North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is one of the most secretive and isolated nations in the world. With a government steeped in authoritarianism and a society shrouded in mystery, many strange and little-known facts about North Korea have piqued the curiosity of people worldwide. Here are some fascinating and bizarre facts about North Korea that highlight the uniqueness of this enigmatic country.
1. Kim Jong-un’s Time Zone
One of the strange facts about North Korea is that the country created its time zone in 2015, known as Pyongyang Time. This decision was made to symbolize the country’s independence from foreign influence, specifically Japan, which had imposed its time zone during its colonization of Korea. North Korea reverted to this time zone after briefly aligning with South Korea during peace talks, but the sheer concept of creating a new time zone for political reasons is strikingly odd.
2. The Calendar Is Different
Another bizarre entry on the list of facts about North Korea is that the country doesn’t follow the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world. Instead, it uses the Juche calendar, which is based on the birth year of Kim Il-sung, the founding leader of North Korea. According to this system, the year 1912 (the year of Kim Il-sung’s birth) is considered year 1. So, if you visit North Korea today, you’d find yourself in the year 112 by their reckoning.
3. Three Generations of Punishment
The concept of collective punishment takes on a whole new level in North Korea. If a person is found guilty of a political crime, not only are they sent to prison or labor camps, but their children and grandchildren are also punished, with all three generations potentially being imprisoned. This policy is part of the regime’s strategy to maintain tight control over its citizens through fear.
4. You Can’t Leave
One of the most well-known facts about North Korea is that its citizens aren’t allowed to leave the country freely. The government tightly controls who can enter or exit the country and defecting is considered a severe crime. Many North Koreans have attempted to escape to South Korea or China in search of a better life, often at great personal risk. Those caught trying to leave or who are sent back after escape face harsh punishment.
5. The Leaders Are Worshipped
The Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea since its establishment in 1948, is revered almost like gods. Statues and portraits of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un are found in every public space, and citizens are required to show utmost respect to these images. One of the weirder facts about North Korea is that tourists are also expected to show respect, with strict rules about how they can photograph or interact with statues of the leaders.
6. Only 28 Haircuts Allowed
If you’re planning a visit, know that North Korea has strict regulations on personal appearance. One of the strangest facts about North Korea is that citizens are only allowed to choose from 28 government-approved haircuts. Men can pick from 10 styles, while women have 18 options. Haircuts outside of this official list are not allowed, as they are seen as expressions of individuality, which the regime discourages.
7. There’s No Internet Access
For a country that is so modern in terms of its military ambitions, North Korea remains astonishingly isolated when it comes to the internet. One of the facts about North Korea that may surprise many is that the vast majority of its citizens have no access to the internet or global news. Only the elite and a few government officials are allowed to use the Internet, and even then, their access is strictly limited and heavily monitored.
8. State-Controlled Elections
Despite being a dictatorship, North Korea holds elections, but these are far from democratic. Every five years, North Koreans are required to vote in local elections, but they are given only one candidate to choose from. Abstaining from voting or not participating is seen as an act of treason. Voting is less about choosing a leader and more about reinforcing the regime’s control over its people.
9. Banned Blue Jeans
Fashion regulations are another bizarre aspect of life in North Korea. Wearing blue jeans is prohibited, as they are seen as a symbol of American capitalism. While citizens can wear black or other dark-colored jeans, blue denim is strictly off-limits. This ban reflects the government’s strong anti-Western sentiment, which permeates many aspects of North Korean society.
10. The Rungrado May Day Stadium
Among the lesser-known facts about North Korea is that it is home to the largest stadium in the world, the Rungrado May Day Stadium. Located in Pyongyang, this massive arena has a capacity of 114,000 people. While it hosts sporting events and the occasional football match, the stadium is mostly used for massive propaganda displays, such as the famous Arirang Mass Games, which involve tens of thousands of participants in choreographed performances.
Conclusion
These strange and intriguing facts about North Korea offer just a glimpse into the unique and tightly controlled society that has developed under decades of authoritarian rule. From its self-imposed isolation to its peculiar laws, North Korea remains a country that captivates the world’s imagination, despite being largely closed off from it. These weird facts reveal how different life can be in the DPRK, and why understanding these nuances is key to grasping the complexity of this reclusive nation.
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