Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to visit North Korea? In the video “North Korea Unveiled: Behind Closed Doors” by Drew Binsky, he takes you on a journey through his 3-day guided tour in Pyongyang. While Drew acknowledges that his experience is just a fraction of the realities that may exist behind closed doors in North Korea, he aims to show you a different side of the country, one that goes beyond the negativity portrayed in the media. Drew’s fascination with North Korea stems from his time living and teaching English in South Korea, and he uses his fluency in Korean to connect with the locals and gain a deeper understanding of their lives. Throughout his trip, he found the people to be friendly and kind-hearted, even after revealing that he was American. His video aims to spread a message of peace and positivity within North Korea, challenging our preconceived notions about the country.
Join Drew on this captivating journey as he explores a hidden culture and delves into his personal experiences in North Korea. As you watch his video, keep in mind that this is just one perspective, and take what he says with a grain of salt. Discover a side of North Korea that you didn’t know existed and gain a renewed appreciation for the freedom and opportunities that we often take for granted. Share this video to help spread a message of peace and positivity, bridging the gap between different nations and promoting understanding and empathy.
Life in North Korea
Education System
In North Korea, the education system is highly structured and controlled by the government. Education is compulsory for all children and is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. The curriculum focuses primarily on subjects that promote loyalty to the Kim dynasty and the socialist system. Students are taught the principles of Juche, the ideology of self-reliance, as well as the history and achievements of the country. The education system emphasizes discipline, obedience, and conformity to the state’s ideology.
Job Opportunities
Job opportunities in North Korea are limited and largely dictated by the state. The government allocates jobs to its citizens based on their skills and qualifications. Many industries are state-owned, and the majority of the population is employed in agriculture, manufacturing, or government administration. Entrepreneurship and private businesses are heavily regulated, and few opportunities exist for individuals to start their own ventures. The government’s control over employment ensures that it can maintain a loyal workforce and control the allocation of resources.
Daily Life Routine
Daily life in North Korea follows a structured routine that revolves around work, study, and adherence to the state’s ideology. Citizens typically wake up early in the morning and begin their day with exercises and patriotic songs in public squares. Afterward, they go to work or school and follow a set schedule. Lunch breaks are often taken at communal canteens, where individuals are served according to a predetermined rationing system. After the work or school day, there may be additional mandatory political education sessions or community activities. Evenings are usually spent with family and are an opportunity for relaxation and leisure activities, such as watching state-controlled television programs or participating in recreational activities provided by the government.
Cultural Experiences
Local Music and Dance
North Korea has a rich cultural heritage with its own unique forms of music and dance. Traditional Korean music, known as “gukak,” is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the gayageum, a string instrument, and the janggu, a drum. Choral singing is also popular in North Korea, and many performances feature large groups of singers singing patriotic songs. Dance is an essential part of North Korean culture, with various traditional dances that are performed during celebrations and festivals. State-controlled performances often showcase the talent and skill of professional dancers who perform highly coordinated and synchronized routines.
Traditional Sports and Acrobatics
North Korea has a strong tradition of sports and acrobatics, with many traditional games and activities still popular today. Taekwondo, a Korean martial art, is widely practiced and is considered a national sport. The Arirang Mass Games, a large-scale gymnastics and acrobatics event, is one of the most spectacular displays of talent in North Korea. Thousands of performers participate in highly coordinated routines, forming colorful and intricate patterns that depict scenes from North Korean history and ideology.
Weddings and Celebrations
Weddings and celebrations in North Korea are grand affairs that reflect the importance of family and community. Wedding ceremonies typically involve traditional customs such as bowing to parents, exchanging vows, and offering gifts. The celebrations often include feasts, music, dancing, and traditional performances. Birthdays and national holidays are also celebrated with great enthusiasm, with people coming together to enjoy food, music, and fireworks. The government often organizes festivities and events to commemorate important occasions, showcasing the unity and loyalty of the North Korean people.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Architecture and Urban Planning
North Korea’s architecture and urban planning reflect the state’s emphasis on monumentalism and allegiance to the regime. The capital city of Pyongyang, in particular, showcases grand and imposing structures, with wide avenues and meticulously maintained public spaces. Buildings are often uniform in style, favoring high-rise apartment complexes and government buildings. Monuments and statues depicting the Kim dynasty and symbols of national pride are common sights throughout the country, emphasizing the state’s ideology and leadership.
Limited Car Ownership
Car ownership in North Korea is limited, primarily due to economic constraints and government regulations. The majority of citizens rely on public transportation or bicycles for commuting. Private car ownership is largely reserved for higher-ranking officials and privileged individuals. The government strictly controls the importation and sale of vehicles, making car ownership a luxury that is inaccessible to most citizens. Public transportation is primarily provided by buses and trams, with limited routes available in urban areas.
