55+ Photos That Show How North and South Korea Vary
After World War II, many things changed, and one of those changes was the division of the Korean Peninsula into two halves. North and South Korea would remain in the world’s orbit if they agreed to denuclearization. For more than seven decades, the DMZ has been a sore spot in bilateral relations. No matter how closely the two peoples are brought together, it will take time for their cultures to meld…. Take a look at these 40 pictures to get a sense of how drastically different the two countries are.
Fun in the Sun
A day at the waterpark with your loved ones is the best way to beat the summer heat. Both North and South Koreans can enjoy water parks as a result. As is the case with most things, their methods of getting to the pools are vastly different. North Korea’s park attire tends to be more conservative and traditional, whereas South Korea’s park attire is more Westernized.
Skyline
As seen from a distance, North and South America have vastly different architectural styles, even when viewed from a distance. While Pyongyang has a tall skyscraper-like structure, it lacks Seoul’s level of modernity.
Skyline
In addition to this, the level of pollution in the capital of North Korea is extremely high, which is surprising when one considers the fact that there are fewer cars on the road.
Airlines/Airport
In North Korea, there is only one airline, which is rated as one of the worst in the world. South Korea, on the other hand, has a large number of carriers, as well as those from other countries.
Airlines/Airport
Additionally, there are very few flights into North Korean territory, whereas there are many options for flights into South Korea. Because of its position in the global economy and its efforts to improve tourism, this is the case.
Lifeguards
Both countries require lifeguards to wear uniforms. The distinction can be seen in terms of both functionality and formality. The lifeguard in this photo from North Korea looks more like a flight attendant than someone who will jump into the water and save you.
Lifeguards
The South Korean lifeguard is more appropriately attired for the job at hand. In addition, he’s carrying a first-aid kit. Both are likely skilled; the difference is that one appears to be more prepared.
School Uniforms
We are all aware that school uniforms are one of the most recognizable features of most Asian countries. The distinction between North and South Korea is easily discernible here. The North Korean uniform is more traditional in appearance and is just as adorable as the South Korean option.
School Uniforms
The uniform in South Korea resembles that of a Westernized private school. Another significant difference is that the girl in the top image is fresh-faced, whereas the one below her appears to be wearing some makeup.
College Students
We’re looking at the differences between students once more, but this time we’ve advanced to college. In both cultures, college is important, but as you can see, the dress code and style are quite different.
College Students
The North Korean student is a little more formal and conservative than the South Korean student. Compared to other students, the South Korean student appears to be dressed in a more trendy and casual manner.
Monuments
Since their cultures and perspectives on history differ, their ideas about monuments will also differ. North Korea is ruled by a dictator who wishes to honor his and his family’s achievements.
Monuments
It’s more about remembering than idolizing in South Korea. The disparity between these two examples is obvious. The North Korean memorial is a place to come and almost worship in reverence, while the South Korean war memorial is a memorial to a tragic event.
Small Towns
Although life in the capitals differs, we are confident that there are some parallels. When you travel to the more rural areas of both countries, however, the differences become clear. Consider these two small towns.
Small Towns
The city at the top is clearly rural, with old buildings that appear to be in need of some TLC. The South Korean city, on the other hand, appears to be outside of the modern city but still has a rural feel to it.
Tour Guides
North Korean tourism is limited, but South Korean tourism is booming. As a result of this, as well as the political climate, tour guides dress differently and are permitted to share a variety of items with those they accompany.
Tour Guides
Photos like this one show that the South Korean tour guide is a little more casual, with a few slang words in her vocabulary. The North Korean guide, on the other hand, appears to be ready to ask for twenty.
Government Buildings
A communist country like North Korea must have a constant flow of propaganda, which is displayed prominently throughout the country, including on the facades of official buildings. In contrast to its South Korean counterpart, this gives the structure a strikingly different aesthetic quality.
Government Buildings
The government buildings in the south are more modern and often blend in with the rest of the buildings in the surrounding area, which makes a significant difference in appearance!
Summer Camp
Both countries recognize the importance of allowing children to get outside and interact with other children their own age. Only the way these summer camps are run differs. Summer camps in North Korea are well-organized and exclusive.
Summer Camp
When a child attends a summer camp in South Korea, he or she will discover a fun-filled and ethnically diverse group of children. They continue to learn and develop, but in a less structured environment.
Just Need to Grab a Few Things
Another area where the two countries differ is in the grocery store. This can be seen not only in the layout and organization of stores, but also in how people dress to go shopping. Both stores appear to be well organized, but the one in the South appears to be a little more structured.
