The world isgrowing increasingly interested inNorth Korea. Its leader and government continuously try toprotect the nation from outside influencesby, for example, not allowing certain hairstyles orclothes. All ofthis makesus want toknow more about the people ofNorth Korea and their lifestyle. WeatBright Side found things that are prohibited inNorth Korea for you tosee for yourself.
Western fashion
North Korea made jeans and other types ofWestern clothes forbidden inthe 2regions bordering China. Pyongyang istrying tofight the influence ofthe Western style culture spilling over from its big neighbor.
Coca-Cola
Atrade embargo onCoca-Cola imposed onNorth Korea makes itdifficult toget adecent bottle ofco*ke there. However, itisreported that some upscale shops inPyongyang sell co*ke that isproduced inChina.
Hairstyles
North Korea allows only 18haircuts for women and 15for men. None ofthe hairstyles allow achange inhair color, soitcan bereally challenging tobuy hair dye.
Sanitary pads
Sanitary pads and tampons are not available inNorth Korea. Women use the old-school reusable pads.
Property
The North Korean government exclusively owns the rights toland and property. This makes itvirtually impossible tobuy and sell houses orapartments. However, the people ofNorth Korea have found ways todoit, which led tothe easing ofthe laws this year.
Designer shoes
Ifyou happen tobeinNorth Korea and you’re thinking ofbuying apair ofManolo Blahniks, you’ll beout ofluck. Designer shoes are not available except inthe regions bordering China, which may have Chinese-made high heels for sale.
Starbucks
Ifyou want todrink coffee inPyongyang, you should visit one ofthe famous cafés: Ryongwang Coffee Shop.
CableTV
There are only 4officialTV channels available inthe country. Censorship bythe government issostrong that itdoes not allow any other type oftelevision.
Western magazines
North Korea forbids all kinds offoreign media. The government and special agencies control and monitor what isprinted inthe press. There are nolifestyle magazines, and the only ones that aNorth Korean may read will beofaneducational orpolitical “juche” character.
Wi-Fi and international calls
Out ofapopulation of15million, almost one million North Koreans own acell phone. However, they may not make international calls. There are also restrictions onthe usage ofthe 3Gnetwork. Foreigners entering the country may buy apre-paid SIM card tomake calls abroad only.
Music concert tickets
Very few foreigners are allowed toperform inNorth Korea. Thus, going toaconcert ofyour favorite musician isout ofthe question. The only band that was allowed toperform was aSlovenian band called Laibach. They had aconcert inPyongyang back in2015. Instead, people can attend local bands’ concerts.
Apple
There isarestriction onselling any type ofmodern high-tech device toNorth Korea. Buying anApple iPad isnot possible. However, North Korea had developed its own tabletPC that boasts ofbeing asubstitute for any Western ones.
Sports cars
Another luxury good that isalmost 100% unavailable isasports car. Itisalmost impossible topurchase anexpensive sports car due tothe sanctions from the United Nations and the European Union.
Vacations abroad
North Koreans are not allowed togofor vacations abroad. This isaviolation ofhuman rights, but the people ofNorth Korea are probably unaware ofthis fact.
Preview photo credit
