Table of contents:
- 1. DPRK is the most militarized country in the world
- 2. North Korea has the world's largest stadium
- 3. The DPRK knows how to save on electricity
- 4. Only a select few can get a car
- 5. North Korea is a land of perfect landscapes
- 6. In North Korea, only certain types of hairstyles are allowed
- 7. Banned blue jeans
- 8. North Korea has its own gulag
Video: 6 facts about North Korea that are hard to believe in reality
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
In recent months, the press has often flashed reports about North Korea and the statements of the leader of this country. Ordinary Europeans know very little about the DPRK. Basically, stereotypes are known: nuclear weapons tests, grandiose parades, closed society and general poverty of the country's population. And some facts are so unusual that it's hard to believe in them at all.
1. DPRK is the most militarized country in the world
Long-term opposition to the surrounding "capitalist" countries made the DPRK a totalitarian militarized state. If we count all the military personnel, as well as employees of the security forces, then North Korea confidently ranks first in the world as the most militarized country. Every third person wears a uniform here. Everyone undergoes the service: men are called up for 10 years, and women - for 5 years.
More than 60 years have passed since the end of the Korean War, but the border between the North and South is still an “explosive” place. Such a huge amount of military force is concentrated here that the 238-kilometer border is called the most militarized territory on the planet.
2. North Korea has the world's largest stadium
Pyongyang (the capital of the DPRK) is home to the largest stadium in the world. A grandiose building for 150,000 spectators was erected on an artificially filled island. The May Day Arena is the "home" field for the national football team, which amazes with either loud victories over favorites, or no less tragic failures. On holidays, rallies and colorful performances are held here, in which tens of thousands of artists take part.
3. The DPRK knows how to save on electricity
A small amount of energy resources and a weak economy have led to the fact that the DPRK generates little electricity. Night images from space show that the country is literally "in the dark" when compared with neighboring China and South Korea. Official propaganda claims that people do not need a lot of electricity, because they need to sleep at night. Constant lighting is available only in the capital, while in other cities the light is switched on periodically.
4. Only a select few can get a car
Back in the 1950s, cars were produced in the DPRK. At first, these were licensed copies of Soviet models, and then they began to assemble their own versions of Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota. But there are still very few cars in the country. There are practically no imports, and the main automaker Pyeonghwa Motors produces only a few thousand copies a year.
Cars can only be afforded by senior government officials and military officials. As a result, in any large city you can cross wide avenues without even looking left and right.
5. North Korea is a land of perfect landscapes
There are many beautiful places on the planet, but only in North Korea can you find such clean air. Poor industrial development contributes to a good ecology.
6. In North Korea, only certain types of hairstyles are allowed
Modern women of fashion and fashionistas would be very surprised to visit any hairdressing salon in the DPRK. There are posters on the walls with pictures of haircuts that can be ordered, and it's not at all about the skill of the craftsmen. The ruling party has limited the choice of hairstyles. Men have only 10 options and women have 18.
7. Banned blue jeans
Juche (local communist ideology) ideas do not accept imitation of Western capitalism. Therefore, a ban has been introduced on a number of common items, such as jeans. It is difficult to find them in Korea. But if this succeeds, then their owner runs the risk of ending up in a labor camp.
8. North Korea has its own gulag
As in any state, the DPRK has its own punishment system. Even for minor offenses, people are sent to labor camps. Hard work and poor food await them here. To get here, it is enough to make an unfortunate joke or just put on jeans.
The current ruler of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, is attracting considerable media attention. But even more interest is aroused by his wife, who once again confirms the rule that dictators always get the most beautiful wives.
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