North Korea remains one of the most isolated and secretive countries in the world. What might seem like everyday freedoms to most are strictly forbidden within its borders. Citizens navigate a landscape of peculiar laws and limited access to information, often unaware of the world outside. Here are ten completely normal things that are banned for North Koreans.
10. Using the Internet
Imagine a world where the internet is a distant dream. In North Korea, global internet access is against the law. The government maintains a tight grip, allowing only a select few—government officials, scientists, and students—to connect. For the rest, there’s Kwangmyong, a state-run network, heavily monitored and controlled. This isolation is a deliberate tactic to prevent the sharing of information and the exchange of ideas, keeping citizens disconnected from the outside world. Even phone access is severely restricted, reinforcing this digital isolation.
9. Smiling
Smiling seems like a universal expression of happiness, but in North Korea, it’s not always allowed. On July 8, the anniversary of Kim Il-sung’s death, smiling is strictly forbidden. Breaking this rule can lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment in concentration camps or even death. The same restrictions apply to loud behavior, drinking, and birthday celebrations during this period. Kim Jong-un has also instituted mourning periods, such as the 11-day ban on laughing, drinking, and shopping to commemorate his father’s death.
8. Watching TV
The simple act of watching TV offers a window to the world, but for North Koreans, that window is heavily tinted. Foreign television and radio are strictly prohibited. Like internet access, the state controls television broadcasting, offering only official North Korean media. Owning a television or radio capable of tuning into outside broadcasts is illegal, effectively cutting off citizens from Western culture and diverse perspectives. This limited access ensures that the only information available aligns with the government’s narrative.
7. Driving
In North Korea, car ownership is a rare privilege. Only about one in a hundred people are allowed to own a vehicle. Furthermore, women face additional restrictions: they are prohibited from driving, even if employed as traffic officers. While women were once banned from riding bicycles, that restriction has been lifted, providing some limited transportation options. Despite this small improvement, traditional roles often confine women to domestic duties while men hold state-run jobs.
6. Leaving the Country
Travel is a restricted freedom in North Korea. Citizens cannot simply leave the country; all travel must be government-approved. Those who attempt to escape face extreme risks, including imprisonment in concentration camps or even death for themselves and their families. While some have successfully fled, often through smugglers, the perils are immense, highlighting the severe limitations on personal freedom.
5. Wearing Jeans
Fashion is a form of personal expression, but in North Korea, even clothing choices are regulated. Skinny jeans, deemed a symbol of Western culture, are banned. Those who violate this rule face consequences, including court appearances where they must confess their “crimes” in writing. They are only released when someone brings them appropriate attire, and their employer is notified. Similar restrictions apply to dyed hair and piercings, with patrols targeting youth spots to enforce these fashion regulations.
4. Talking on the Phone
Making an international phone call in North Korea can be a deadly offense. In a stark example, a factory chief was executed by firing squad in front of 150,000 spectators for making such calls. He had installed 13 phones in his factory basement to contact people outside the country. The event resulted in a stampede as crowds dispersed, causing numerous injuries and fatalities, underscoring the grave risks associated with unauthorized communication.
3. Choosing Your Profession
While many aspire to find their dream job, North Koreans have little say in their career paths. Upon finishing high school, all citizens are required to join the military—men for ten years and women until the age of 23. After military service, the government assigns them their life’s work. These assignments are non-negotiable and often involve farming, factory work, or other state-determined roles. Employees typically work a 48-hour week with only Sundays off, and occasionally, the entire country is conscripted for extended labor periods to boost the economy.
2. Getting a New Haircut
Even personal grooming is subject to strict rules in North Korea. Citizens have a limited selection of 28 approved haircuts. Women can choose from 14 styles, with shorter hair being customary for married women. Men are prohibited from having hair longer than two inches, and spiky or dyed hair is forbidden as it’s considered “anti-socialist.” Choosing a hairstyle outside of the approved list is seen as a form of dissent, highlighting the extent of government control over personal appearance.
1. Talking Smack about the Government
Criticizing the government, a common practice in many free societies, is a dangerous act in North Korea. All citizens must pledge loyalty to Kim Jong-un, his family, and the state. Insulting or threatening the supreme leader or his family can result in imprisonment or execution. This extends to visitors as well, as demonstrated by the case of American student Otto Warmbier, who was arrested for allegedly stealing a billboard and died after being released in a vegetative state. The stringent control over speech and expression reflects the government’s absolute authority.
Life in North Korea starkly contrasts with the freedoms enjoyed in many other parts of the world. Next time you find yourself frustrated by a minor inconvenience, remember this list and appreciate the liberties you have.
What freedoms do you value most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
