Culture
Information related to the North Korean culture and culture in North Korea
Ask a North Korean: Do North Koreans get tattoos?
Ink is common among older generations, but usually as a way to show loyalty rather than as a form of self-expression
Why South Korea has backed down from plans to ease ban on North Korean media
Experts say restrictions are ‘outdated’ and counter to online freedom, but likely to persist under Yoon administration
How North Korea’s New Year messages use history and hardships to prop up regime
Kim Jong Un’s speeches refer to past triumphs to inspire people to persevere, but face growing skepticism from young
North Korea touts new ice skating rink in Pyongyang in push to provide amenities
Expert says temporary rink is way for regime to keep ‘core constituency’ happy, while those in other areas go without
State media review: North Korea revs up steel production amid construction push
An in-depth analysis of upgrades to biggest steel mill, parliament plans, ‘drunken goblin’ Yoon Suk-yeol and more
3 parades, 44 missiles, 64 flights: Numbers tell the story of North Korea’s 2023
Data sheds light on the year’s biggest developments, from leader appearances and wig trade to delegation visits and more
South Korean city rekindles border Christmas lights that angered North Korea
Gimpo turns on holiday display for first time since DPRK called Christmas tree a ‘declaration of war’ nine years ago
Ask a North Korean: Can children in the DPRK express their creativity?
David, who defected in 2012, writes about discovering the joys of self-expression through his work as a YouTuber
State media review: Young North Koreans gift rocket launchers and buses to state
An in-depth analysis of student forced labor, remembrances of Kim Jong Il, praise for an ICBM launch and more
Ask a North Korean: What I learned from visiting a DPRK restaurant abroad
A defector writes about his surreal meal at a North Korean restaurant in Laos and how it led him to reflect on his life
