Most Depressing Country.

Summary

This video recounts a harrowing experience of visiting North Korea, revealing the country's extreme isolation, poverty, and strict control over its people. The narrator describes the arduous journey from Beijing, the invasive security checks at the border, and the oppressive atmosphere within the country, where even basic freedoms like internet access and religion are banned. Despite the propaganda of power through military displays, the reality of life in North Korea is one of hardship and stagnation. The narrator’s brief stay leaves them with a deep sorrow for the people trapped in a nation that feels like a prison.

Takeaways

• 😀 North Korea is a highly isolated and strict country with extreme poverty and military control.
• 😀 Visitors can only enter North Korea as part of an organized tour group, with strict security measures at the border.
• 😀 Upon entry, everything is inspected, including personal belongings, books, phones, and photos.
• 😀 Religious texts, political books, and sensitive materials are banned, as religion and free expression are restricted.
• 😀 The country operates in extreme isolation, with no internet access, no social media, and limited trade with other nations.
• 😀 North Korea faces poverty, with few cars on the highways and unstable electricity in homes.
• 😀 Despite its challenges, North Korea has a proud culture, with traditional events, sports, and performances.
• 😀 The focus of the government is on military power, as evidenced by constant displays of missiles, tanks, and leaders' portraits everywhere.
• 😀 The government-controlled experience for tourists hides the deeper struggles and hardships of the people.
• 😀 The average North Korean citizen faces a life of severe limitations, and the country feels like a prison.
• 😀 After leaving North Korea, the speaker expressed sadness for the people there, acknowledging their struggles and lack of freedom.

Q & A

What is the general description of North Korea provided in the video?

The video describes North Korea as a strict, isolated, dangerous, and depressing country with extreme poverty, no freedom, and limited access to the outside world.

How does the speaker describe the entry process into North Korea?

The speaker describes entering North Korea as a lengthy 24-hour train journey from Beijing to the border. Upon crossing, soldiers inspect everything, including personal belongings, books, and phones, to ensure no prohibited items are brought in.

What items are prohibited when entering North Korea?

Prohibited items include religious texts (such as Bibles or Qurans), political books, nude magazines, internet transmitters, sensitive information, and anything that could be deemed harmful or subversive.

What is the situation regarding technology and communication in North Korea?

In North Korea, there is no Wi-Fi, no access to social media platforms like Facebook, and a limited connection to the outside world. Personal phones are also subject to inspection.

What does the video say about the poverty in North Korea?

The video highlights the extreme poverty in North Korea, including a lack of stable power, few cars due to affordability issues, and a general sense of isolation and deprivation in homes and public spaces.

How is North Korea's economy described in the video?

North Korea's economy is described as highly isolated, with little trade or interaction with other nations. Most of the country's production is internally focused, contributing to its economic struggles.

What is emphasized as the focus of the North Korean government?

The North Korean government is portrayed as focusing heavily on military displays, such as missiles, tanks, and soldiers, as well as creating a false illusion of power, rather than addressing the needs or prosperity of its people.

How does the speaker describe the culture of North Korea?

Despite the country's hardships, the speaker acknowledges North Korea's beautiful culture, traditions, and pride in events like sports, circuses, and dances, though it is overshadowed by the government's priorities.

What was the emotional impact on the speaker during their time in North Korea?

The speaker expresses a deep emotional response, crying as they left the country. They felt sorrow for the people of North Korea, who are trapped in their situation, with little hope for change in the near future.

What is the speaker's view on the future of North Korea?

The speaker is pessimistic about the near future, stating that while North Korea may eventually be as prosperous as South Korea, that day is very far from being realized, given the current state of the country.