Weird Things That Only Exist in North Korea

Returning from an unforgettable journey, the tales I carry have reshaped the mundane into something that’s both astonishing and deeply concerning. This wasn’t your typical vacation; it was a plunge into the enigmatic heart of North Korea, a journey that swirled with both intrigue and peril.

The mere thought of this trip raised eyebrows, given the gravity of visiting such a highly guarded, dangerous locale. North Korea, perpetually cloaked in secrecy, is presided over by the Kim Dynasty, an enduring legacy stretching across three generations. The isolation and surveillance make this nation an impenetrable fortress, earning it the moniker "hermit kingdom." It’s a totalitarian communist state, shrouded in mystery, notorious for its military standoffs and persistent missile trials.

However, it's the untold, peculiar reality lurking beyond its borders that intrigued me. The unusual journey commences even before stepping foot in the country, entangled in a meticulously controlled tourism system managed exclusively through state-sanctioned agencies. The list of prohibitions is extensive, with minor infractions leading to severe repercussions, including the haunting prospect of imprisonment in one of North Korea’s brutal labor camps.

Once inside, a whirlwind of cultural contrasts immediately unfolded. North Korea's notion of time, for instance, contrasts sharply with the globally accepted calendar systems. Their calendar, initiated in 1997, is grounded in historical Korean eras, placing them nearly 2,000 years behind the rest of the world.

The absence of a typical internet infrastructure shatters the accustomed social media routine, with North Korea’s computer ownership being a government-regulated privilege. The limited, archaic intranet restricts access to a mere thirty websites, predominantly functioning as conduits for government information and propaganda. Yet, these are among the many surprising elements contributing to the surreal nature of North Korea’s existence.

The region's highly regimented social structure, divided into three "fruit" classes, imposes an intricate system influencing every facet of life. The arbitrary three-generation rule incriminates entire families for any perceived transgression, fostering a chillingly controlled society.

Moreover, the Orwellian surveillance apparatus monitors everything from daily attire to hairstyles, especially emphasizing the role of women as traffic guards. These young female guards, with their strategic importance and military honors, occupy a prestigious position in North Korean society.

Dabbling in leisure activities was a bizarre escapade in itself; an ordinary game of basketball in North Korea is redefined by peculiar rule variations—three-pointers worth eight points, rendering the game a perplexing spectacle to outsiders.

The accommodations at the Yanggakdo Hotel, a serene enclave amidst a city frequently shrouded in darkness, remain an oasis, albeit with limited TV channels inundated with state propaganda.

The grand Arirang Festival, a spectacle of gymnastics and art, orchestrates a captivating celebration of North Korean culture and anti-capitalist narratives, entwined with ancient folklore.

Beyond this grandeur lies the surreal and deeply unsettling Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a volatile and heavily fortified strip dividing North and South Korea, marked by lethal confrontations and dueling propaganda efforts.

And then there’s the eerie Peace Village, an almost-deserted facsimile constructed by North Korea in response to South Korea's own settlement efforts, a symbolic yet barren display intended for border inhabitants. Its ghostly semblance is a profound testament to North Korea's astute but eerie attempts at projecting a facade of abundance and prosperity.

As the reminiscences percolate, I’m eagerly poised to share these perplexing stories and more with those around me. Reconnecting to the internet holds the promise of delivering these chilling narratives in a more vibrant and visual manner. For those curious about the enigmatic terrain of North Korea, I could recommend watching videos like "US Soldiers Attacked by Aliens in North Korea" or exploring the intriguing “What If You Were Born in South Korea?” to glean an alternative perspective on the Korean landscape.