December 6, 2024 13:00 PM

The Most Bizarre Myths About North Korea

North Korea is perceived to be scary and totalitarian; visiting there might not be in your top choices. Indeed, stories of atrocities and cruel treatment inside this secretive country have rocked the world.

But how much of those stories are actually true? Here are some of the most bizarre myths about North Korea.

Kim Jong Un had his uncle fed to savage dogs. This story, which is quite similar to Ramsay Bolton's demise on "Game of Thrones," is not yet proven to be true or false. However, it is true that in December 2012, Kim Jong Un's second in command, his uncle, along with five other officials were publicly arrested and executed. We're just not sure if they're really fed to hungry dogs, though.

North Korean locals are hostile to foreigners. Rumors say that North Korea has long been brainwashing the country with an anti-foreigner propaganda so that the locals would hate the West. This is most likely a myth. Most visitors to the country are actually surprised how friendly the locals are.

North Korea's government strictly enforces a fashion policy. Some say that all locals are only allowed to dress in a certain way, and that wearing of foreigner-made clothes can result in your sudden execution. Although the control of fashion sense by the North Korean government is somewhat true, we still don't if they actually kill the people who disobey.

Going to North Korea for a tourist visit is impossible. This is actually not true. Visiting North Korea is possible, and the whole process is quite easy. You can't visit by yourself though, you have to be with a tour group to gain access to this highly secretive country.

Taking photos of the country is not allowed. Another fallacy. For the whole duration of your trip, you can take lots of pictures if you want. However, they may be certain times when your guide will refrain you from taking pictures of some places such as the military checkpoints and inside the Kumsusan Palace.

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