Exploring the Mysterious North Korean Lifestyle

Exploring the Mysterious North Korean Lifestyle

North Korea has always intrigued the world with its peculiar laws, customs, and beliefs. Being a notoriously reclusive country, years have gone by with little knowledge of what goes on within North Korea. The perceptions people have of North Korea have been shaped by the media, which portrays it as a land of famine, poverty, and a total lack of basic human rights. However, digging deeper into the culture of North Korea, it becomes clear that there is much more to the country than what meets the eye.

Historical Background of North Korea

To understand the North Korean way of life, it’s important to know about its history. North Korea was officially formed in 1948 after Japan’s colonization ended in 1945. The first leader of North Korea was Kim Il-sung, who ruled the country until his death in 1994 and was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-il. In 2011, Kim Jong-il’s death led to Kim Jong-un coming to power, who is the current leader.

The North Korean way of living is largely influenced by Juche, which is a communist ideology. This ideology stresses the importance of self-reliance and independence from other countries. Also, North Korean culture is heavily rooted in Confucianism, which emphasizes respect for authority, local traditions, and a patriarchal family system.

Healthcare and Education

In North Korea, healthcare and education are considered fundamental rights for every citizen. The government is responsible for providing free healthcare and education throughout the country. It is mandatory for all children to attend school up to the age of 16. The education system is centralized and controlled by the government. Students are taught about the history of North Korea and how to be patriotic.

Healthcare in North Korea is largely based on traditional Eastern medicine. The government operates several hospitals and clinics throughout the country, providing free healthcare to its citizens. However, the quality of healthcare is often poor due to a lack of resources and funding.

Food and Clothing

North Korea has been greatly affected by famine in the past. As a result, the diet largely consists of rice, barley, and corn. Meat and other high protein foods are considered luxuries and aren’t widely available. The government provides monthly rations for its citizens, but it’s often not enough to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Many North Koreans have resorted to black market trading to acquire better food.

North Korean clothing mainly consists of traditional attire called hanbok. Hanbok is worn on special occasions and is culturally significant. North Koreans usually dress in plain, military-style clothing, reflecting the country’s emphasis on self-reliance.

Religion and Media

North Korea is officially an atheist country. The government discourages religious practices and has banned all religions except for Juche. The media in North Korea is government-run and highly controlled. There is no access to the internet, and foreign films or literature are not allowed. The only media allowed is strictly controlled by the government.

Conclusion

North Korea is a country that is unlike any other in the world, and its way of life is shaped by its unique history and culture. Despite being an authoritarian regime, the North Korean government prides itself on providing its citizens with essential services like healthcare and education. However, the lack of resources and funding can make these services subpar. North Koreans have a rich cultural tradition reflected in their clothing and Confucian-influenced way of life. Exploring the mysterious North Korean lifestyle opens a window to the North Korean way of living, which is both fascinating and perplexing.