Just Need to Grab a Few Things
Furthermore, when you compare the differences in clothing between both dads, it is clear that the dad from South Korea has more elaborate clothing than the dad from North Korea.
Transportation – Buses
In any economy, getting from one place to another is critical. Taking a bus from city to city in North Korea, at least in rural areas, appears to be dangerous and very different from transportation in South Korea.
Transportation – Buses
Larger, more modern buses are available in South Korea. These buses are equipped with safety features and appear to be capable of getting you to your destination a little faster.
Art
When art is essentially state-run, it takes on a whole new meaning. Even fine art is monitored and censored in North Korea. Many artists have begun to depict the “Great Leader” in their works.
Art
However, the art scene in South Korea is diverse, encompassing everything from fine art to modernism and everything in between. Many artists express their love and reverence for their country and life in general through their freedom of expression.
Personal Transportation
Due to the high cost of owning a car in North Korea, many people prefer to ride bicycles. This is both environmentally friendly and less costly to maintain. Large groups like this can frequently be seen riding through the streets.
Personal Transportation
With all of the modern conveniences comes the need to get from one place to another quickly, which necessitates the use of more cars and buses. This is a typical South Korean street. What a contrast!
Age Is Just a Number
Have you ever met someone and mistakenly assumed they were much older than they are? If you met this North Korean college student, this might happen. He appears to be much older than his South Korean counterpart.
Age Is Just a Number
It’s difficult to say whether this is due to the uniform or their different lifestyles, but there is a distinct difference between these two 20-something students. You’d never guess they were the same age based on their haircut, clothing, and facial expression.
Museum Guides
The ones stationed in each country’s museum, like tour guides on the street, have a wide range of personalities. They are limited in what they can say in North Korea, and they must dress conservatively.
Museum Guides
The museum guides in South Korea are a little more laid back, and while they must cover the same material as the others, they can express it in a different way.
Festivals
Each country observes a variety of holidays and commemorates them with elaborate festivals and events. One is a little more regimented and conservative than the other. Festivals in North Korea are occasions for people to dress up, and there is a distinct lack of outside observers.
Festivals
South Korea, on the other hand, has festivals that are a little more liberal in nature and thus attract a greater number of tourists. In any case, they are absolutely stunning!
Construction
Construction is always going on, and this is true in both countries. The method of construction and the tools available, however, are vastly different. Unless the project is state-sponsored, workers in North Korea may have to come up with creative solutions to get things done.
Construction
The construction industry in South Korea, on the other hand, is booming, and as a result of the country’s strong economy, these companies tend to have the most up-to-date technology.
Motorcycle Cops
Each country’s government has a similar job, but that’s about where the similarities end. Take, for example, these bike cops. Motorcycle cops in North Korea ride mopeds and don’t have to deal with nearly as much traffic.
Motorcycle Cops
It comes down to financing, as it does with so many other differences, and in South Korea, they are well-financed enough to actually buy motorcycles. This is beneficial because they have a lot more on their plate.
Subway
Both countries have a well-organized subway system. However, the setup and layout, as well as the uniforms of the attendants, are very different. Once again, the North Korean offering is more conservative, with more state-sponsored art adorning the walls.
Subway
The subway in South Korea resembles many others around the world. Plus, it appears to be very efficient and clean! That certainly helps to distinguish it from many other subways!
Theater
One of the areas where the two countries differ the most is in the arts. The majority of art in North Korea is censored, and only approved works are displayed. This includes the theater as well.
Theater
South Korea is more liberal, allowing for the viewing of various types of theater performances. This includes both traditional theater, such as the one shown, and world-class plays and musicals from all over the world.
Infrastructure
South Korea can bank money by having open trade with the rest of the world, which they can then spend on their country’s infrastructure. This results in well-built bridges and good road conditions.
Infrastructure
North Korea, on the other hand, is restricted in its trade, and the way the government is run, there isn’t much money left over to maintain the country’s roads and bridges.
Restaurants
There is a difference in the atmosphere of the restaurant even when you go out to eat. It is both visible and palpable. In North Korea, it appears that the majority of restaurants are not always fully booked and have a little more organization.
Restaurants
In contrast, dining out is more popular in South Korea, owing to the fact that more people can afford it. As a result, the atmosphere is a little more frantic.
School Buses
Transportation is a significant difference once again. This time, it’s the mode of transport used to transport Korean students to and from school. Children in North Korea are bused to school in what appears to be a dump truck, similar to how they travel from city to city.
