Australia is famous for its kangaroos and hot climate. England is remembered for Big Ben and a cup of tea. In Italy, you can enjoy pizza and espresso. Many countries are easily recognizable by the special things that are characteristic only of them. North Korea has long been a country shrouded in mystery, but over time, many unusual details about a "self-sufficient socialist state" began to emerge. In short, North Korea is known as a country that basically does whatever it wants, regardless of whether it benefits people or not.
While North Korea is not at the top of the famous travel destinations, there has been a slight increase in the flow of tourists lately. In 2014, about 100,000 visitors arrived in the country and by 2020 North Korea is aiming to increase the number of tourists to two million - one can wish good luck in such a good endeavor. Perhaps with an increase in the flow of tourists, more will be known about the country and the cover of mystery will not go away much.
Currently, the head of the government is Kim Jong-un (son and grandson of the country's former leaders), under his leadership, North Korea is considered the most dangerous country due to missile testing and the nuclear arms race. In general, this place has always been strange and mysterious to the rest of the world. So, from weird to eccentric! Let's take a look at ten interesting truths about North Korea.
1. North Korea has its own calendar
Do you think it's 2017 there now? We'll have to think again! But in fact, there is now 106, because the chronology in the country comes from the birth of the first supreme leader, Kim Il Sung. The first year began in 1912. This deviation from the widely used Gregorian calendar was actually carried out only on September 9, 1997. If you decide to visit this country, then stock up on their calendar!
2. Birthdays on special dates are not allowed
The second supreme leader of North Korea died on December 17, and the first on July 8, respectively, the one who was born on these days was unlucky, this person has no right to celebrate his birthday.
3. Citizens have access to only a very small number of websites
The Internet contains millions of domains, but only twenty-eight public websites are available to North Koreans. Most of these websites are not particularly interesting because they write about insurance, education, nursing, news, and cooking tips. In addition, accessing the internet at home is not that easy, computers are not cheap, and a purchase permit is required. Despite the fact that the population of the country is approximately twenty-five million people, it is likely that only a few thousand are entitled and able to use the Internet at home.
4. Young men are instructed to copy their leader's haircut
Kim-Jong-Un, besides his reputation as one of the most ruthless leaders in the world, is also known for his unusual hairstyle, the first among North Koreans does not want to be the only one with such a style. While it is still not clear how strictly this rule is followed by young men, the hairstyle of their mysterious supreme leader is said to be encouraged and no doubt everyone loves the idea. Look at the pictures of young men from North Korea, probably after that everything will be clear.
5. North Korea has a fake city on the border with South Korea
In the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, there is a seemingly beautiful city with everything you would expect to see, such as houses, a school, a hospital, and shops. The fact is that, apparently, no one really lives there. Until now, the city is surrounded by many mysteries. It is called the "Village of Peace" in North Korea, but numerous reports indicate that the city is simply intended to show South Korea how fantastic life in the North can be. The rest of the world has given this city the nickname "Propaganda Village".
6. Hired fans to support the national team during the 2010 World Cup
As you know, it is extremely difficult to leave North Korea, even for a holiday. Therefore, many found it odd that thousands of North Koreans ended up in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup to support their country. But, as you might guess, there is a more dodgy explanation for this. It was reported that, in fact, these fans were Chinese actors who were paid by North Korea to make everything look patriotic and have the illusion of democracy during the World Cup.
7. Only a small part of the roads in the country is paved
They may have the largest stadium in the world, with a capacity of 150,000, but at the same time, only three percent of the roads are paved with asphalt.
8. They hold "elections"
Apparently this is a funny idea, for a country widely known for its totalitarian regime to hold elections in the country every five years. Of course, you have only one choice (you can't even think about not voting at all), but at least there is an illusion of democracy. It's safe to say that Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un has no opposition.
9. South Korean director kidnapped and forced to make films
Although in all fairness, many would like to quickly forget the scandalous and unsuccessfully staged 2014 film called Interview (a comedy in which two American journalists are trying to kill Kim Jong-un under the guise of interviews), there is a darker incident linking North Korea and the film ... In 1978, Kim-Jong-Il kidnapped director Shin-Sang-Ok and his wife (actress Choi-Yeon-Hee) from South Korea and instructed them to restore the neglected North Korean film industry. In total, the couple made seven films and managed to flee the country in 1986.
10. The rule of punishment of three generations
It is terrible if someone from your family broke the law and ended up in a prison camp, in which case the rest of your relatives can expect the same fate. In the eyes of the government, if you are a lawbreaker (and most likely a political prisoner), then your whole family is no different from you. This even includes your grandparents, parents and children. This rule of "punishing three generations" was started by Kim-Il-Sen back in the 1950s.
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Interesting facts from the real life of North Koreans.
