The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK, also known as North Korea) is a highly centralised totalitarian state. Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, it maintains one of the largest militaries and devotes significant resources to its illicit nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
North Korea is a highly secretive and authoritarian state with a centralised economy and a one-party system. The country has been ruled by the Kim family since its inception in 1948. The current leader is Kim Jong-un, who assumed power in 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.
The Korean conflict is an ongoing conflict based on the division of Korea between North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and South Korea (Republic of Korea), both of which claim to be the sole legitimate government of all of Korea.
Garment industry. The most successful export industry is the garment industry. Production is by a North Korean firm for a European or other foreign partner, by a Chinese firm operating in North Korea with a North Korean partner, or by North Korean workers working in Chinese or other foreign factories.
North Korea is a one-party totalitarian state run by the Kim dynasty. South Korea was formerly governed by a succession of military dictatorships, save for a brief one-year democratic period from 1960 to 1961, until thorough democratization in 1987, after which direct elections were held.
North Korean citizens usually cannot freely travel around the country, let alone travel abroad. Emigration and immigration are strictly controlled.
To avoid civil war, both Korea and Vietnam split in half, with pro-communists organizing a government in the North and anti-communists organizing a government in the South.
The government has complete control over all monetary exchanges, causing the economy to remain stagnant due to a lack of competition between businesses. Poverty in North Korea has also been attributed to poor governance by the totalitarian regime.
Nearly all of North Korea's Internet traffic is routed through China. Since February 2013, foreigners have been able to access the Internet using the 3G telecommunications network provided by Koryolink. Permission to access the Internet remains tightly restricted.
North Korean workers there are subject to the usual indirect taxation: their wages are paid in hard currencies by foreign companies to the North Korean government, which then pays the workers in North Korean currency, minus the value of insurance taxes and socio-cultural fees.
Women in North Korea, just like men, are severely restricted in everyday life: freedom of speech, freedom of movement and similar rights are tightly controlled by the state.
It's illegal to show disrespect or make jokes about North Korea, current or former leaders or their families. It's also illegal to talk to North Koreans without authorisation. Authorities may consider it spying if you do. Only shop at stores designated for foreigners.
However, like South Korea in its military relationship with the United States, North Korea cannot ignore Russia, one of its main backers. Moscow continues to serve as an alternative option for North Korea to limit Chinese leverage over the country's political and economic isolation.
North Korea has declared wearing blue jeans as illegal as it symbolises American imperialism, which the east Asian nation terms as its enemy. The country, in an attempt to restrict western influence on its people, has also banned piercings, and issued strict guidelines for choosing a hairstyle.
In principle, any person is allowed to travel to North Korea; only South Koreans and journalists are routinely denied, although there have been some exceptions for journalists.
Did you know that in North Korea, there are only 28 state-approved haircuts. The North Korean haircut rules are: Men's hair should be kept between 1-5 cm in length, with recommended haircuts every 15 days. Women are allowed to choose from one of 14 slightly longer styles.
Introduction. While McDonald's is a global icon, the fast-food giant does not have a presence in many countries worldwide. There are 123 countries where McDonald's has not set up a restaurant yet, including Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, and North Korea, among many others.
Korean Central Television
This is the oldest and main television channel in North Korea, and it started regular broadcasting in 1963. As of 2017, it is the only North Korean TV channel broadcasting to the outside world via satellite television and IPTV aside from domestic transmissions.
Other entry information. Foreigners can enter North Korea either by air or by train. It is not possible to enter North Korea from South Korea or to enter South Korea from North Korea. Even if you meet all entry requirements, you may be arbitrarily arrested and/or detained at your point of entry.
In 2021, South Korea's nominal gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to around 2,071 trillion South Korean won, compared to that of North Korea which was approximately 35.89 trillion South Korean won. With this, South Korea's nominal GDP was around 57 times greater than that of North Korea.
Rice dishes and kimchi are staple Korean foods. In a traditional meal, they accompany both side dishes (panch'an) and main courses like chuk (porridge), pulgogi (grilled meat) or myŏn (noodles). Soju liquor is the best-known traditional Korean spirit.
South Korea's education system and the establishment of a motivated and educated populace was largely responsible for spurring the country's high technology boom and economic development. South Korea began to adapt an export-oriented economic strategy to fuel its economy.
Although the war ended where it began, the United States and its allies did succeed in preventing communism from overtaking South Korea.
Japan invaded/colonized Korea because it was part of Japan's imperialist goals. Since Japan ended its seclusion policy and established diplomatic relationships with the Great Powers, there had always been a possibility that Japan would be invaded and colonized.
Much like in other Soviet, socialist, or Eastern Bloc countries, North Koreans can travel abroad with permission from the government.