North Korea is known as one of the most secretive and restrictive countries in the world. While we go about our daily lives enjoying countless freedoms, North Koreans live under strict rules that govern even the smallest aspects of their existence. From the clothes they wear to the jobs they hold, nearly everything is dictated by the government. Here are 10 everyday things you probably take for granted but are completely off-limits in North Korea.
10. Using the Internet
Imagine a world without the internet. No social media, no online shopping, no Googling random facts at 2 AM. For most of us, that’s unthinkable. But for North Koreans, that’s everyday life. The government completely controls access to the web, allowing only a select few—like high-ranking officials and scientists—to use a closed, state-run intranet called Kwangmyong. Regular citizens can’t surf the global internet at all. Why? Because information is power, and the North Korean regime doesn’t want its people discovering outside perspectives. Even phone access is tightly controlled to keep citizens isolated from the rest of the world.
9. Smiling
You might think smiling is a universal human expression, but in North Korea, it can actually get you in serious trouble. On July 8, the anniversary of Kim Il-Sung’s death, citizens are forbidden from showing any signs of happiness. No smiling, no laughing, no celebrating. Even drinking or holding a birthday party is illegal on this day. In 2021, Kim Jong-un even enforced an 11-day mourning period for the anniversary of his father’s death, banning all forms of leisure—including shopping. Those who break these rules face severe consequences, including imprisonment in concentration camps.