aimed at strengthening ideological unity around Kim Jong Un and the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. During the gathering, which usually takes place in the morning, participants assemble in squares, schools, workplaces, or other public spaces. These gatherings involve the singing of songs that glorify the country’s leaders, as well as brief speeches.

It is important to note that these gatherings are not only about expressing gratitude but also serve as a tool for reinforcing the cult of personality and maintaining loyalty to the regime.

Symbolism and Ideology

Every aspect of these collective gatherings is infused with ideology. Kim Jong Un is portrayed as an infallible, almost divine leader who guides the nation’s destiny and ensures the well-being of its people.

During the gathering, in addition to expressions of gratitude, there are also statements of admiration intended to reinforce the belief in his extraordinary leadership skills and wisdom. These gatherings also serve as a means to promote national unity and instill a sense of duty among citizens to support the regime.

It is in this atmosphere that citizens are reminded daily of their obligations, such as participating in state initiatives, contributing to economic projects, or preparing for military service.

Participation in the Gatherings

Failing to participate in the morning gathering is considered an act of defiance against the authorities, which can lead to severe consequences. The rigid enforcement of these gatherings ensures that the government maintains full control over the population.

Even if some individuals see these rituals as a mere formality, the intense social pressure forces them to comply with the expected behavior.

Morning in North Korea – Daily Indoctrination

Every morning becomes an opportunity to strengthen loyalty, control the population, and organize “mass mobilization”, ensuring that citizens remain fully aligned with the state’s ideology.

These collective gatherings are not just a daily obligation; they are part of a larger strategy to systematically instill loyalty to the leadership and convince citizens of the regime’s legitimacy.

How Do Gatherings End?

At the end of the gathering, participants may chant “Long live Kim Jong Un!”, along with other slogans supporting the government’s policies. Special events such as artistic performances or staged demonstrations may also take place, further reinforcing Kim Jong Un’s image in the eyes of the public.

Impact on Society

The collective gatherings have a significant impact on North Korean society, both socially and psychologically. Daily participation in such events ensures that individuals are not only physically but also mentally bound to the system. This influences their perception of reality, eliminating any critical thoughts about the leadership, as even the slightest dissatisfaction is harshly punished.

Many North Koreans grow up in an environment where the cult of personality is ingrained in their daily lives, and morning gatherings are one of the tools used to shape their loyalty from a young age. For younger generations, this may be the only worldview they know, as they have no access to alternative sources of information—their entire education is fully controlled by the regime.

Collective gatherings in North Korea are an essential part of the morning routine, serving both ideological and control purposes. They are a form of indoctrination, designed to reinforce Kim Jong Un’s power and create a sense of unity among the people under the regime’s rule.

For North Korean citizens, attending these gatherings is not just a daily duty, but a crucial element of maintaining their loyalty to the state. Propaganda is omnipresent—in homes, workplaces, schools, and media.

Every household is required to display portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, which must be kept in pristine condition. Regular inspections ensure their cleanliness and proper placement. Neglecting these rules can lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment.

The Class System – Songbun

North Korean society is structured around the songbun system, which determines an individual’s life prospects based on their loyalty to the Kim regime and family history. Citizens are divided into three main classes: loyal, wavering, and hostile. Those with a low songbun are condemned to poverty, inferior housing, and the hardest labor.

The Hardships of Daily Life: Work, Wages, and the Economy

Work is mandatory in North Korea. Most citizens are employed in state-run factories, collective farms, or government administration. Wages are symbolic, often amounting to just a few dollars per month, and in many cases, workers receive food rations instead of salaries—rations that are rarely enough to meet basic needs.

Due to chronic shortages in state supply chains, many North Koreans rely on the black market, known as jangmadang. Here, people can buy food, clothing, electronics, and even smuggled goods from abroad. Though illegal, authorities tolerate this trade because the official distribution system is dysfunctional.

Shopping and Absurd Restrictions

Shopping in North Korea is a challenge. While state-run stores officially exist, their shelves are often empty, and prices exceed what ordinary citizens can afford.

At jangmadang, goods are exchanged for U.S. dollars, Chinese yuan, or other convertible currencies. The cost of basic products, such as rice, can amount to half of a worker’s monthly salary. Meat and fruit are considered luxuries, affordable only to the elite.

A State of Absurdity

North Korea’s totalitarian system produces absurdities that seem incomprehensible to the rest of the world. Some of the most notable include:

• Mandatory hairstyles – The government permits only a specific list of approved haircuts, and failing to comply can lead to punishment.
• A special calendar – North Korea follows a calendar based on Kim Il Sung’s birth year, meaning that instead of 2025, the country is currently in the year 112.
• Forced participation in propaganda events – Citizens are required to attend ceremonies, marches, and mass performances in honor of the leader.

The Struggle for Survival and Hope for Change

Despite harsh conditions, North Koreans display remarkable resilience. Faced with food shortages, many cultivate vegetables and raise animals on unused land.

Some take the desperate step of escaping. The path to freedom, mainly through China, is fraught with danger. Those caught by the regime face brutal labor camps, and their families suffer severe repercussions.

Conclusion

Daily life in North Korea is a constant struggle for survival within a reality filled with paradoxes and absurdities. Citizens endure relentless indoctrination, food shortages, and repression. Yet, many find ways to improve their situation, and for some, escape remains the only hope.

North Korea’s realities serve as a stark reminder of the value of freedom and human rights, which remain out of reach for many. Despite the country’s isolation and strict control, growing awareness of the outside world is slowly penetrating its borders, offering a glimmer of hope for future change. However, for now, North Koreans continue to navigate a fragile balance between survival, submission to the regime, and seeking ways to live outside the system.