School Buses
Students in South Korea are transported to and from their daily education in the same way in which students in many other countries are: in a massive yellow school bus.
Circus
This is one area in which there isn’t much of a difference. However, we feel it is important enough to mention in this article. Both circuses have performers who perform awe-inspiring and fascinating feats.
Circus
The only significant difference is that the visual aspect of the North Korean circus is a little more sparse. The North Korean circus, in fact, seems to harken back to a simpler era.
Beaches
Everyone enjoys a trip to the beach during the summer heat. This is true whether the person is from South or North Korea, but the manner in which they visit the beaches differs. It has to do with what is worn and how the space is used once again.
Beaches
People in North Korea are more conservative, so seeing someone lounging in the sand in full pants and a polo is not surprising. It’s more crowded in the south, and the attire is more like what we’d expect at the beach…swimsuits and shorts.
Farm Fashion
Farming is important in any country, and while the jobs are similar, the environment and other factors are not. With sticks and hay coverings, the landscapes of North Korean farmers appear a little old school.
Farm Fashion
He also appears to be in need of a few more layers. The South Korean farmer appears to be more relaxed, and his crops are surrounded by chain-link fences and are wired for electricity.
Golf Courses
Many businessmen and women go to the links when they want to make a big deal. Depending on which Korea you end up living in, you will have two different experiences.
Golf Courses
It is very basic in North Korea and not as well manicured as it is in South Korea. South Korean golf courses are also larger and more luxurious than those in North Korea, but hey, at least you’re getting some exercise!
Street Art
Okay, so some of the street art found on the walls of North Korean metro stations may be stretching the definition of what is considered street art. Regardless, it’s art on a wall, so it’s technically street art.
Street Art
In most parts of the world, street art is used as a form of social commentary or as a means of expressing one’s feelings. It’s about instilling in the people of North Korea a sense of their leader’s importance.
Money
Isn’t it obvious that the money would be different? Both countries’ currencies feature heroes and significant figures from their respective histories. That includes North Korea’s leaders and generals, all of whom are men!
Money
The faces that grace the currency in South Korea range from leaders to philosophers, and even include a woman! That is incredible, and it goes above and beyond what some countries are willing to do!
Train Stations
The distinction in this structure is obvious once more. In North Korea, the layout and decorations are more conservative, and the walls are covered in art depicting their leader’s greatness.
Train Stations
In South Korea, the appearance is more akin to that of the rest of the world. Furthermore, as shown in the pictures, the seating structure in the waiting rooms is vastly different.
Field Trips
Given North Korea’s strict educational rules and regulations, you’d think that anything related to school activities would be unique. This also applies to when students go outside of school to get some extra education.
Field Trips
Field trips vary by country, not only in terms of how the children dress, but also in terms of how they get from one location to the next. In terms of lines and backpack selection, South Korean kids are a little less militaristic.
Parade or Protest
Each country’s squares and public spaces are used for gatherings and parades, but the similarities end there. These celebrations are usually state-mandated in North Korea and demand a certain level of formality.
Parade or Protest
However, in South Korea, they are used not only for celebrations but also for citizens to express their concerns to the government and others. Take a look at this former soldier who appears to be protesting North Korea’s nuclear tests.
Newspapers
Historically, newspapers have served as the primary means of disseminating information to the general public in countries where communist regimes have been in power for an extended period of time.
Newspapers
For this and other reasons, there is a significant difference between reading a North Korean newspaper and a South Korean newspaper. In North Korea, all media must be approved by the government, which means that what is broadcast is often skewed and nationalistic.
Foreign Language Book Selection
In North Korea, any form of media, whether it is a newspaper or a book, must follow strict protocol. Due to their divisive ideas, many foreign language books are not translated.
Foreign Language Book Selection
That isn’t to say that there isn’t a book selection allowed; there is, but it isn’t as diverse or as large as what is permitted in South Korea. This limits people’s ability to hear other points of view that might be inconvenient for North Korean leaders.
Wedding Days
Sure, some South Korean girls prefer a more traditional look, but they don’t have much of a choice in North Korea. They haven’t had much exposure to western styles. As a result, they stick to what they know.
Wedding Days
In contrast, South Korean ladies have a wide range of options to choose from! There will be a great deal of variation between wedding ceremonies, as a result of course.
Ski Resorts
You go there, and you’re surrounded by snow and beautiful slopes. The resort’s hotels also provide all of the necessary amenities. However, the layout style and amenities vary from North Korea to South Korea.
