North Korea, this mysterious country, is known for its unique isolationist policies, making it difficult for the outside world to understand much about it.
Although some information leaks out on the internet, due to the country's strict closed-door policies, it remains very challenging to grasp the true situation there.
Even so, we can still learn about some of North Korea's regulations from a few limited sources, and these regulations may seem extremely harsh to outsiders.
Below, we will introduce five of North Korea's more extreme regulations in detail. These rules may not be easily noticeable in daily life, but in North Korea, violating them can lead to severe consequences.
First, the ban on photography is strictly enforced in North Korea.
In other countries, taking photos while traveling is almost a universal habit, and it is common practice to document the beautiful moments of a trip.
However, in North Korea, taking photos at will is prohibited.
Due to North Korea's closed social environment, any photo taken might involve national privacy issues.
Although some people may try to secretly take pictures, North Korea has very strict control over this behavior, and inspections may occur from entry to exit.
If photos of North Korea are found on a phone, the person may be asked to delete them. Refusal to do so could result in severe legal consequences.
Second, group tours are a mandatory requirement for visiting North Korea.
In today's globalized world, many countries welcome tourists to travel freely, but North Korea requires all foreign visitors to join a tour group.
The itinerary and activities of these tours are arranged by the local government for easier management.
If someone leaves the group without permission or exits a designated area, they may face severe punishment.
For example, American student Otto Warmbier entered an unauthorized area and tore down a political poster, resulting in a 15-year prison sentence. Despite U.S. efforts to defend him, he spent over a year in a North Korean prison and eventually returned home in a severely weakened state, passing away shortly after.
Third, the ban on cohabitation before marriage is another strict social norm in North Korea.
In many countries, intimate behavior and cohabitation between couples before marriage are not heavily scrutinized, but in North Korea, this is considered unacceptable behavior.
North Korean society is relatively conservative, and even romantic behavior is subject to strict limitations.
Couples who violate this rule may face three to six months of re-education through labor.
The North Korean government strictly monitors cohabitation before marriage, and there are dedicated officials in society to supervise this behavior.
Fourth, the prohibition on wearing jeans is a unique regulation in North Korea.
Jeans, considered a fashion staple worldwide, are seen in North Korea as a symbol of disrespect for the nation's culture due to their Western style.
As a result, wearing jeans, along with shoulder-exposing clothing and dyed hair, is regarded as a banned behavior.
This rule applies not only to North Korean citizens but also to foreign tourists.
In North Korea, everyday clothing typically consists of traditional black-and-white outfits, and wearing attire that does not meet these regulations can result in punishment.
Finally, restrictions on movement are another strict rule in North Korea.
Unlike other countries where people can move freely, North Koreans must apply for a letter of introduction from the relevant authorities if they want to leave their city or travel long distances.
Without this letter, they are considered illegal migrants, which can lead to many difficulties in daily life, such as problems staying in hotels or using transportation.
This type of management system once existed in China in the last century but was eventually abolished due to the inconvenience it caused to people's lives.
These regulations illustrate North Korea's control over external information and its strict domestic social management.
Although they may seem extreme to outsiders, they are part of how North Korean society functions.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit North Korea, it is essential to understand and comply with these rules.
Comments