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. Its unique political regime, culture, and history have led to many strange and fascinating facts about the country. Here are 20 unusual facts about North Korea:
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1. Calendar Based on Kim Il-sung's Birth
Fact: North Korea uses the Juche calendar, which starts in 1912, the year of Kim Il-sung's birth. For example, 2024 is Juche 113.
2. Three Generations of Punishment
Fact: If someone is found guilty of a serious crime, three generations of their family may be punished, often sent to labor camps.
3. Arirang Mass Games
Fact: The Arirang Mass Games is a highly choreographed performance involving tens of thousands of participants, showcasing gymnastics, dance, and propaganda.
4. Banned Blue Jeans
Fact: Blue jeans are banned in North Korea because they are seen as a symbol of American imperialism.
5. Unique Traffic Control
Fact: Pyongyang has very few cars, yet it employs traffic police officers, often women, who perform elaborate gestures to direct traffic at intersections.
6. Only 28 Hairstyles Approved
Fact: The government has an official list of 28 state-approved hairstyles that citizens can choose from.
7. No Internet Access
Fact: Ordinary North Koreans do not have access to the global internet. Instead, they have a closed intranet called Kwangmyong, which is heavily censored.
8. Propaganda Villages
Fact: The country has constructed propaganda villages near the South Korean border, like Kijong-dong, to project an image of prosperity.
9. Pyongyang's Restricted Access
Fact: Only the most loyal and elite citizens are allowed to live in the capital, Pyongyang.
10. Largest Stadium in the World
Fact: The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang is the largest stadium in the world, with a capacity of 150,000 people.