50 Facts About North Korea You Need To Know Before Traveling There

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North Korea is a country that has captured the attention of the world due to its unique political system and limited access to the outside world. If you’re planning a trip to this enigmatic nation, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the country’s culture, customs, and history. To help you prepare for your journey, we’ve put together a list of interesting and fun facts about North Korea that you might not have known.

From its time zone to its calendar system, North Korea operates on its own unique terms. Did you know that the country has its own internet system, which is only accessible to a select few? Or that the country has the world’s tallest unoccupied building? These are just a few examples of the many fascinating facts about North Korea that you need to know before traveling there. In this article, we’ll explore some of the lesser-known aspects of the country that will help you gain a better understanding of this mysterious land.

North Korea is located on the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, sharing its borders with China and Russia.
It is officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
North Korea has a population of approximately 25 million people.
The country’s capital is Pyongyang, which is also its largest city.
The official language of North Korea is Korean.
North Korea operates on its own unique time zone, which is 30 minutes behind South Korea and Japan.
The country has its own calendar system, which starts in 1912, the year of the birth of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung.
The country is ruled by the Kim family, with the current leader being Kim Jong-un.
North Korea is a socialist state with a centrally planned economy.
The country has a heavily militarized society, with compulsory military service for all men.
North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world, with limited access to the internet and outside media.
The country has its own internet system, which is only accessible to a select few.
North Korea has a nuclear weapons program, which has led to international sanctions and tensions.
The country is known for its elaborate propaganda campaigns and monuments.
The Juche ideology, which emphasizes self-reliance, is the guiding philosophy of North Korea.
The country is home to the world’s largest stadium, the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, which can seat up to 150,000 people.
North Korea has a national airline, Air Koryo, which has been ranked the worst airline in the world.
The country has the world’s tallest unoccupied building, the Ryugyong Hotel.
North Korea has a single-party system, with the Workers’ Party of Korea being the only legal political party.
The country’s healthcare system is heavily centralized and has been criticized for its lack of resources and access to care.
North Korea has a high level of censorship, with limited access to outside media and strict control over internal media.
The country has a vast network of prison camps, where political prisoners and their families are held.
North Korea has a limited economy, with its main exports being minerals, textiles, and seafood.
The country has a high level of poverty and food shortages, with many people relying on government rations.
North Korea has a unique fashion style, with the ‘Kim Jong-un’ haircut being popular among young men.
The country has a national holiday, the Day of the Sun, which commemorates the birth of Kim Il-sung.
North Korea is one of the world’s most heavily landmined countries, with an estimated 2 million mines in the DMZ.
The country has a large underground tunnel system, which has been used for military purposes.
North Korea has a unique cuisine, with dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and naengmyeon being popular.
The country has a strict dress code, with conservative clothing being the norm.
North Korea has a large military parade held every year on the Day of the Sun.
The country has a cult of personality surrounding the Kim family, with portraits of the leaders displayed prominently.
North Korea has a strong emphasis on physical fitness, with mandatory exercise programs for workers and students.
The country has a high literacy rate, with education being heavily prioritized.
North Korea has a strict visa system, with most visitors requiring a pre-approved tour.
Photography is heavily restricted in North Korea, with many sites and locations off-limits for photography.
The country has a limited road network, with most of the major cities connected by rail.
North Korea is home to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, which houses the embalmed bodies of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
The country has a unique style of architecture, with many buildings featuring elaborate mosaics and murals.
North Korea has a unique system of traffic lights, with the red light being in the top position instead of the bottom.
The country has a large number of monuments and statues, with the Mansudae Grand Monument being one of the most famous.
North Korea has a unique flag, featuring a red star and a red stripe on a white background.
The country has a state-run media, with the Korean Central News Agency being the official news agency.
North Korea has a unique currency system, with two separate currencies for locals and foreigners.
The country has a limited selection of international food and beverages, with locally produced options being the norm.
North Korea has a limited number of international flights, with Air China and Air Koryo being the main airlines.
The country has a unique system of honorifics, with different titles used for different social classes.
North Korea has a large number of military museums and memorials, showcasing the country’s military history.
The country has a unique system of punishment, with collective punishment being used for the families of those who commit crimes.
North Korea has a unique brand of socialism, with the government controlling all aspects of society and the economy.

These are just a few of the many fascinating facts about North Korea that you need to know before traveling there. While the country can be challenging to navigate, it offers a unique and memorable travel experience for those who are willing to explore it.