كوريا الشمالية | من الداخل 🚨!

Summary

Rashed Al-Rumaithi documents his intense five-day journey in North Korea, showcasing the rigid control and isolation within the country. From strict regulations on tourist behavior to limited personal freedoms, he describes the challenges of traveling in a nation where the government controls every aspect of a visitor’s experience. The video highlights the stark contrast between North and South Korea’s development, focusing on the philosophical and historical reasons behind the country’s current state. Al-Rumaithi reflects on his uneasy experience, emphasizing the mental toll it took on him, and questions the North Korean system.

Takeaways

• 🌏 North Korea, also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is highly isolated with strict rules for visitors, including a ban on personal travel without a tour guide.
• 🚫 Visitors are completely disconnected from the outside world for the duration of their stay, with no internet or communication allowed.
• 🛂 Tourists must follow strict state-controlled itineraries and cannot take photos without permission, with potential severe consequences for breaking rules.
• 💼 North Korea only allows around 4,000 foreigners to visit each year, and entering the country requires joining an organized tour from China.
• 🇰🇵 The local population respects and praises their leader due to state indoctrination, believing he protects them from external threats.
• 🚍 Most North Koreans rely on public transportation, with only high-ranking officials allowed to own private cars.
• 💡 The country faces significant economic challenges, with an average income of $1,000 per capita, compared to $32,000 in South Korea.
• 🎓 Despite the poverty, North Korea prioritizes its military and nuclear weapons programs, leading to lower living standards for its people.
• 🌄 Historical sites, such as Buddhist temples and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), illustrate North Korea's turbulent past and its ongoing military focus.
• 🚇 Pyongyang has an underground metro system, one of the deepest in the world, but the overall infrastructure and lifestyle in North Korea feel underdeveloped.

Q & A

What are some of the main restrictions tourists face when visiting North Korea?

Tourists are required to be part of a guided tour group and are not allowed to explore independently. Photography is strictly regulated, and visitors must obtain permission from their guide before taking any pictures. They are also forbidden from insulting or disrespecting the country's leaders in any way.

Why do North Koreans believe their leader is protecting them from the outside world?

North Koreans are raised to believe that their leader is protecting them from external threats. The state promotes the idea that banning internet access and controlling outside influence is necessary to keep the country safe, and many citizens accept this as normal due to their upbringing.

How does North Korea manage tourism, and what are some of the rules for tourists?

Tourism is highly controlled in North Korea. Tourists must be part of an official tour group and are constantly accompanied by guides. All visits to tourist sites are predetermined by the state, and any deviation from the planned itinerary is not allowed. Visitors are also required to keep track of the devices they bring in, and must leave with the exact same number.

What is 'Juche,' and why is it significant in North Korean philosophy?

Juche is a philosophical concept founded by Kim Il-sung in 1982. It promotes the idea that humans are the masters of their own destiny and can control everything. It is a central doctrine of North Korea's political system, although there is criticism regarding how the country’s authoritarian rules contradict the idea of human autonomy.

What economic challenges has North Korea faced since the fall of the Soviet Union?

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, North Korea lost its primary economic supporter. This led to a severe weakening of the country's economy, and resources became insufficient for the population. The leadership shifted focus to military power, convincing people to prioritize national defense over economic development.

What is the current state of transportation in North Korea?

Private car ownership is rare in North Korea, with most vehicles being reserved for high-ranking officials. The majority of citizens rely on public transportation, such as buses or the metro system, which is considered the deepest in the world. Public transportation is highly used, but many North Koreans do not own personal vehicles.

How does the economic disparity between North and South Korea illustrate their differences?

In 1950, after the division of the Korean Peninsula, the income per capita in both North and South Korea was similar at $900. By 2019, the income in South Korea had risen to $32,000, while in North Korea it was only $1,000. This reflects the stark difference in economic growth between the two countries, largely due to North Korea's focus on nuclear weapons and military spending.

What is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and why is it significant?

The DMZ is a heavily fortified border area that separates North and South Korea. Established after the Korean War in 1953, it serves as a security buffer between the two countries. The zone is one of the most militarized areas in the world and symbolizes the ongoing tensions between North and South Korea.

What challenges did the tourist experience during their visit to North Korea?

The tourist felt uncomfortable due to the strict regulations and constant monitoring. The inability to explore freely, strict control over photography, and the isolation from the outside world contributed to a stressful experience. Additionally, the lack of variety in food and restricted activities added to the difficulties.

How has North Korea's focus on nuclear weapons affected its population's living standards?

North Korea's emphasis on nuclear development has diverted resources away from improving the living standards of its population. This focus on military power, combined with economic sanctions, has led to widespread poverty. The majority of the population lives with limited resources, while a small elite enjoys better conditions.