Why You Can’T Leave North Korea

North Korea is known as the hermit kingdom, a country shrouded in secrecy where few foreigners are allowed to enter and even fewer North Koreans are allowed to leave. So why is it so difficult to leave North Korea?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the political, economic, and social factors that make it nearly impossible for the average North Korean citizen to leave their country.

Extreme Political Control

North Korea is known for its extreme political control over its citizens. The government exerts pervasive surveillance to monitor the activities and thoughts of its people.

Pervasive Surveillance

The North Korean regime keeps a close eye on its citizens through various means, such as surveillance cameras, informants, and even monitoring personal communication devices. This level of surveillance creates an environment of fear and self-censorship, where individuals are hesitant to express any dissenting opinions or engage in activities deemed as disloyal to the regime.

Punishment for Defectors

North Korea treats defection as a serious crime and imposes severe punishments on those who attempt to escape. Defectors risk imprisonment, torture, and even execution if caught. The government’s harsh stance on defectors is aimed at deterring others from trying to leave the country, ensuring their grip on power remains unchallenged.

Restricted Access to Passports

Access to passports is highly restricted in North Korea, making it nearly impossible for citizens to leave the country legally. Only a small number of individuals, such as high-ranking officials or trusted diplomats, are granted permission to travel abroad.

The majority of North Koreans are effectively trapped within the borders of their own country.

The combination of pervasive surveillance, harsh punishment for defectors, and restricted access to passports creates a system of control that makes it extremely difficult for North Koreans to leave their country.

The government’s tight grip on its citizens ensures that dissent is silenced and the regime’s authority remains unchallenged.

Economic Barriers

One of the main reasons why individuals can’t leave North Korea is due to the economic barriers that exist within the country. These barriers create significant challenges for people seeking to escape their current situation and start a new life elsewhere.

Widespread Poverty

North Korea is known for its widespread poverty, with a large portion of the population struggling to meet their basic needs. According to the World Bank, an estimated 43% of the population lives below the national poverty line.

This poverty makes it difficult for individuals to afford the costs associated with leaving the country, such as travel expenses and living expenses in a new location.

Lack of Resources to Escape

Another economic barrier that prevents individuals from leaving North Korea is the lack of resources available to facilitate their escape. Many people do not have access to the necessary funds, transportation, or support networks to successfully make their way out of the country.

Additionally, the strict control over communication and movement within North Korea limits individuals’ ability to connect with external resources that could assist them in leaving.

Financial Punishments for Families

Leaving North Korea can also have severe financial consequences for individuals and their families. The North Korean government imposes financial punishments on those who attempt to defect or leave the country without permission.

These punishments can include fines, confiscation of assets, or even imprisonment. The fear of these repercussions often deters individuals from attempting to leave, as they do not want to endanger their loved ones or face financial ruin.

Social Isolation

One of the main reasons why it is extremely difficult to leave North Korea is the country’s policy of social isolation. The North Korean government strictly controls the flow of information within the country, limiting access to external sources of news and media.

Control Over Information

The North Korean government exercises tight control over the information that its citizens can access. The state-run media is the primary source of information, and it is heavily censored to promote the government’s propaganda.

Citizens do not have access to the internet or international news outlets, making it challenging for them to get accurate information about the outside world.

This control over information extends to the education system as well. Children are indoctrinated from a young age with state propaganda, emphasizing loyalty to the government and the Kim dynasty. This indoctrination plays a crucial role in shaping the mindset of the citizens and makes it even harder for them to consider leaving the country.

Indoctrination From Birth

Indoctrination in North Korea starts at birth and continues throughout a person’s life. The government controls all aspects of education, ensuring that the citizens are taught to revere and obey the state.

The education system focuses on instilling a strong sense of nationalism and loyalty to the North Korean regime.

Children are taught to idolize the country’s leaders, particularly the Kim family, and are encouraged to report any disloyal behavior they witness. This constant indoctrination creates a deep-rooted fear of dissent and makes it difficult for individuals to question the government or consider leaving the country.

Lack of Outside Contacts

North Koreans have limited opportunities to interact with the outside world. Travel outside the country is heavily restricted, and citizens are not allowed to freely communicate with foreigners. The government closely monitors any interactions with foreigners and discourages contact with the outside world.

Additionally, North Korea has strict border controls, making it challenging for citizens to leave the country without detection. The few North Koreans who manage to escape often face significant risks, including punishment for themselves and their families.

Conclusion

In the end, the combination of extreme political control, economic barriers, and rigorous social isolation make it nearly impossible for the average North Korean to even conceive of escaping one of the most repressive countries in the world today.

While a small number of defectors manage to make it out, the vast majority of North Koreans remain trapped inside the hermit kingdom, separated from the modern world.