Public Transportation System
North Korea’s public transportation system consists of an extensive network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. In major cities like Pyongyang, public transportation is well-developed and reliable, with designated bus and tram routes covering various parts of the city. Fares are affordable and regulated by the government. However, the public transportation system can be overcrowded during peak hours due to the limited availability of private vehicles. The government prioritizes public transportation as a means to promote equality and control citizens’ movements.
Government Control and Propaganda
Information Control and Censorship
The North Korean government maintains strict control over the flow of information within the country. Access to the internet is heavily restricted and limited to a small portion of the population, primarily high-ranking officials and elite individuals. The government filters and censors all media content, including news, entertainment, and literature, to ensure that it aligns with the state’s ideology. Independent media outlets are nonexistent, and international news sources are blocked. This control over information is central to the government’s efforts to maintain ideological conformity and prevent the spread of dissent.
Government Propaganda and Portrayal of the Country
Propaganda plays a significant role in shaping the perception of the North Korean population. The government disseminates propaganda through various channels, including state-controlled media, educational materials, and public art. Propaganda posters, murals, and billboards featuring slogans and images of the Kim dynasty are omnipresent. The government presents an idealized and glorified image of the country, emphasizing the achievements of the state and the loyalty of its citizens. Portraying North Korea as a prosperous and unified nation is a crucial element of maintaining the regime’s legitimacy and control.
Internet and Media Restrictions
Internet access in North Korea is severely limited, with the majority of the population having no access at all. The few individuals who have access to the internet are subject to strict government regulation and continuous surveillance. The government monitors online activities to ensure that citizens do not have access to unauthorized information or communicate with people outside the country. International social media platforms and popular websites are blocked, and citizens rely on a government-controlled intranet called Kwangmyong for limited online activities. This heavily restricted online environment further restricts access to global information and fosters the government’s narrative.
Hopes and Dreams of North Koreans
Individual Aspirations and Dreams
Despite the constraints imposed by the government, individuals in North Korea still have hopes and dreams for their future. Many aspire to have stable jobs that provide security and economic stability for their families. Some dream of pursuing higher education and advancing their careers. However, the limited opportunities and state control over employment make it challenging for individuals to achieve their personal aspirations. The government’s focus on collective goals and loyalty to the state often supersedes individual desires.
Family Values and Importance
Family plays a central role in North Korean society, with strong emphasis on filial piety and respect for elders. Family values are deeply ingrained in the culture, and individuals prioritize the well-being and happiness of their family members. Loyalty to the state and the Kim dynasty is often intertwined with family loyalty, as individuals are expected to uphold the state’s ideology for the sake of their family’s prosperity and security. The government encourages tight-knit family units through policies that provide housing, healthcare, and education support for families.
Limited Knowledge of the Outside World
Due to the government’s tight control over information, many North Koreans have limited knowledge of the outside world. The propaganda and censorship measures enforced by the government prevent citizens from accessing international news and media. As a result, their understanding of global events and cultures is heavily influenced by the state’s narrative. The lack of exposure to different perspectives and ideas restricts the ability of North Koreans to perceive alternative ways of life and limits their understanding of the broader world.
Perspectives on North Korea
Personal Experiences and Insights
Visiting North Korea, even on a guided tour, can provide unique personal experiences and insights into the country. It offers an opportunity to observe everyday life, interact with locals, and witness cultural practices firsthand. While acknowledging the limitations of the tour and the controlled nature of the experience, individuals who have been to North Korea can share their observations and provide a glimpse into the daily lives of its citizens. These personal experiences can challenge preconceived notions and enrich our understanding of the complexities of life in North Korea.
Contradictions and Staged Appearances
Despite the efforts to present a positive image of North Korea, there are often contradictions and staged appearances that become apparent to outsiders. The carefully orchestrated tours and government-controlled activities create a facade of prosperity and unity, while underlying issues such as poverty and political oppression may remain hidden. Staged events and performances can give a false impression of the reality faced by ordinary citizens. These contradictions and staged appearances highlight the challenges of obtaining an accurate and unbiased understanding of North Korea.
Questioning the Happiness of North Koreans
While interactions with North Koreans during guided tours may indicate kindness and friendliness, it is important to question the true happiness and well-being of the population. The government’s strict control over all aspects of life and the lack of freedom can create an environment of fear and oppression. Citizens’ ability to express their true feelings and aspirations may be limited, as dissent is met with severe consequences. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential gap between outward appearances and the underlying realities faced by North Koreans.
Conclusion
Visiting North Korea can offer eye-opening experiences and insights into the realities of life in one of the most isolated countries in the world. While guided tours provide a limited perspective, they can help challenge preconceived notions and foster a better understanding of the complex dynamics within North Korean society. It is crucial to appreciate the value of freedom and the ability to live in a society that allows for individual aspirations and a diversity of perspectives. Ultimately, calls for peace and positivity can contribute to the well-being and development of North Korea and its people.