Introduction :

Here are 15 lesser-known facts about North Korea

1.Underground Metro in Pyongyang:

Pyongyang has one of the deepest metro systems in the world, with stations doubling as bomb shelters.

2.No Day Off:

North Koreans celebrate the birthdays of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il as national holidays but have no official holidays.

3.Height Requirements for Leaders:

 North Korean leaders must meet certain height requirements. Kim Jong-il reportedly wore platform shoes to appear taller.

4.Haircut Regulations:

There are only 28 approved hairstyles in North Korea, with strict guidelines on hair length and style, enforced by the government.

5.Three Generations of Punishment:

North Korea practices a system of "guilt by association," where three generations of a family can be punished for the actions of one member.

6.Selective Internet Access:

Only a small fraction of North Koreans have access to the internet, which is heavily censored and restricted to a few government-approved websites.

7.Officially 2012:

North Korea operates on its own calendar, known as the Juche calendar, which counts years from the birth of Kim Il-sung in 1912. So, 2024 would be Juche 113.

8.Faked Defections:

North Korea has been known to stage fake defections to South Korea for propaganda purposes, using actors to portray defectors and gather intelligence.

9.Pyongyang-City of Statues:

Pyongyang is filled with statues of the Kim dynasty and revolutionary icons, with the Juche Tower standing at 170 meters tall.

10.Forbidden Zones:

Many areas in North Korea are off-limits to foreigners, including the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and certain parts of Pyongyang.

11.State-Sponsored Drug Production:

 North Korea has been accused of producing and trafficking methamphetamine and other drugs to generate revenue for the regime.

12.Arirang Mass Games:

The Arirang Mass Games, featuring synchronized gymnastics, dancing, and propaganda displays, are held in Pyongyang and are the largest of their kind in the world.

13.Secret Tunnels:

North Korea has built a network of secret tunnels under the DMZ, designed for surprise attacks on South Korea.

14.State-Run Restaurant Chains:

North Korea operates a chain of state-run restaurants in other countries, staffed by North Korean citizens and reportedly used to generate foreign currency for the regime.

15.Limited Electricity:

 Electricity in North Korea is scarce, with power outages being common even in the capital city of Pyongyang.