Ski Resorts
When it comes to design, many of South Korea’s ski resorts are reminiscent of Swiss chalets. North Korean architecture, on the other hand, appears to be a unique blend of modern and traditional.
Leisure Activities
Everyone needs downtime to stay sane, but how that time is spent in these two countries is vastly different. On a weekend in South Korea, it’s common to see families crammed into parks and camping for the night.
Leisure Activities
Leisure time in North Korea, like many other aspects of life, is much more structured. Families may be crammed into a public square to hear their Supreme Leader deliver motivational speeches. Whatever brings you joy!
Parking Lots
We’ve already mentioned that personal car ownership is restricted in North Korea due to the high cost of cars. This means that a typical weekend parking lot will look very different in the middle of the day.
Parking Lots
In South Korea, having a car is almost a requirement for getting around, which causes parking lots at malls and other businesses to become overcrowded. This makes it difficult to find a parking spot, which is certainly not a problem in North Korea!
Traveling Within the Countries
Although North Korean train stations are aesthetically pleasing, with chandeliers and marble walls, travel in the country is not always pleasant. You might wonder why. Even residents are restricted from traveling within the country.
Traveling Within the Countries
This means that citizens’ movements within the country are strictly monitored. South Korea’s bullet trains, on the other hand, travel quickly from one end of the country to the other, allowing citizens to travel freely.
Traffic Jams
North Korea’s roads are usually empty, with little to no traffic, as you can see in the photo. While anyone would prefer to speed down an empty street rather than sit in traffic for hours, we have to admit that picture is a little eerie.
Traffic Jams
However, there is a lot of hustle and bustle in South Korea. Given that Seoul is one of the world’s most populous cities, it’s not surprising to see the streets swamped with cars.
Rural Fields
North Korea’s rural fields don’t exactly look enticing, so let’s be honest. We’re referring to the land outside of the major cities. Even so, knowing that every March the country organizes a tree planting day to help reclaim the land is comforting.
Rural Fields
However, if you take a look at South Korea’s rural landscape, you’ll notice that it’s lush and in bloom, with animals everywhere. South Korea, according to the photographer who captured these images, is much greener than its neighbor.
Express Yourself!
In North Korea, young people don’t have a lot of freedom in terms of expressing themselves. Even so, there are places to unwind in North Korea, such as Pyongyang’s Taedonggang Beer Shop.
Express Yourself!
It is a different story in South Korea, where teenagers and young adults are free to express themselves in any way they see fit. These kids appear carefree in the picture, as evidenced by their relaxed demeanor. Even the Winter Olympics were held in PyeongChang, South Korea, in 2018.
The Benefits of Being a Resident
Both North and South Korea’s residential areas can be seen here. North Korea has it down to a science when it comes to aesthetics. Furthermore, it has been discovered that residents of the country are not required to pay for housing, communal services, or bills.
The Benefits of Being a Resident
Apartments are actually provided to them at no cost after they have completed the necessary paperwork for their marriage registration. A small apartment in South Korea, on the other hand, can cost up to $180,000, depending on the location.
Technologically Advanced
Don’t be misled. North Koreans do have the technology. The country has its own factory that makes televisions, laptops, and smartphones (‘Arirang’ is an Android-based smartphone). These items are made in China and marketed in North Korea.
Technologically Advanced
Even so, only a small percentage of the population has enough money to purchase such items. South Korean citizens, like those in other Westernized parts of the world, have complete freedom to use any and all technology, as evidenced by the photo.
Fashion Dos and Don’ts
While there have been many misconceptions about North Korean fashion, it turns out that women are permitted to wear pants and have various haircuts. In international supermarkets or from Chinese sellers, you can find reasonably fashionable clothing.
Fashion Dos and Don’ts
Still, as you can see, women dress more conservatively than women in South Korea. South Korea is widely regarded as one of the world’s most fashionable nations, and it’s easy to see why…
Education
North Korean education consists of a year of preparatory school and ten years of compulsory study. Many school subjects are taught to demonstrate the Western way of life, including Western literature and geography.
Education
After that, young geniuses and the wealthy enroll in universities, while the rest of the students begin looking for work. School in South Korea lasts 12 years, and the country’s universities are regarded as some of the best in the world, with many international students dreaming of receiving a scholarship to attend.
Fruits & Veg
Though there is no famine in North Korea, there is a noticeable lack of fruits and vegetables. Apples and cabbages are extremely popular for this reason. Unfortunately, in comparison to South Koreans, the lack of protein-rich foods has a negative impact on average height.
