North Korea, known for its tight control and unique governance, extends its authoritarian reach into its education system. The rules and regulations imposed on students are not only strict but often bizarre, reflecting the regime’s focus on control and loyalty. Here are 10 strange school rules in North Korea that will leave you speechless.
10 Strange School Rules in North Korea
1. Learning About the Dear Leaders
North Korean students spend around 500 hours annually learning about the Kim dynasty. This curriculum includes approximately 171 hours focused solely on Kim Jong-un. The content is filled with extraordinary tales, such as Kim Jong-un writing 500 books in a year and Kim Il-sung turning stones into bullets during the war against Japan. Students cannot fail this subject; failure could lead to severe consequences for their families, as it is seen as a sign of disloyalty to the regime.
2. Forced Labour
Despite international labor laws, North Korea’s regulations allow children as young as 16 to engage in work, including hazardous tasks. This forced labor is part of their schooling, preparing them for future service to the state. The line between education and labor is blurred, with students often performing manual tasks alongside their studies.
3. Learning to Fight
From middle school, North Korean students are trained in combat skills. They learn to use arms and ammunition, preparing them to defend their country in case of war. This early exposure to military training instills a sense of duty and readiness despite the potential psychological and physical risks involved.
4. Mandatory Reporting
In North Korean schools, students are required to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities. This practice encourages a culture of surveillance and distrust. Students are expected to denounce even their friends if they show any signs of disloyalty to the regime. This rule ensures that the state maintains control through fear and suspicion.
5. Restricted Movement
Students in North Korea face severe restrictions on their movements. Campuses are heavily guarded, and students are not allowed to leave without permission. The only exception is to visit monuments dedicated to the Kim family. Even university students are subjected to these strict controls, emphasizing the regime’s grip on their daily lives.
6. Uniform Haircuts
Since 2014, all university students must adopt a haircut similar to Kim Jong-un’s. This rule extends the regime’s control over personal expression and appearance. The enforced hairstyle is a visible symbol of loyalty and conformity, leaving no room for individuality.
7. Ideological Indoctrination
The education system in North Korea is heavily infused with ideological indoctrination. Beyond the extensive lessons about the Kim dynasty, all subjects are taught through the lens of the regime’s ideology. This ensures that students grow up with a strong sense of loyalty and devotion to their leaders, with critical thinking and independent thought heavily suppressed.
8. Rigorous Physical Training
Physical training in North Korean schools goes beyond typical gym classes. Students undergo rigorous exercises designed to build endurance and discipline. This training is seen as essential for creating strong and obedient citizens ready to serve the state in any capacity.
9. Regulated Social Interactions
Social interactions among students are closely monitored and regulated. Friendships are discouraged, with the term “comrade” being preferred over “friend.” This regulation helps the regime maintain control by preventing the formation of close bonds that could challenge the state’s authority.
10. Limited Educational Resources
Access to educational resources in North Korea is severely limited. Books, internet access, and other learning materials are heavily censored and controlled. Students receive a narrow, state-approved education that restricts their knowledge and understanding of the world beyond North Korea’s borders.
