Normal Things That Are Banned in North Korea: North Korea is renowned for its oppressive and harsh government. The Kim dynasty has taken control of the nation, which is now cut off from the rest of the world and whose residents are subject to extensive censorship and surveillance.

The government restricts a variety of things that appear to be commonplace in order to keep its grip on the populace. We shall examine some of the typical items that are prohibited in North Korea in this blog post.

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20 Normal Things That Are Banned in North Korea

1. Free speech and expression: The prohibition on free speech and expression in North Korea is arguably one of the most well-known limitations. Internet, television, and radio content are all subject to strict government censorship.

Speaking out against the government or its leaders is not permitted, and doing so could result in jail or execution for the offender.

2. Travel: There are severe restrictions on travel within North Korea. To visit other cities or areas, citizens must request permission from the government, and even then, they may be watched and tracked.

Since the government closely regulates who is permitted to leave the nation, traveling outside of North Korea is considerably more challenging. Those who do succeed in leaving frequently experience great difficulty getting visas and finding safe passage.

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3. Foreign media: All media that is permitted entry into North Korea is subject to rigorous government control. Foreign news broadcasts, movies, and music are prohibited, and anyone found in possession of any of these things risks harsh punishment.

In order to prevent citizens from accessing foreign websites or social media platforms, the government also constantly monitors internet activity.

4. Religious expression: All forms of religious expression are carefully regulated by the North Korean government. The Juche ideology is the only religion that is permitted to be practiced by citizens, despite the fact that the constitution theoretically guarantees religious freedom.

Those discovered engaging in other religious practices risk harsh penalties, such as jail or execution.

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5. Independent media: North Korea’s government maintains strict control over all media outlets in the country.

Independent media outlets and journalists are prohibited from working there, and anyone found trying to cover events or air divergent opinions risks being imprisoned or killed by the authorities.

6. International phone calls: Except with the permission from the government, North Korean citizens are not permitted to make international phone calls.

The use of the internet and telephone calls are both strictly regulated by the government. Unauthorized international callers may be subject to harsh penalties.

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7. Non-state-approved haircuts: Citizens of North Korea must abide by rigorous rules about their appearance, particularly their hair.

Women must wear their hair long and tied back, whilst men must maintain short hairstyles. Additionally, some hairstyles are prohibited since they are thought to be related to western culture.

8. Access to foreign currency: Access to foreign currency is strictly regulated by the North Korean government. Foreign currency is prohibited for citizens to own, and those found in possession of it risk harsh penalties.

Citizens find it very challenging to travel internationally or conduct business internationally as a result.

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9. Gambling:North Korea has an outright prohibition on gambling. It is viewed as a vice by the government since it may cause moral deterioration and a loss of population control.

If found gambling, they could receive harsh penalties, such as imprisonment.

10. Government Criticism: There is a strict ban on criticizing the government or the ruling elite in North Korea. If they do, they could be imprisoned or killed.

Along with using a system of informants and surveillance, the government also keeps a constant eye out for any indications of discontent among the populace.

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11. Freedom of movement:There are restrictions on how inhabitants of North Korea can move about the nation.

The government must grant residents permission to travel to other cities or areas, and mobility within the nation is severely constrained. They might still be watched over and monitored even then.

12. Automobile ownership: The elite in North Korea can only afford the luxury of owning a car. The majority of people do not have access to automobiles, and those who do must get special government authorization.

The use of automobiles is similarly closely regulated, and residents are not permitted to leave their allocated regions without authorization.

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13. Access to foreign books and literature: In North Korea, there are stringent restrictions on who can read Western novels and literature.

Citizens are not permitted to read or own publications that are deemed subversive or critical of the government, and the government controls all works and literature that are not sanctioned by the state.

14. Seeing foreign movies: North Korea tightly forbids the viewing of foreign movies. They are viewed by the government as a danger to the nation’s cultural identity and as a vehicle for the spread of western ideologies.

Those who are caught watching foreign movies may be subject to harsh penalties, such as incarceration.

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15. Owning a satellite dish: In North Korea, owning a satellite dish is outrightly forbidden.

Satellite dishes are viewed as a means for citizens to access foreign media and information that is not controlled by the state because the government strictly regulates all media and information.

16. Access to international news: Access to international news sources is prohibited for inhabitants of North Korea.

Citizens are not allowed to read or access news sources that have not been authorized by the government, and the government carefully controls all media and information, including the internet.

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17. Listening to foreign music: In North Korea, it is against the law to listen to international music.

Music produced outside of North Korea is strictly prohibited from being listened to by citizens since the government has such tight control over all information and media sources, including music.

18. Critiquing the governing dynasty: Criticizing North Korea’s ruling Kim dynasty is highly forbidden. The Monarchy is seen as infallible and a god, hence it can do no wrong.

Speaking out against the ruling family is prohibited, and those who do so run the risk of being imprisoned or killed.

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19. Access to social media: Social media platforms are off limits to residents of North Korea.

Internet access and other media are strictly regulated by the government, and people are not permitted to use social media sites that have not been given state approval.

20. Owning a computer: In North Korea, owning a computer is a luxury only available to the wealthy. The majority of people do not have access to computers, and those who do must request special government authorization.

Citizens are not permitted to access data that is deemed subversive or critical of the government, and computers are likewise closely watched.

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Conclusion
In conclusion, North Korea is recognized for having a severe and oppressive government. All media and information are subject to strict government censorship, and people are not allowed to do or own a lot of things that are commonplace in other areas of the world. Many consider these limitations to be a violation of fundamental human rights, despite the government’s claims that it is shielding its inhabitants from outside influence and foreign values. It is unclear whether these limitations will ever be eased as the nation continues to cut itself off from the rest of the world.