10 Things Banned in North Korea

North Korea is often described as one of the most secretive and controlled countries in the world.

From strict government rules to intense surveillance, the everyday life of its citizens is heavily restricted.

Many things that people around the world consider normal—like accessing the internet, watching foreign movies, or even choosing a hairstyle—are strictly banned in North Korea.

In this blog, we explore 10 things that are completely prohibited in this isolated nation, shedding light on how the government maintains strict control over its people’s lives.

Things Banned in north Korea:

1-Internet access (for ordinary citizens)

Only a tiny elite has access to the real global internet.

Everyone else is restricted to Kwangmyong, a closed domestic intranet with a few dozen approved sites.

2-Foreign movies, TV shows, and music (non-state-approved)

Watching or distributing South Korean dramas, Hollywood films, K-pop, or any foreign media can result in public execution or labor camp sentences.

3-Jeans – especially blue jeans

Blue jeans are seen as a symbol of American imperialism. Only certain state-approved clothing styles are allowed.

4-Western Clothing & Fashion

The Western-style clothing like blue jeans is banned because it is seen as a symbol of Western influence.

5-Criticizing the Government

Criticizing the leadership or government policies is a major crime and can lead to imprisonment or worse.

6-Non-approved Hairstyles

North Korea has a list of 25 approved hairstyles. Anything outside the official list is prohibited.

7-International Phone Calls

Making international calls is illegal. The government wants to prevent contact with the outside world.

8-Leaving the country without permission

Unauthorized exit (defection) is considered treason, punishable by execution or multi-generational labor camp sentences for the entire family.

9-Criticizing the Kim family or government

Any form of dissent, even private jokes about the leaders, can result in disappearance into political prison camps.

10-Owning a tunable radio

All radios and TVs must be fixed to receive only state channels.

Possessing a radio that can tune to foreign stations is a serious crime.