Can An American Live In North Korea?
For most of the world, North Korea is an untouchable and restricted state, citizens of which are not allowed to travel freely, as offered in other countries. However, for those with a specific interest in the country one may be able to visit given the right circumstances and potential funding. But what if an American wanted to live there? Could they? Would the government allow it? And if so, how could they make it happen?
To answer these questions, it is necessary to gain an understanding of the country and its governing politics. North Korea is notoriously known for its heavy censorship and totalitarian regime, so naturally American’s (and other foreign nationals) living freely in the country can be a bit suspect. In this regard, the government has set very few laws in regard to foreign residence and even less regulations in regards to American’s staying in the country.
This is not to say anything goes. It is important to remember that despite North Korea making strides to modernize and create better conditions for its citizens, the underlying fact remains that North Korea is ruled by a unifying ideology, primarily based on the notion that “No foreign enemy shall ever enter the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.” This means that foreigners living in the country are heavily monitored and subject to strict regulations. Still, with the right connections and potential funding, an American may be able to live in North Korea.
One of the primary ways for an American to live in North Korea is through a diplomatic mission in the country. This would require a set of letters of request and verification from an established foreign state that is usually sponsored by a U.S. embassy in the country. It is also possible to obtain a tourist visa, although these can be difficult to acquire, as the country has an isolationist policy which limits the number of visa granted.
Another widely known option is to establish a joint business venture in the country. This requires potential funding and deep connections within the government, as well as a willingness to comply with North Korea’s regulations. Any business relationship in the country must then be done through official channels and the proper permits, which can take several months of paperwork and negotiation.
Regardless of how an American wants to live in North Korea, there are a few key verifications they must obtain before entering the country. These can include a valid passport, appropriate visa, proof of funds and necessary health checks. Once they have secured these documents, they must also be prepared to abide by North Korea’s rules, which are strictly enforced and should be taken seriously.
North Korean Economy
Living in North Korea often means working in the country, whether it be in a joint business venture or for the North Korean government. The country has faced many economic difficulties in recent years, and this has dramatically impacted the way life is lived in North Korea. For instance, the average North Korean is paid less than $1 USD per day and even this is only available to those able to obtain work, with unemployment rates reaching as high as 20-30%.
In addition to employment struggles, North Korea has suffered from a number of food shortages and other shortages of items including medical care and electricity. This can be detrimental to anyone living in the country, and it is important that potential foreigners living in the country are prepared for these struggles and can provide for their own needs to ensure a reasonable level of comfort.
Despite the hardships, North Korea is home to one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with a GDP that is rapidly increasing. This offers potential expats opportunity to leverage the economic environment in pursuit of business and income opportunities. This has created opportunities for many of the foreign firms which have established offices in the country, but there is still much work to be done in order to usher in a new stage of economic progress.
If an American were to live in North Korea, understanding the economical landscape would be essential. Whether one is operating in a foreign business venture or working for an organization within the government, it is important to stay up to date on the North Korean economy and politics in order to ensure better security and safety.
North Korean Culture
North Korea is a vastly different culture than that of America. This can be seen in things like the way people dress, the food they eat and the way families entertain themselves. While North Korea may not be as open to foreigners as America is, there are certain customs and norms that need to be respected. These include simple things like understanding the dress code and the language, as well as more intricate details such as avoiding political conversations and respecting privacy.
While it is true that North Koreans may appear to be ‘closed off’ to outsiders, they are in fact quite open and hospitable, as long as one respects their culture and customs. An American living in North Korea can expect to receive warm welcomes from friendly locals, and in return should give back by engaging in the culture and trying to learn more about it. This not only helps one learn more, but builds trust and respect between cultures.
Moreover, North Koreans are proud of their culture and history and should be respected in that regard. Although some aspects of life in North Korea may seem strange from an outsider’s perspective, embracing their culture and respecting their customs goes a long way and can be the key to relationship building in the country.
North Korean Governance
Regardless of whether an American chooses to visit, live or work in North Korea, it is important to understand the country’s government and its role within the country. North Korea has been ruled by the Kim family since its inception and is seen as the unifying force throughout the country. The government’s power is absolute and any actions taken against their ideals are harshly dealt with.
Moreover, much of the resources used in North Korea are procured and managed by the government. This includes food, energy and even basic necessities such as gas and fuel. As a result, any foreign nationals living in the country must be aware of the government’s role in their lives, as it will likely play a major role in their day to day activities.
That being said, North Korea is a powerful nation and its citizens are proud of the achievements that have been made. It is also worth noting that North Korea is a major player on the world stage, especially in the fields of diplomacy and international relations. This is an important fact for any American living in the country to be aware of, as understanding the policies of the North Korean Government may be the key to their well-being and success in their stay.
Rules and Regulations
Living in North Korea also involves strictly complying with the country’s laws and regulations. This may include limits on what type of technology is allowed, who is allowed to be contacted, and even where someone can travel to within the country. Those living in North Korea also must pay respect to the Kim Family and refrain from publicly speaking out against the government and its policies. While not all of these rules may be applicable to foreigners, it is important to understand what is expected in order to avoid any potential issues.
Another way of abiding by the rules and regulations of North Korea is to understand what activities are permissible and which are not. North Korea is quite strict when it comes to religious freedoms, political activities, and other forms of expression, so it is important to make sure that any activities one participates in are not in breach of the country’s regulations. It is also important to note that as a foreigner one is held to a stricter set of standards, as the government may view foreign activity as a potential threat.
Lastly, it is important to understand the risks of living in North Korea. There are very few embassies or consulates in the country, and the country’s strict security policies, as well as political and economic instability, make it a dangerous place for foreigners. Any American looking to live in North Korea must be aware of the risks and make sure that they have a plan for any potential emergencies.
Conclusion
North Korea is a fascinating and complex country, and for those looking to experience a different way of living, there is plenty of opportunity to do so. However, it is important to consider the risks associated with living in the country, as well as the rules and regulations that one must abide by. Additionally, it is important to understand North Korea’s cultural, economic and political landscape in order to ensure a successful stay in the country.
