Facts about North Korea

A North Korea it's a country socialist that was formed as a result of the division of former Korea, divided in 1948, due to the geopolitical interests of Soviet Union and of U.S.

This split spawned the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

Located at the eastern end of Asia, North Korea is bathed in Pacific Ocean and borders to the north, with the China and the Russia; to the south, with South Korea; to the west, with the Bay of Korea and to the east, with the Sea of Japan.

Therefore, the Escola Educação team selected some fun facts about north korea for your knowledge. Shall we check?

Facts about North Korea

Calendar

North Korea has its own calendar which is based on Kim II-Sung's date of birth, which is April 15, 1912.

So while the Western world is in the year 2020, North Korea is in the year 109. The justification for having their own calendar centers on the belief that Koreans are self-sufficient and independent from the rest of the world.

Policy

North Korea is one of the most closed countries in the world. It lives a dictatorial system since the end of Second World War (1939-1945).

The country holds its elections every 5 years and has 100% of votes in favor of the then North Korean dictator, Kim Jong Un.

Wide acceptance occurs due to the obligation of voting and the only candidate present on the ballots being the then leader.

The fact that the polls take place every five years aims to control the population, identifying opponents of the regime and monitoring who will vote and who will not.

Electricity

Only the North Korean elite can inhabit the country's capital, Pyongyang. However, even occupying a good position in the social hierarchy, she does not receive electricity during all day long. Generally, it is provided for a maximum of two hours a day.

Public transportation

The buses are the means of transport most common in North Korea. Few people own private cars.

Tickets cost around 0.02 cents, making travel virtually free.

North Korean stations play patriotic songs, and each is named after expressions characteristic of their rule.

In addition, these sites have bronze plaques and golden statues of Kim Il Sung, highlighting the country's military victories.

Punishment

There is a law in North Korea that states “three generations of punishment”. This means that if you commit any crime, your children and grandchildren will also answer for your actions.

This law makes individuals live their entire lives performing compulsory labor in labor camps, where people who commit crimes against the Korean state are sent. In addition to them, their families are also directed to these places.

The worst crime committed by a North Korean is trying to flee their country. Such a crime can result in immediate execution or a long stay in the labor camps.

Media

North Korea only has four TV channels, two of which are only available on weekends. All are state.

Two of them address educational topics, one focuses on sports and the other deals with North Korean issues.

In addition, homes and businesses across the country must have a government-controlled radio that cannot be turned off, only turned down.

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