North Korea is not your everyday country. In fact, North Korea can be described as a mythical country. Why? This is due to the lack of information that leaves the country as it is very secretive and reserved. We will be discussing the things you must know before visiting North Korea. Believe it or not, this information will save you a lot of trouble.
8 You Are Not Allowed To Wear Blue Jeans
This is not a matter of the cost of Jeans, whether you can afford them or not, blue jeans are strictly prohibited. This is because of the fact that world imperialism is embodied in North Korea. Pack a couple of black Jeans, no one will question you for that. However, as a tourist, blue Jeans may be tolerated but can't be worn to the Kim II Sung and Kim Jong II memorial. North Korea is not a democracy, so visitors should be extremely careful about their laws when visiting. To be on the safe side, avoid blue Jeans completely as things as little as that can land visitors in a substantial amount of trouble.
7 Three TV Channels
As mentioned earlier, North Korea is not a democracy and by implication, everything is being controlled by the government. Due to this, the country has only 3 TV channels of which they sensor with extreme levels the information being passed. North Koreans are stuck with this because they have no other option and it will be no different for tourists. Out of these channels, only 2 are available during weekends while the third is usually available during the evening hours.
6 Do Not Use The Local Currency
When in North Korea, you are not permitted to make use of the countries local currency. To take it further, non-North Koreans are not even permitted to enter shops that transact only with the local currency. However, Visitors can purchase items using Yuan's, South Korean Won, US Dollar, and Euros. Keep that in mind as being caught using the local currency may attract punishments.
5 No Religious Books Allowed
If you are a missionary or pastor with intentions of spreading the word to North Korea, change that thought. All religious books are strictly prohibited in North Korea and if caught with will attract capital punishment. The North Korean calendar starts from the day the first supreme leader was born. With claims to offer freedom of religion, public execution was met with a woman who was accused of giving Bibles to people.
4 No Coca-Cola
You are now in North Korea and you feel a little thirsty but not for water, where are all the Coca-Cola drinks? Well, they do not exist in North Korea. This is because North Korea is not a friend to US brands and other big brands. As of 2015, there were two countries where Coca-Cola products were prohibited, North Korea and Cuba. However, today North Korea is the only country where Coca-cola is banned. And do not bother smuggling it in as everything you own will be searched and screened thoroughly before stepping foot in the country.
3 Visitors Are Not Allowed To Take Pictures Or Speak To The Locals
You will notice this when you try to speak to the locals as they will most probably run away. Any local seen being friendly and chatty to visitors and tourists are paid actors. However, there have been rumors concerning people who have been executed for speaking for foreigners. This is false as the person in question will only get a really stern warning. Also, visitors are not allowed to take pictures of public figures, the environment, or military items which by implication means no selfies as you will be stopped immediately.
2 Do Not Talk About The Government
Again, this is not a democracy. Citizens and visitors alike are prohibited from discussing the government of the day, especially in criticism. If caught, those found guilty will be shown their way to re-education camps. Those sent there will have to go through hard labor as well as indoctrination of certain North Korean ideologies. Those found guilty will be made to re-learn the values the regime holds dear.
1 Everyone Honors The Leader
The North Korean supreme leader holds the highest position known to North Koreans and by this, we mean both past and present leaders. As a tourist or visitor in North Korea, you are expected to bow solemnly as well as lay flowers on multiple occasions to the statues of Kim II Sung and other relevant monuments. This is a compulsory action for North Koreans and everyone who steps foot in their world.
North Korea is worth visiting for those curious and ambitious enough. However, for the ordinary person, North Korea may not be the best choice for your vacation. But then visitors get to cherish the freedom they have in their home countries.