North Korea It is not only one of the most hermetic and isolated countries on the planet, but it is also one of the most repressive. And it is that their control tactics include arbitrary arrests, torture, work in prison camps and public executions. Of course, contact with the outside world is also restricted.
Despite all that we have just told you, this country can be visited by foreigners and, in fact, some 10,000 tourists travel to North Korea each year, attracted by the mystery and secrecy that surround this territory that, in addition, It is interesting at a monumental level. Furthermore, it preserves its culture intact, as it has not been affected by globalization and is not influenced by other cultures. So that you know this destination a little better, today we are going to talk about some of its customs more curious. Can you come with us?
Tourists cannot go alone
The first thing we want to comment on is that tourists must be accompanied, usually by two guides, who have to take turns and attend to the traveler in question 24 hours a day. What's more, they reside in the same hotel. Only people who have the trust from the country.
Your photos may be deleted
Although you will be able to take photos on your trip to North Korea, government officials may ask you to delete them if they offer a bad country image. Therefore, to avoid problems, it is best to always ask the guide if a photo is suitable or not. Of course, the same goes for video cameras.
There are no traffic lights
Surprisingly, there is no stoplight in North Korea. Those in charge of controlling the country's traffic are the officers of cop. Of course, it should be borne in mind that the only ones who have permission to have vehicles are military officials.
Three generations of punishment
We also want to comment that in North Korea if a person is sent to a detention camp, his family is also punished. In fact, the government has the right to punish up to a total of three generations.
Marijuana is legal
Although we are talking about one of the most repressive destinations on the planet, North Korea allows culture and the consumption of marijuana. In fact, together with the Netherlands, Bangladesh and Uruguay, it is one of the most flexible countries when it comes to cannabis.
The displays of affection are not well seen
On the other hand, it is important that you bear in mind that in this country certain signs of affection are not well regarded. So if you travel with your partner you shouldn't kiss you nor hug you, since it is something that is considered as a lack of respect.
Eat in silence
For Koreans, food is very important, as well as silent. Therefore, at mealtime it is better not to speak and you taste food well. If you talk to Koreans at lunch, chances are they won't even answer you, so you'd better wait until after dinner.
Koreans must pay tribute to the statues of Kim Il-sung
Another curious custom is that Koreans have an obligation to pay tribute to the statues of Kim Il-sung, the founder of the homeland and "Eternal President", and of his son, Kim Jong-il, grandfather and father of the current dictator, Kim Jong-un. It is both respect and deification of these leaders, that the guides warn tourists to remove the statues without cutting any of their parts.
20 haircuts allowed
To finish, we want to comment that only 28 haircuts are allowed. What's more, single women should always have short hair and dye it's not allowed.
15 Things That Only Happen In South Korea (December 2024)
- customs, uses and customs
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