27 Facts About North Korea That Will Probably Shock You

Interesting facts and information about the country and it's supreme leader.

By Rijndael

Published 10 years ago in People & Lifestyle

Interesting facts and information about the country and it's supreme leader.

1
The Korean Central News Agency claims scientists have discovered a unicorn burial ground.

2
Surprisingly, pot is not considered an illegal substance in the otherwise strict country.

3
North Korea bases its calendar on Kim Il-Sungs date of birth: 15 April 1912
4
North Korea hands out ballots with only one option on them, so votes swing, you guessed it, 100 for the leader.

5
Police control all traffic within the city. There isn't much due to the fact that only military personnel can own vehicles.
6
The Rungnado May Day stadium has more than 150,000 seats and houses the extravagant Mass Games.
7
If one person violates a law or is sent to prison camp, it affects their whole family. Grandparents, parents, and children of the violator are sent to work with them.

8
In the 1990s all teachers were required to learn how to play accordions. Today, many citizens continue to specialize in the instrument.
9
As a way to intimidate South Korea and put on a front, Kijong-dong Peace Village was built after the Korean War.
10
Although the document points out freedom of expression, democratic voting, and the freedom of religion, the country is far from it.

11
Nabbing him and his wife, Kim Jong-il forced Shin Sang-ok to make films under his reign. Luckily, the director successfully escaped years later.
12
After seeing Godzilla, Kim Jong-Il wanted his own propaganda-laden masterpiece using none other than Shin Sang-ok.
13
Kim Il-sung will always be considered North Koreas eternal leader, even though his heirs have taken the reigns.

14
Apparently the leader had a taste for the brandy.
15
Pyongyang has three fun fairs, some with less than optimal rides and technology
16
The country boasts its literacy rate is on par with the U.S.

17
Kim Jong-ils body is preserved in a glass tomb for anyone, including outside tourists, to see.
18
Some include four-pointers if a three-pointer never touches the rim and points deducted for missed free throws.
19
After the Korean War, Joseph Dresnok crossed over the mine-laden border into North Korea. He met three other U.S. soldiers doing the same thing. However, Dresnok was the only one who chose to stay. He admitted, "I feel at homeI wouldn't trade it for nothing"

20
Two of which are only available on weekends, while the other is broadcast in the evenings. Because of this, South Korean soap operas are among the most popular items smuggled in.
21
Although this may be true, the vast majority of the food does not go directly to its citizens.
22
North Korea claims to operate under the Juche ideology, or man is the master of everything and decides everything."

23
All students are expected to pay for basically everything but the teacher, causing some parents to secretly pull their children from school.
24
Pyongyang, one of North Koreas only cities, is home to three million people, but only the elite. Only trustworthy, healthy, and loyal citizens can live there.
25
Because of its lack of resources, North Korea was forced to use human feces as fertilizer, demanding the product from its citizens.

26
A growing number of prisoners continue to fill the estimated 16 work camps.
27
This means half of the 24 million people dont even have access to basic human needs.