Strange Things That May Surprise You About North Korea

North Korea's Iconic Traffic Women

In the bustling streets of Pyongyang, a unique feature catches the eye: the traffic women. These officers, known for their striking presence, are young, single women dressed in crisp, military-style uniforms. They are a symbol of the city and are chosen for their roles based on their beauty and eligibility, with rumors suggesting that Kim Jong-un himself may be involved in the selection process. Despite the modernization and the installation of traffic lights, approximately 50 traffic women still command the roads of the capital.

These women are not only a common sight but also enjoy a host of benefits uncommon to other citizens. They receive better salaries, more food rations, free housing, and healthcare. This prestigious position makes them highly desirable marriage prospects among North Korean men.

Basketball: A National Obsession

Basketball holds a special place in North Korean culture, particularly for its leaders. Kim Jong-il, the father of the current leader, was an avid fan of the sport, reportedly owning a vast collection of Michael Jordan's game videos. His passion was well-known internationally, prompting former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to gift him a basketball signed by Jordan himself in 2000.

Kim Jong-un also shares this enthusiasm. He reportedly modified the rules of basketball to suit local tastes. In North Korea, slam dunks score three points, and a three-pointer without rim contact earns four points. Remarkably, any basket scored in the final three seconds of a game is worth eight points, and a missed free throw results in a point deduction. These adaptations add a unique flair to the game within the country, although standard rules apply in international play.

The Juche Calendar: Marking Time the North Korean Way

North Korea operates under a dual calendar system, the Gregorian and the Juche calendar. The latter began in 1997, three years after the death of Kim Il-sung, the nation's founding leader. The Juche calendar sets year one as 1912, Kim Il-sung's birth year, emphasizing the doctrine of "self-reliance" or Juche, which is a cornerstone of North Korean ideology.

In 2023, it is Juche 112. Both calendars are used in official documents, and significant construction projects and events are often scheduled to coincide with the birthdays of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, enhancing their godlike reverence in North Korean society.

Agricultural Challenges and Unconventional Solutions

North Korea faces significant agricultural challenges, exacerbated by international sanctions and limited access to modern farming inputs like chemical fertilizers. As a result, the use of "night soil," or human manure, is a widespread practice encouraged by the government, especially since 2014 when Kim Jong-un officially promoted its use.

This practice, while resourceful, poses health risks. Many defectors have reported severe health issues, including infections from intestinal worms. The reliance on human manure highlights the dire food security situation in the country, which remains one of its most pressing humanitarian issues.

Conclusion

North Korea, a nation veiled in secrecy, holds many surprises that reflect its unique socio-political landscape. From its traffic women and basketball enthusiasm to its distinct calendar and agricultural practices, these facets provide a glimpse into the everyday life and culture of this isolated country. While some aspects like the traffic women showcase a softer side of North Korea, others, such as the reliance on human manure for agriculture, underscore the harsh realities faced by its citizens.