20 Things I Learned While I Was in North Korea

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In this lengthy September 2013 blog post, Tim Urban shares insights from his unusual 5-day visit to North Korea as part of his "Odd Things in Odd Places" series. 
Urban conveys the hermit-like isolation and totalitarian control of the reclusive nation through anecdotes from his guided tour. Notable details include the deification of past leaders and pervasive propaganda promoting Korean pride and anti-American sentiment. 
Videos and photos offer glimpses of odd cultural phenomena like traffic-directing female soldiers and mass synchronized performances. Urban also examines the pervasive poverty despite impressive monuments to state power.
Interactions with locals and guides leave Urban questioning the depth of state-enforced mind control and uncertainty around what aspects reflect genuine belief. Visits to sites like the mausoleum housing preserved leaders induce tension.
Amusing encounters like seeing Kim Jong-il's use of a MacBook offer brief levity in an otherwise disturbing portrayal of a nation cut off from reality. Urban's narrative shines light on the mysteries of the world's most secretive country through a tourist's eyes.
== Full post ==
https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/09/20-things-i-learned-while-i-was-in.html
Category:Archive posts
Category:Odd Things in Odd Places