8. Watching TV
Most of us flip through dozens (or hundreds) of TV channels without a second thought. But in North Korea, there’s only one choice—state-controlled television. Foreign content is strictly banned. North Koreans can’t watch Western movies or even listen to outside radio stations. Owning a TV or radio capable of receiving foreign signals is illegal. If caught watching banned content, citizens can face harsh punishments—including execution. The government wants to control the narrative and ensure its people see only what it approves.
7. Driving
Can you imagine a world where only one in every 100 people owns a car? That’s the reality in North Korea. Not only is car ownership rare, but women are completely banned from driving—even if they work as traffic officers. At one point, women weren’t even allowed to ride bicycles. While that restriction has been lifted, transportation options remain extremely limited. Most people rely on walking, cycling, or public transportation—if they’re lucky.