North Korea is known for its strict regulations and control over its citizens’ lives. Many activities that are considered normal in other parts of the world are prohibited here. Let’s explore some of the everyday activities that North Koreans are forbidden from doing.
1. Accessing Foreign Media
North Koreans are not allowed to access foreign media, including movies, music, and news. The government strictly controls all information, and possessing or watching foreign content can lead to severe punishment. This isolation aims to prevent influences that could threaten the regime’s control.
2. Traveling Abroad
Traveling abroad is nearly impossible for North Korean citizens. The government tightly controls movement and only allows a select few, usually government officials or athletes, to leave the country. This restriction ensures that the regime maintains control over its citizens and prevents them from being influenced by the outside world.
3. Using the Internet Freely
The internet is heavily restricted in North Korea. Only a few high-ranking officials have access to the global internet, while ordinary citizens can only use a controlled intranet called Kwangmyong. This intranet hosts state-approved websites, ensuring that citizens are not exposed to outside information or perspectives.
4. Practicing Religion Freely
Religious practices are heavily restricted in North Korea. The state promotes atheism and has established its own ideology, Juche, as a form of state religion. Christians and other religious practitioners face persecution, and many worship in secret to avoid detection and punishment by the authorities.
5. Owning Personal Vehicles
Owning a personal vehicle is a luxury that is reserved for the elite in North Korea. Most citizens rely on public transportation, bicycles, or walking to get around. The government controls vehicle ownership to limit mobility and maintain control over the population.
6. Making International Calls
International calls are banned for the majority of North Koreans. Only government officials and certain privileged individuals are allowed to communicate with the outside world. This restriction ensures that the population remains isolated and uninfluenced by foreign ideas and information.
7. Wearing Western Fashion
Western fashion is generally prohibited in North Korea. The government promotes traditional Korean clothing and modest attire, viewing Western styles as symbols of capitalist decadence. Citizens who are caught wearing jeans or other Western garments can face punishment, as these items are considered a threat to cultural purity.
8. Celebrating Foreign Holidays
Celebrating foreign holidays is forbidden in North Korea. The government emphasizes national holidays and events that honor the ruling Kim family and the state’s achievements. Observing foreign holidays can be seen as a sign of disloyalty and can result in severe consequences.
9. Criticizing the Government
Criticizing the government or the ruling Kim family is a serious crime in North Korea. Any form of dissent is harshly punished, often resulting in imprisonment, forced labor, or even execution. The regime uses fear to maintain control and suppress any opposition.
10. Watching Foreign Television
Watching foreign television is illegal in North Korea. The government tightly controls all broadcast media, ensuring that only state-approved content is available. Citizens caught watching foreign channels, particularly South Korean or Western broadcasts, can face severe penalties, including imprisonment.
11. Speaking to Foreigners
Speaking to foreigners is heavily restricted in North Korea. Citizens are often warned against interacting with visitors, and those who do may be monitored by the authorities. This policy helps maintain the country’s isolation and prevents the spread of foreign ideas.
12. Using Foreign Currency
Using foreign currency is forbidden for ordinary North Koreans. The government controls all financial transactions and only allows certain entities to deal with foreign money. This restriction helps the regime manage the economy and prevent the influence of foreign markets.
13. Traveling Within the Country
Traveling within North Korea is also restricted. Citizens need special permits to move from one region to another, and these are often difficult to obtain. This policy helps the government maintain control over the population and monitor any potential dissent.
14. Listening to Foreign Music
Listening to foreign music is banned in North Korea. The government promotes state-approved music that often glorifies the regime and its leaders. Possessing or playing foreign music, especially from South Korea or the West, can lead to severe punishment.
15. Using Mobile Phones Freely
While mobile phones are becoming more common in North Korea, their use is still heavily restricted. Citizens can only make domestic calls, and international calls are strictly prohibited. The government monitors all communication to prevent the spread of information and maintain control.
16. Accessing Unapproved Books
Reading unapproved books is illegal in North Korea. The government censors all literature, allowing only state-sanctioned publications that support the regime’s ideology. Possession of foreign or banned books can result in harsh penalties, including imprisonment.
17. Owning Private Property
Private property ownership is largely forbidden in North Korea. The state owns most property and controls housing distribution. Citizens are assigned homes by the government and have little say in where they live or how they manage their property.
18. Joining Independent Organizations
Joining independent organizations or forming groups without state approval is not allowed in North Korea. All organizations and associations must be sanctioned by the government. This ensures that the regime maintains control over all aspects of social and political life.
19. Celebrating Birthdays Freely
Celebrating birthdays, especially those of non-state figures, is restricted in North Korea. The state prioritizes celebrations of the ruling Kim family’s birthdays and national holidays. Private celebrations are not outright banned, but they can be seen as subversive and are often discouraged or monitored by the authorities.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
