North Korea, a country shrouded in mystery and governed by strict rules, has always intrigued the outside world with its peculiarities and unique ways of life. From grand but abandoned buildings to unusual haircut regulations, life in this enigmatic totalitarian state is, in many ways, a world apart. Here are 14 facts you probably didn’t know about North Korea, offering a deeper and sometimes unsettling look at a nation as debated as it is unknown.

1. A Calendar Based on the Founder’s Birth

While the world follows the Gregorian calendar, North Koreans live in the year Juche 111. This peculiar calendar started on April 15, 1912, the birthdate of Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea. The Juche system reflects the self-reliant ideology promoted by Kim Il-sung, and this cultural uniqueness is one of many examples of how the country sets itself apart from the rest of the world.

2. Only 28 Websites Available

The internet as we know it does not exist in North Korea. The country has an intranet called "Kwangmyong", accessible only to a small segment of the population with special permission. There are only 28 available websites, all controlled by the government, offering highly censored information and state propaganda. Most North Koreans will never have access to the global internet.

3. Unique Rules for Basketball

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a big fan of basketball and decided to change the rules of the game. According to his rules, dunks are worth three points and field goals in the last three minutes can be worth up to eight points. Additionally, missing free throws can result in negative points. These rules make basketball in North Korea unique and different from the internationally recognized rules.

4. The Dream Job for Women

In North Korea, being a traffic controller is considered one of the most desirable jobs for women. Those selected for this position are often tall and attractive, performing their duties with precise military choreography. This role is so valued that there is even a fan site dedicated to these women, who have become icons within the country.

5. Kim Jong-un and His Aversion to K-Pop

Despite the global popularity of K-Pop, in North Korea it is seen as a threat. Leader Kim Jong-un has described K-Pop as a "vicious cancer" that corrupts North Korean youth. In the past decade, at least seven people have been executed for watching or distributing K-Pop videos. The crackdown on South Korean culture is a crucial part of the regime’s cultural isolation strategy.

6. North Korea’s Tallest Building is an Abandoned Hotel

The Ryugyong Hotel, located in the center of Pyongyang, is an impressive example of architectural megalomania. Standing 329 meters tall with 105 floors, the building was designed to be a symbol of North Korean power but was never completed. Known as "the hotel of doom", the Ryugyong remains empty, a silent reminder of the regime’s thwarted ambitions.

7. Women: Choose One of These Hairstyles

In North Korea, women do not have the freedom to choose any hairstyle. There are 15 government-approved hairstyles, and the choice depends on marital status. Single women must keep their hair short, while married women have a bit more flexibility. This regulation is part of the regime’s strict control over citizens' personal lives.

8. The Three-Generation Punishment Rule

In North Korea, the crimes of one person can condemn three generations of their family. This brutal practice, known as "guilt by association", means that if someone is convicted of a crime, their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren can be sent to labor camps. This draconian policy is meant to intimidate the population and ensure loyalty to the regime.

9. You Need Permission to Buy a Laptop

Purchasing a computer in North Korea is an extremely complicated process. Besides being expensive, one must obtain government authorization. Even with permission, access to technology is restricted, and laptop use is closely monitored. This technological barrier is another way to control information dissemination and maintain the population’s isolation.

10. 'Foreign' Music Prohibited

In 2015, the North Korean government ordered the destruction of all tapes and CDs containing prohibited "foreign" music. Only certain music that promotes the regime’s political ideals is allowed. Western and South Korean music are considered a threat to the state ideology, and possession or consumption of such materials can result in severe punishments.

11. Goodbye to Blue Jeans

Blue jeans, seen as a symbol of American capitalism, are banned in North Korea. This restriction is part of the regime’s campaign against Western influence. Fashion is strictly controlled, and any deviation from established norms can lead to sanctions. The ban on jeans is an example of the country’s struggle to maintain a culturally isolated identity.

12. Four Television Channels

While much of the world has access to hundreds of television channels and streaming services like Netflix, North Korea only has four state-run channels. These channels primarily broadcast regime propaganda and programming that praises the country’s leaders. Media control is absolute, ensuring that North Koreans only receive government-approved information.

13. An Underground Metro and Bomb Shelter

The Pyongyang Metro is not just a means of transportation; it also serves as a bomb shelter. At 110 meters deep, it is one of the deepest metro systems in the world. During the Cold War, it was designed to protect the population in case of aerial attacks. The metro is also known for its elaborately decorated stations, reflecting the grandiose aesthetics of the regime.

The Largest Stadium in the World

May Day Stadium, located in Pyongyang, is the largest stadium in the world, with a capacity of 150,000 people. Designed with inspiration from a magnolia flower, the stadium is used for sporting events, celebrations, and mass spectacles, such as the famous Arirang Games, which involve tens of thousands of participants in synchronized choreography. The stadium symbolizes the grandeur and power that the North Korean regime seeks to project to the world.