Fruits & Veg
People have begun hunting frogs and turtles to fill this protein void. Sausage sticks, ice cream, popcorn, and steamed meat buns are available from food carriages that can be found on the streets of major cities. Seoul, on the other hand, can provide not only a rich national cuisine but also a wide range of European dishes.
Business Districts and Economy
The business districts in both capitals are depicted below. While North Korea’s economy is isolated and tightly controlled, South Korea’s economy is one of the most advanced and productive in the world, ranking 12th in annual output worldwide.
Business Districts and Economy
The difficult-to-understand economy of North Korea is unable to meet the basic needs of its people. South Korea, on the other hand, relies heavily on exports to grow its economy, and the country is the world leader in semiconductor and memory chip shipments.
Factory Workers
A North Korean factory worker in Wonsan is compared to a South Korean colleague in Chuncheon in these two photos. It’s no secret that North Korea is one of the world’s most isolated countries.
Factory Workers
Nonetheless, we know that North Korean citizens work, even if it is sometimes against their will. Most North Koreans are assigned jobs rather than having a say in their careers. South Korea, on the other hand, is a thriving nation with plenty of job opportunities for its citizens.
Gas Station Workers
As previously stated, North Koreans are frequently assigned jobs. Having said that, citizens can also work as gas station attendants. Although this type of work may not be ideal for some, residents of South Korea can earn a decent living as gas station attendants.
Gas Station Workers
When it comes to the rest of the world, people in this country have more freedom than their counterparts in North Korea when it comes to the fields in which they choose to work.
Korean Demilitarized Zone
Military officers from North and South Korea are shown here. The Korean Demilitarized Zone, a strip of land that runs across the Korean Peninsula, is guarded by these two men.
Korean Demilitarized Zone
It was established as a buffer zone between North and South Korea under the terms of the Korean Armistice Agreement. The demilitarized zone roughly splits the Korean Peninsula in half. This area is not accessible to the general public. In fact, the North or the United Nations Command are the only ones who can grant access.
A Tour Around the Country
On the view deck of 63 Building, we have a North Korean tour guide on top of Pyongyang’s Juche Idea Tower and her South Korean counterpart (officially called 63 Square).
A Tour Around the Country
The 63 Building is a skyscraper on Yeouido Island, which looks out over Seoul’s Han River. While both countries have tour guides, taking a tour around North Korea is subject to much stricter regulations. That, on the other hand, isn’t entirely unexpected…
Boat Tour
Another photo comparison of a North Korean tourist boat driver and his South Korean counterpart can be found here. In North Korea, the driver is on the Taedong River in Pyongyang, while in South Korea, the man is on the Han River in Seoul.
Boat Tour
Yes, you can take a tour of North Korea; however, if you intend to do so, you should be aware that the entire tour, no matter how long it lasts, will be strictly monitored.
College
College is important, and we’ve already discussed the differences in educational styles at this level. When it comes to education and the overall appearance of college campuses, however, there are significant differences.
College
As you might expect, North Korea is extremely structured and formal in its administration. South Korea is very similar to what most people in the West imagine college campuses and classes to look like when they contrast the two nations.
Internet
For two reasons, the internet is a major distinction. The first is site access, as well as general access. Because North Korea restricts what its citizens can consume, a number of websites that we take for granted are unavailable.
Internet
Not everyone has access to the internet, which is another issue. As you might expect, South Korea has a much more liberal perspective on the opportunities that the internet provides for its citizens.
Amusement Parks
Both countries recognize the value of getting out and having a good time, which is why they each have their own amusement parks. In some ways, the rides are similar, with South Korean versions being slightly more modern.
Amusement Parks
People’s attire and displays of excitement, on the other hand, appear to be very different. People in South Korea dress in the manner that we are all accustomed to. In North Korea, however, it appears that some people dress more formally.
Bus Stops
Bus stops differ from one another, just like the buses that are available. When you stand on the sidewalk in North Korea waiting for the next bus, you’ll notice that it’s functional and sparse.
Bus Stops
They like to make them a little more interesting and artistic in South Korea. Take, for example, this one, which appears to be from a bygone era of television. Isn’t it cool? It’s fine either way! After all, having an artistic place to wait for the bus isn’t required, but it’s nice to have.
Riding the Subway
Because many North Koreans use bicycles as their primary mode of transportation, taking the subway in North Korea differs from taking it in South Korea. In North Korea, the subway ride is usually well-organized and clean. You’ll also have a lot of privacy.
Riding the Subway
The subway, on the other hand, is one of the most popular modes of transportation in South Korea. As a result, there will be more crowded cars and less personal space.