History of North Korean Calendars
North Korea follows the Korean calendar, which is based on the foundation of the Korean nation under King Tangun in 2333 BCE and was adopted in South Korea as the official calendar in 1896. This calendar is lunisolar with one extra month inserted to align the modern calendar with the lunar year. The traditional method of calculating the year through counting time from the founding of the nation was adopted by Kim Il-sung who declared it the “Juche” calendar in 1997. This is the system used in North Korea today.
Every part of the North Korean calendar is regulated by the government. All important national holidays and events, such as Kim Il-sung’s birthday, are held on days that correspond with dates in the Juche calendar year. The date of the start of the New Year changes every year. It is calculated from tracking the moon cycle in relation to the solar year, with the first new moon of spring, known as the Cheonsa, determining the starting day for the 1st of the month.
Economic Implications
The unique calendar system in North Korea can have far-reaching economic implications. North Korea uses the Juche calendar in its official calculations, but the calendar remains unrecognised by other countries. This can create difficulties when making investments with foreigners, as investors and governments do not understand North Korea’s calendar system and their calculations won’t match. This has led to investments being lost due to miscalculation or misinterpretation of dates.
Furthermore, foreign financial institutions and regulators also designate North Korean dates differently, making it difficult for domestic North Korean banks to handle international transactions. North Korea has appealed to the UN to assist them in making international payments using the Korean calendar.
Although navigating the Juche calendar can present challenges for international investors, this system is a source of pride for the North Korean people. The calendar is linked to the nation’s legend of beginning with the birth of King Tangun in 2333 BCE, and the month is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Significant national figures are commemorated in calendars such as the Arirang Calendar, which commemorates the birthday of Kim Il-sung and celebrates his life and extraordinary accomplishments.
Citizens also receive the “Arirang News”, a weekly television news program that is broadcasted every Sunday. This program recounts highly selected information from the previous week, such as government statements regarding state of affairs in the country, and is used to commemorate Juche events.
Perspectives of North Koreans
The North Korean calendar is an important aspect of North Korean life, and many North Koreans view it as an essential part of their national identity. It is seen as a reminder of a shared history, and its observance is a source of national pride.
The calendar is also seen as a source of stability in a turbulent nation, providing a source of continuity in a time of great change. The adoption of the Juche calendar has deep symbolic significance for many North Koreans, as it marks the start of a new beginning and a reconnection with their national heritage.
Political Significance
The Juche calendar system has strong political significance for the North Korean government. The government has used it to promote a sense of national unity and to maintain control of the population. By highlighting national holidays and significant dates, the government is able to create an emotional connection between the people and their country.
Using the calendar to impose control over its citizens is a strategic move by the North Korean government, as it allows them to control what days are free from work, and control the information citizens receive. The government has used the calendar to manage the availability of limited resources, and to manipulate public opinion in its favour.
Impact of News Media
The North Korean news media has also played a role in promoting the Juche calendar. News outlets such as the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) provide regular updates on the activities occurring in North Korea, emphasising the Juche calendar as the source of their news. The broadcasted news focuses on the political implications of the calendar, as well as the importance of preserving the traditional culture.
In using this method the government is able to control the dissemination of information to the public, and shape public opinion around the political and social advantages of the Juche calendar.
Impact of Quarantine
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, North Korea has taken steps to limit the spread of the virus, including the closure of national borders and the introduction of quarantine procedures. This has had an impact on the North Korean calendar, as many public holidays and events have been cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic.
These changes have had an impact on North Koreans, as they can no longer celebrate or commemorate their national heritage in the same way they did before. The ability to come together has been lost, and this has a negative impact on morale and the sense of national unity.
Importance of Celebrations
Events and celebrations in North Korea are seen as hugely important, as they provide a sense of togetherness and peace. The North Korean people use the calendar to commemorate important days, and to keep the memory of those lost alive.
Despite the pandemic, North Korea has managed to continue to celebrate national days and commemorate the accomplishments of its leaders. Events are held online and through television broadcasts, and although physical gatherings are still restricted, the North Korean people remain connected through the traditional calendar.
Tensions With South Korea
Due to the different calendars used in North and South Korea, tensions can arise when attempts are made to bridge the gap between the two countries. However, South Korea has recently recognised the Juche calendar for the first time, and this may be a step towards more open dialogue between the two nations.
The move has been welcomed by the North Korean government, who described it as a sign of “increasing trust and friendship” and a “positive step” towards unification. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to more active exchanges between the two countries, but it is a significant step towards creating a more unified Korean peninsula.
Shifts in North Korean Thinking
The current tensions between North and South Korea show a shift in thinking in North Korea regarding the power of the Juche calendar. Although this traditional calendar still plays a role in North Korean politics, there has been a move towards a more open and tolerant attitude towards the calendars of other nations, particularly South Korea.
The move to recognise the South Korean calendar shows that North Korea is willing to compromise in order to create a more unified Korea. This shift in thinking has been echoed by the North Korean people, who have shown a greater willingness to embrace new ideas and a tolerance of different perspectives.
