North Korea, often considered one of the most secretive and isolated nations in the world, has a reputation for its unique and often unusual practices. Here are some weird facts about North Korea:
Time Zone: North Korea operates on its own time zone known as Pyongyang Time or Korea Standard Time (KST). It is set 30 minutes ahead of its neighboring country, South Korea, and Japan.
Haircuts: Until 2013, North Korea had strict regulations on hairstyles for both men and women. The government issued a list of approved hairstyles for men and women, limiting their choices to a select few.
Propaganda Village: Along the border between North and South Korea, there is a small village called Kijŏng-dong, also known as the "Propaganda Village." The village is primarily uninhabited and serves as a display to showcase North Korea's prosperity to the outside world. However, it is believed that the buildings are mostly empty and the village is merely a façade.
Traffic Officers: North Korea is known for its highly organized traffic officers who perform elaborate choreographed routines while directing traffic. These performances are seen as a form of entertainment for drivers and pedestrians.
National Flower: The national flower of North Korea is the Kimilsungia, named after the country's founder, Kim Il-sung. It is a hybrid orchid created specifically to honor Kim Il-sung and is widely cultivated throughout the country.
Arirang Mass Games: North Korea is famous for its Arirang Mass Games, a synchronized performance featuring thousands of participants. The event showcases elaborate gymnastics, dance routines, and artistic displays, all aimed at promoting North Korean ideology and patriotism.
No Traffic Jams: North Korea is known for its lack of traffic congestion, mainly due to the limited number of vehicles on the road. Private car ownership is relatively low, and the majority of the population relies on public transportation or bicycles.
State-Run Restaurants: North Korea has state-run restaurants in various countries, including China and other parts of Asia. These restaurants are staffed by North Korean workers and offer a taste of North Korean cuisine, music, and culture.
Intranet: North Korea has its own closed-off internet system called Kwangmyong, which is separate from the global internet. The intranet allows limited access to state-approved websites and is heavily monitored and censored by the government.
Mandatory Haircuts: Until 2017, male university students in North Korea were required to have the same haircut as their leader, Kim Jong-un. The haircut, known as the "Ambition Haircut," was imposed as an attempt to control the appearance and loyalty of the younger generation.
These weird facts offer a glimpse into the unique and often eccentric aspects of North Korean society and its governmental control over various aspects of daily life.
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