London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – North Korea is a mythical country. They don’t have sufficient information and are creating plenty of myths on their own. However, some of these things are eventually turning out to be true. No doubt, North Korea is considered one of the most secretive states in the world. They have some terrible laws that are hard to go through. If you plan to take a trip to North Korea make sure you know about their rules well.
Things You Should Never Do If You Are Visiting North Korea
Are you planning to visit North Korea anytime soon? Keep the list of prohibited things in North Korea with you.
1. Don’t Criticize The Country Or Leaders
While traveling to North Korea make sure you don’t criticize the country, leader, or its citizens. If you question the government’s rules or talk negatively about leaders it is considered bad. Moreover, if you make jokes about the North Korean leadership, you may get charged with treason. Visitors must talk to the locals with respect and don’t take selfies making peace signs.
2. Don’t Bring Banned Items
Tourists cannot bring any banned items into the country. The list includes GPS devices, pornography, drones, and magazines. They are now allowed to have religious texts or digital resources about North and South Korea. If you plan to bring your mobile phone, it is not allowed to make any international calls. Surprisingly, blue jeans are not allowed in North Korea.
3. You Cannot Travel Alone
You cannot plan to visit North Korea alone. It requires one to have joined a government-sanctioned tour. The tour guides will give you company as you aren’t allowed to wander alone. Even if you want to interact with any civilians, you will be assisted by the guides. Most tour guides will take you to the north side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). You can also visit some other locations that are approved by the Government. It is necessary to bow in front of the statue of Kim IL Sung and Kim Jong IL.
4. Don’t Talk About Your Religion
Travelers must make sure that they don’t talk about their religion or religious beliefs. Christianity is prohibited fully and if you are caught with a bible it is a serious crime. You may have to face imprisonment, torture, and execution. However, the past and present leaders are elevated with a God-like status in the country.
5. Take The Right Photos
North Korea is veiled under a lot of secrecy. The country boasts of strict restrictions on taking photos. You must take permission from guides before taking a photo. Moreover, you are not allowed to take photos of military officers, airports, and construction sites.
Even the government buildings remain hidden from travelers. If you take any inappropriate photos, you may get banned from North Korea forever. Moreover, you cannot take any photos that bring the country into an unfavorable position.
6. You Cannot Go Against The Wish Of the Tour Guide
When you are traveling to North Korea, you are bound to listen to your tour guide. If you go against their wishes it is considered a crime. When you are doing something illegal, your guide will be accused of conspiring with you. They may consider you and him as a spy and punish you accordingly. Based on treason you will be imprisoned for many years. If you find all these restrictions troublesome, it is better to go to another destination for travel.
7. Don’t Travel With Your Family
You can take all the precautionary measures before finalizing a trip to North Korea. It is always better to be safe than sorry in almost all conditions. The ‘Three Generation Rule’ that was introduced in 1972 happens to be the most prominent one. It was established by Kim IL Sung. The worst part is that if you commit a crime, your three generations will be punished too. You cannot put yourself and your family at risk by doing anything drastic.
Read More: Why Kim Jong Un Faked His Death (Most Clever Dictator)
8. It Is Forbidden To Wear Blue Jeans
If you like blue denim jeans, try not to take them to North Korea. However, if the denim is black you can wear it easily. When you wear blue jeans North Korea considers it as world imperialism. You will be restricted to wear it while going to Kim IL Sung and Kim Jong IL memorial. North Korea has only three TV channels. You will not have many options for entertainment either. The citizens are not allowed to listen to Western music.