Life in North Korea is a mystery for many of us, but an internet connection can help shed a bit of light on what it’s really like to live in the so-called Hermit Kingdom. A Reddit thread created in July of 2020 asked users what life was like in North Korea and the replies were interesting and illuminating. The thread received hundreds of responses from individuals who had travelled to North Korea, were expats livings in the country, and were even those with close relatives living inside. Below, we look at some of the prevailing themes that emerged from the Reddit thread, what life is really like in North Korea and what insights can be gained from the perspectives of those who know and understand the situation there.
The most immediate findings from the Reddit thread is that the North Korean people are incredibly well-informed about the world around them, even while they live in a country with incredibly tight media regulation. Despite the government’s attempt to keep the population isolated, news tends to travel very quickly, often by word of mouth. This is echoed in the sentiment of many Redditors, who also report that information about both the internal and external condition of the state is quite prevalent amongst the citizens. Some users even attested to the fact that individuals within the country were aware of the gravity of their situation, though nothing can be done about it.
It is also very clear from the replies to the Reddit thread that poverty and economic deprivation is a major issue for the people of North Korea. While the GDPs of its neighbors, South Korea and China, continue to grow substantially, the GDP of North Korea has remained stagnant for years. This has caused immense hardship for the population. Redditors reported widespread malnutrition, lack of infrastructure, inadequate access to medical care and sanitation, and an overall deterioration of living conditions. It is also reported that the North Korean government has a policy of harsh oppression of any kind of dissent and anyone who speaks out against the government is punished severely.
Despite the harsh realities of life in North Korea, there is still a sense of resilience and hope among the people. People on the Reddit thread reported that, despite the limitations, the people try to make the best of the situation. There is a resilience and determination among the citizens, even if their circumstances seem bleak. Some of the Redditors report that the people still have a strong sense of patriotism and that the citizens of the Hermit Kingdom are working hard to improve their situation by their own initiative and creativity.
The Reddit thread also provided an interesting insight into the North Korean educational system. Most North Korean schools use a heavily censored version of history that paints the North Korean state in a positive light. Despite this, Redditors reported that the North Korean students still had a good understanding of science and technology, as well as a strong self-discipline. Redditors also reported that North Koreans have an excellent work ethic and are hardworking, despite the lack of resources.
Social Structure and Hierarchy
The Reddit thread also provided some insight into the social structure of North Korea, which appears to be heavily stratified and highly regimented. Not everybody is equal, and the Redditors reported that citizens are divided into different social classes. Those at the top of the hierarchy tend to live in better areas, with access to better resources, while those at the bottom of the ladder are often forced to live in harsher conditions. Additionally, Redditors discuss the prevalence of bribery, which is an often-used tactic employed by North Koreans to get access to resources or services. It is reported that the country’s wealthy elites are often the ones who have access to the best resources, while the poor and working-class citizens are often left to fend for themselves.
Role of Religion
The role of religion in North Korea is somewhat enigmatic. While the government is officially atheist, specific religious beliefs are often required of citizens, with the most popular being Juche, a mixture of Marxism and Confucianism. Despite this, there is a significant underground religious movement in the country and reports of individuals engaging in private religious practices, such as praying and holding religious ceremonies. It is also reported that Christianity is growing in popularity, despite the official stance of the government.
Sightseeing and Touring
Travelers to North Korea report that it can be both an exciting and frightening experience. On one hand, the country is filled with a fascinating culture and history, with some interesting attractions to explore. On the other hand, the government’s tight control over visitors means that there is little to no freedom of movement, and those who wish to sightsee must be accompanied by a guide at all times. Redditors report that the government has a no-tolerance policy towards any kind of dissent and that tourists should exercise extreme caution while they’re in the country.
Media Censorship
As mentioned before, the North Korean government has an iron grip over all media outlets in the country. All newspapers, television channels, and internet websites are heavily censored and tightly regulated by the government. Although the government has reportedly made some attempts at introducing new technologies into the country, the state still remains one of the most strictly regulated countries in the world when it comes to media and public opinion.
It is clear from the Reddit thread that life in North Korea is extremely difficult and almost hopeless for its citizens. Those who have traveled there or have close relatives in the country, however, reported that despite the harsh realities and the dire lack of resources, the North Korean people remain resilient and determined to improve their situation. It is also clear that life in North Korea is heavily regulated and restricted by the government, and that citizens often have to resort to bribery and other tactics in order to access basic services. Despite this, it is still possible to experience some of the country’s fascinating culture and history, as long as one exercises due caution while travelling in the Hermit Kingdom.
International Relations
The North Korean government is often hostile and defensive in its international relations. It is often portrayed as being a rogue state, and its relations with much of the rest of the world are strained. North Korea’s nuclear program has been a major point of contention in recent years, and most of its neighbors are wary of its military buildup and unpredictable behavior. The United States and South Korea are two of the few countries that have established diplomatic ties with North Korea, but even these relations are often volatile. It is clear that North Korea prefers to remain isolated from the rest of the world, and its government often refuses to cooperate with global initiatives.
Political Repression
The extent of political repression in North Korea is notorious. Not only does the government have a zero-tolerance policy towards dissent, but they also monitor the media and restrict the activities of citizens. Political prisoners are often sent to labor camps, and those who manage to escape these camps are often forced to live in exile or even flee to other countries. Human rights violations are common, and the United Nations regularly denounces these abuses, as well as the government’s refusal to allow international observers into the country. It is clear that the situation in North Korea is dire and that the government holds a great deal of power over the populace.
Restricted Access to Technology
It is also reported that access to new technology is heavily restricted in North Korea. Citizens are not allowed to own computers and those that do have access to the internet are under constant monitoring. Despite this, there is a significant underground technology scene, with reports of North Korean citizens often smuggling in commonly-used technology to bypass the government’s restrictions. This has allowed some of the citizens to gain access to the outside world and stay in touch with international news and events. Despite these obstacles, it is clear that North Korea’s citizens are resourceful and determined to gain access to new technologies.
