Strict national borders: a prison
Leaving the country is something quite a few North Koreans really want to do. However, doing this is practically impossible. North Koreans aren’t allowed to leave the country. There are some who try to escape, either via China or directly to South Korea. However, if caught, a hard road follows – if not the death penalty.
The ghost town
Almost all of the buildings in North Korea look the same. There are very high prefabricated buildings that are used as living spaces and that are kept gray and simple. Then there are buildings that are used to put up an appearance to the outside world. Of course, these buildings look especially luxurious and modern.
Hairstyle control
North Korea has very strict rules and laws. Every citizen can only choose from a certain number of hairstyles when they’re at the hairdressers. Women can choose between 14 different haircuts, men between 8. There is another rule: married women must have short hair, unmarried women may also have long hair. Men should never have hair longer than 5 centimeters.
Music control
Whoever wants to listen to music in North Korea has no free choice. There are only a couple of music channels that are allowed. Listening to foreign music is considered a crime and punishable by the death penalty. The only music that is allowed is music that glorifies the state’s regime. Every household has a radio. This can not be turned off, but only turned down quietly.
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