North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is one of the most secretive and isolated countries in the world. Despite its reputation for being tightly controlled, North Korea is a fascinating country with a complex history, unique culture, and surprising facts that many people may not be aware of. Here are ten surprising facts about North Korea you probably didn’t know:
1. North Korea Has Its Own Calendar
North Korea does not follow the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly used worldwide. Instead, it uses the Juche calendar, based on the birth of the country’s founder, Kim Il-sung. The Juche year begins with the birth of Kim Il-sung in 1912, so 2024 in North Korea is Juche year 113.
2. Kim Jong-un’s Love for Cheese
One of the lesser-known facts about North Korea’s Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un, is his love for cheese—specifically, Swiss cheese. It is believed that during his schooling in Switzerland, he developed a taste for it. Rumors suggest that at one point, Kim Jong-un’s love for cheese grew so strong that he overindulged and gained significant weight.
3. Pyongyang Is Only for the Elite
The capital city, Pyongyang, is highly restricted. Only the most loyal and elite citizens of North Korea can live there, and foreigners are rarely permitted to roam freely without official guides. It’s a symbol of prestige to reside in Pyongyang, and the city is carefully curated to reflect North Korea’s best image.
4. North Korea Has Its Own Internet
North Korea’s internet is incredibly restricted. The country operates a nationwide intranet, called Kwangmyong, which is only accessible by a select few and doesn’t connect to the global internet. The websites available on Kwangmyong are all government-approved, and only certain high-ranking officials and foreigners have access to the full internet.
5. The Eternal Leaders
Unlike most countries that have regularly elected or appointed leaders, North Korea considers its former leaders as eternal rulers. Kim Il-sung, the country’s founding leader, holds the title of “Eternal President,” even though he passed away in 1994. His son, Kim Jong-il, is also referred to as the Eternal General Secretary, making Kim Jong-un the de facto leader but not the eternal one.
6. Massive Military Power
Despite its small size and relatively impoverished economy, North Korea has one of the largest standing armies in the world. With over a million active personnel and millions more in reserves, the country spends an estimated 20-30% of its GDP on its military, including its nuclear program. North Korea’s military power is a key tool for maintaining its regime and deterring external threats.
7. Labor Camps for Offenders
North Korea has a system of labor camps, also known as kwanliso, where political prisoners and those accused of crimes against the regime are sent. These camps have been widely condemned by human rights organizations for their harsh conditions, forced labor, and the mistreatment of inmates. The three generations of punishment rule is an infamous policy where the family of an offender—parents, children, and even grandchildren—can be sent to labor camps as a form of collective punishment.
8. You Need Government Permission to Travel
North Koreans are not free to travel within their own country, let alone outside of it. Travel is highly restricted and requires government approval. For example, if someone wants to visit Pyongyang from a rural area, they need special permission from the authorities. Similarly, very few North Koreans are allowed to leave the country, and those who do are usually highly trusted by the regime.
9. State-Controlled Media
In North Korea, the government controls all media. There are no independent newspapers, television channels, or radio stations. Everything is state-run, with the primary aim of glorifying the Kim dynasty and promoting the government’s ideology. Television sets are pre-tuned to government stations, and it is illegal to access foreign media. Those caught consuming outside information face harsh penalties, including imprisonment.
10. A Culture of Worshipping the Leaders
One of the most unique aspects of North Korean society is its culture of leader worship. The people are required to show reverence to the Kim family, with statues, murals, and portraits of the leaders present in every home and public space. Special occasions, such as the birthdays of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, are considered national holidays, and citizens participate in parades, festivals, and ceremonies to honor their leaders.
Conclusion
North Korea remains a country shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Despite the heavy restrictions and intense control over its citizens, North Korea has a unique culture, history, and system that continue to fascinate the world. These ten surprising facts provide a glimpse into what life is like in this reclusive nation and the extraordinary nature of its society. While North Korea may often be portrayed in negative light, understanding these elements adds a layer of complexity to a country that many people know little about.
