The popular opinion of North Korea, that of an oppressive, oppressive regime, hostile to outsiders and possessing the most centralized, totalitarian government on the planet can seem alarming for those considering visiting or living in the country. Indeed, North Korea has authored some isolated and severe human rights abuses, yet, at the same time, many independent observers contradict the popular opinion and report a growing degree of prosperity and quality of life.
Certainly, North Korea is not what we know to expect of a prosperous country in the Western world. To this day, shortages of food and fuel are common and have led to famines in many areas. Access to the Internet is heavily restricted, communication and movement is monitored, and the standard of living is far below that of other countries. For example, according to The World Bank Group, North Korea’s urban HDI (Human Development Index) score is 0.777, and the rural population’s is 0.637. This is only slightly better than the world average. In comparison, the HDI of South Korea is 0.911, and the rural population’s is 0.894, nearly twice that of North Korea.
Various reports emerge from North Korea suggesting that the population is gradually gaining freedom and is becoming increasingly sophisticated. New and innovative measures to stimulate the economy as well as reform education have seen an overall improvement in living standards. Moreover, reports of North Koreans’ adapting quickly and even prospering in the digital age have been coming out, and a more vibrant culture – particularly in larger cities – has developed. This may be attributable to the government’s support of a ‘knowledge economy’, whereby the country focuses on knowledge, education, and entrepreneurship rather than industrial production.
The social benefits of living in North Korea, at least for those of the upper classes, appear to be substantial. As a communist society, economic inequality is far lower than in many other parts of the world, and citizens enjoy increased access to healthcare, education, and other social services. There is also freedom from significant tax liability, as the government provides various services, such as education and healthcare, free of charge. Additionally, travel within the country is relatively inexpensive, and there are few material needs that are not met by the government. These limited resources lead to a lifestyle heavily focused on local culture and homegrown traditions.
That said, North Korea remains shrouded in an aura of mystery and of an oppressive regime, making some people wary of even visiting the country. Though foreign visitors must adhere to strict guidelines and are usually under constant surveillance while in the country, they often describe the people they meet as friendly and respectful. Experiences also varied quite a bit in North Korean cities, depending on the individual and where they went, with some people noting remarkably modern surroundings in the centers of big cities, such as Pyongyang.
Overall, North Korea is far from a tranquil destination in comparison with the West due to its government’s tight grip on citizens’ lives and the constant threat of military conflict. Nevertheless, those who are willing to accept the country’s quirks and uncertainties may find benefits from living in – or even just visiting – the country.
Government Structures
The government of North Korea is a single-party state, ruling by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) constitution. It is led by both civil and military officials, headed by the Supreme Leader of North Korea, who is not elected but assumed by hereditary succession. The political system of North Korea is a mix of elements from Maoism, Confucianism, and extreme nationalism.
The government is officially divided into three branches – the executive, legislative, and judicial – but they do not operate as they would in a democratic government. All major decisions in North Korean politics are made by the ruling party and its leader, Kim Jong-un, who exercises absolute control over the country. North Koreans are monitored and strictly controlled, and free speech and free press are nonexistent.
The state is based on the principles of the “Juche” ideology, which promotes self-reliance and independence. This ideology was developed by the country’s founder, Kim Il-sung, and has been adopted as the official government policy since his death in 1994. The government of North Korea is seen as a Stalinist-style dictatorship, with its ruling party maintaining tight control over every aspect of society.
Education
The North Korean education system is highly centralized and is strongly based on the teachings of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. All North Korean students attend compulsory education that lasts 11 years. In addition to learning core subjects, students are required to attend political lectures and learn military drills.
North Korea also has a state college system, which is considered to be a monopoly and thus is not subject to competition. North Koreans are educated in a highly structured system that emphasizes loyalty to the state, respect for authority, and conformity. Private education is frowned upon, as it implies competing with the state.
The government highly values education and provides significant resources for its development. Consequently, North Korean universities tend to be among the best-funded in the world. From an outsider’s perspective, North Korea seems to have an intense focus on education and learning, which is perpetuated by the government’s commitment to cultivating an educated and loyal population.
Working Conditions
Political conditions in North Korea make it difficult for citizens to find gainful employment. With the government enacting stringent controls over many aspects of the economy, private sector jobs are few and far between. The state restricts the formation of independent businesses and most salaries are set by the government. As a result, most jobs in North Korea are government-controlled, and those that are offered by the private sector tend to be grueling manual labor.
Unlike in many other countries, employees’ working hours and conditions are strictly monitored in North Korea. In 2013, the state imposed a system of maximum work hours, limiting citizens to a 10-hour work week. Days off are limited to five days a year – with no holidays, leaving no room for relaxation or rest. In addition, punishments for misbehavior include salary deductions, demotion, and even imprisonment.
Overall, while wages in North Korea are meager compared to other countries, the level of taxation is so low that people can still afford basic necessities. That being said, North Koreans do live in poverty and are deprived of the level of freedom that people in more prosperous countries enjoy.
Day to Day Life
North Koreans are prohibited from expressing any opinion or view that may be deemed offensive by the government. As a result, they live in an atmosphere of fear, with fear of the government at the core of everyday life. The government tightly controls the media and maintains a stringent censorship system that severely limits access to information from the outside world.
North Koreans are shaped by the same influences that shape the rest of the world, and the outside influences have been steadily increasing. Despite their limited access to the outside world, most North Koreans are aware of what is going on around them. Moreover, the rise of the internet has allowed for the circulation of ideas and opinions throughout the country.
North Koreans’ day-to-day activities vary depending on a combination of factors such as social status, access to technology, and the availability of resources. Generally, North Koreans are able to live fairly normal lives and most citizens are well-fed, though not necessarily adequately. North Korea has become more tolerant of certain forms of entertainment and recreation in recent years, and many young people participate in a variety of pastimes such as video games and music festivals.
Conclusion
Living in North Korea is far from the ideal life most of us envision, and it is certainly not an easy or desirable place to live. North Korean citizens are subject to intense regulations, limited options for job opportunities, and a lack of freedom of expression and information. Despite the hardships, however, there appears to be growing appreciation from within the country for its culture and traditions, and it is possible that with the right resources and interventions, the quality of life for North Koreans can be improved.
