What time and day is it in North Korea?
North Korea is a unique country and the time that it displays follows the Pyongyang Time Zone (KST). It is UTC + 9 hours, which means that the time in North Korea is nine hours ahead of GMT. Therefore, the time in North Korea is currently UTC+09:00.
North Korea is located in the Eastern Hemisphere, and to put it simply, the country follows a day that begins in the wee hours of the morning. Meanwhile, the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening.
North Korea is the ruler of its own time, and it has been in effect since 2015. In response, Japan and South Korea both followed suite and changed their time zones. This timekeeping change was a means of proclaiming the country’s sovereignty.
Aside from the time-zone matters, Korea follows the traditional Hanja calendar when it comes to their days. The names of the days are written in the Hanja language, and they are all derived from ancient Chinese literature.
The Hanja calendar consists of five weeks that are all seven days long. Friday is known as “Gae Bong Il,” which means “day of joy” in the Hanja language. Monday is referred to as “Tae Jo,” which translates to “the day of creating things.” Tuesday is known as “Tae Hee,” which translates to “the day of long life,” and Wednesday is referred to as “Tae Hyuk,” which translates to “the day of understanding.” Thursday is known as “Tae Sim,” which translates to “the day of fire” in the Hanja language.
As can be expected, the Korean people prefer flexibility and spontaneity over rigidity and punctuality. It’s not uncommon to show up to a social engagement 30 minutes late, and even at official meetings and such, there is often a lack of punctuality. For example, if a person is asked to come to a certain venue at a certain time, they may turn up between 15 to 30 minutes past the appointed time.
Public holidays
When it comes to public holidays, many Korean holidays are considered days off work. There are some Korean holidays that are known as Special Public Holidays and other that are termed as regular Public Holidays. The Special Public Holidays are also called Days of Rest and usually serve to commemorate some sort of event or battle from the past.
The rest of the holidays are regular Public Holidays, which include New Year’s Day, the first day of the first lunar month, the 15th day of the first lunar month, Buddha’s birthday, Children’s Day, Memorial Day, and Liberation Day.
North Korea also has a number of festivals throughout the year. Some major festivals are the International Friendship Fair, the Spring Insam Festival, the Kim Il Sung University Festival, the Pyongyang Science Festival and the Revolutionary Music Festival, as well as others.
North Koreans also observe traditional holidays that honor Confucian traditions, such as Yudu, which is celebrated in mid-November, and the May 5 holiday, which is dedicated to celebrating children’s physical and mental health.
Social time
Social time in North Korea is more relaxed, and it’s the norm for people to show up late to meetings, lunch or dinner plans. That being said, it’s important to show respect to those who are hosting and try to arrive at least fifteen minutes after the appointed time.
As for the traditional meals, people in North Korea mostly follow the communal dining culture, where groups of people, usually of similar age or background, are seated together for meals. This is a great way for North Koreans to deepen their friendships. Traditional meals usually consist of a vegan soup, boiled and fried vegetables, pork, chicken or fish, kimchi and other vegetables.
Businesses and activities
The North Korean economy is mainly characterized by a combination of state control and market-oriented principles and activities. The most important economic activities are manufacturing, mining, power, oil and gas, foreign trade and financial services, as well as research and development.
North Korea is slowly becoming more open to outside investments, and more foreign businesses are slowly entering the country. There is a surge of small and medium-sized businesses that are popping up in the major cities, such as Pyongyang and Kaesong.
Besides businesses and activities, North Korea is also known for its unique culture and stunning natural beauty. Tourists can visit the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, explore the breathtaking beauty of the North Koreans countryside, experience the vibrant culture and visit some of North Korea’s most iconic historical sites.
Currency and communications
The official currency in North Korea is the North Korean Won, but US dollars are also accepted in some places. North Korea’s banking system is heavily restricted, and the only way to send money in or out of the country is through legal remittances.
Communication in North Korea is highly restricted, and only state-run media is available. All North Koreans are required to have a local SIM card, but most information is blocked. However, there are also limited internet connections that allow access to outside information.
North Korean population
The population in North Korea is approximately 25 million people. The majority of the population is of Korean descent, however there is also a small Chinese minority. The population of North Korea is heavily divided between rural and urban areas, with the urban population accounting for about one-third of the total population.
North Koreans are very close-knit and follow a collectivist culture. People are very respectful of hierarchy and tend to put the interests of their community and country above their own. North Koreans are fiercely loyal to the Kim family and their nation, and they have a strong sense of patriotism and national identity.
Conclusion
The time and day in North Korea is quite unique and interesting. It is on a completely different time zone compared to the rest of the world and follows its own calendar and festivals. North Koreans take pride in their culture, traditions and nation, and they have a strong sense of patriotism. Businesses and activities are slowly improving, though progress is still slow. The Korean population is very diverse and largely revolves around rural areas, with few urbanites. All in all, North Korea is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture.
