After World War 2, everything changed. New nations were formed. People were relocated, and the Korean Peninsula was divided into two. The relations between the two nations have been stressed for over 70 years. But recently, there was a glimpse of hope that the nations would unite into one through the demilitarized zone.
Our hopes and wishes for the unification of the two nations will always be there, yet we know that even after the countries unite, it will take them a lot of time to blend their cultures and lifestyles together. These 40+ images show the differences between the lifestyles and the culture of the two nations.
FUN AT THE WATERPARK
One of everyone's favourite activities in summer is being near water and soaking in the sun, and one of the best ways to do that is by going to the water park with your friends and family. One would imagine an activity as basic as this wouldn't make much difference in both countries.
But, to our surprise, the way they dress for the pool is vastly different. North Koreans dress in a more traditional way and aren't seen wearing very modernized clothes, whereas south Koreans are seen embracing their fashion-forward clothing.
SKY HIGH- SKYLINES
Apart from everything that is different between the two countries, one significant difference is the difference in their infrastructure. Even though the skyline in the capital of North Korea has skyscraper-like buildings, they are not as modern as South Korea's skyline and infrastructure.
From the architecture of the building to the final making of it, both the skylines are vastly different. Moreover, you can see how the North Korean skyline is polluted, and in the distance, everything is hazy, while on the other hand, South Korea's skyline is considerably very less polluted and very well planned.
FLY ME TO THE MOON
As compared to South Korea, North Korea only has one airline, which is also, unfortunately, rated the worst airline in the world. On the other hand, South Korea has multiple airlines of their own and other international airlines as well.
Because of only one airline in the entire country, there are very limited flights available in North Korea. At the same time, South Korea has a wide range of flight options available, which is because of its place in the world's economy and its constant efforts to improve tourism.
SAVE MY LIFE, I AM DROWNING
Being a lifeguard is an important job, as it comes with the responsibility of saving other people's life. And here, we see a significant difference in the way both lifeguards dress in North and South Korea.
You see the North Korean lifeguard in a skirt and a shirt as a uniform and a scarf on her neck, more like a flight attendant, which is a more traditional way of dressing in the country. And you see the South Korean lifeguard in a more accessible uniform of a T-shirt and shorts. A job this important requires readiness which we see better in the latter photograph.
LET'S GO TO SCHOOL NOW
Asian countries have one thing that is more iconic than their food, and that is school uniforms. And here, we see the difference between North and South Korean uniforms.
While the North Korean uniform is more traditional and innocent, the South Korean uniform is more westernized in the cuts and colours too. Another big difference we can see in both the pictures is that the North Korean girl is bare-faced while the South Korean girl has a little makeup on.
THE FUN LIFE OF COLLEGE
Education is important in every culture, and both countries want their students to get the best education. Again, here we see a major difference in the dressing of college students in both the countries.
While the student in North Korea is dressed in a more formal and conservative way, the student in a high neck, a jacket and a trouser, the student in South Korea is dressed in a more modern trendy and casual style in a Shirt, T-shirt and jeans.
OUR MONUMENTS
As North Korea is under a dictatorship and South Korea is a democratic country, its outlook and history are entirely different from that of North Korea.
North Korean monuments are more focused on commemorating the dictators and their family's legacy. At the same time, south Korean monuments commemorate the lives lost and the struggle for the country. The North Korean monuments are worshipped in reverence, while the south Korean monuments are made to pay respect to the lives lost in tragic incidents.
I AM A SMALL TOWNIE
Life in the capitals of both cities is very different, yet there are some similarities that overlap. But when you stand out for the bigger picture and focus your attention on the rural parts of both countries, you see the difference that's biggest of all.
The picture on the top very evidently looks like it needs remodelling; there are concrete roads but no proper infrastructure. It is what an actual looks like. At the same time, the smaller South Korean city looks like a well-established city. With tall buildings, better planning and modern infrastructure, we see the difference between the two countries.
A TOUR THROUGH OUR LANES
As there is only one airline and the security is pretty tight. Tourism in North Korea is very restricted and limited. On the other hand, South Korea is a more forward country when it comes to tourism.
Because of the political restrictions, the tour guides in North Korea dress very formally and are well-trained officials. At the same time, the South Korean guide is more casual and informal. The tourism experiences in both countries are vastly different as well. While you can move about freely in South Korea, you have to be in a well-defined range in North Korea because of its various restrictions.
THE GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
North Korea is a communist nation that is ruled by a dictator. Hence, even the government. Buildings look like hoarding to promote propaganda. It looks unapproachable to the general public, whereas the government buildings in South Korea are more westernized, modern and approachable as they don't promote any agenda and blend in their surroundings.
As South Korea is a free country, you see the major difference in the lifestyle and even formal proceedings of the country.
FUN AT SUMMER CAMP
We all know the importance and the need for summer camps for kids. The breath of fresh air and new experiences is what fills their mind with mindfulness. It pushes them to be all-rounders and to have different interests too.
While the summer camps in South Korea are more fun-filled and well-rounded in ethnic diversity and physical activities, we see how the North Korean Summer camps are more restricted and exclusively focused on the history of the dictators of the country.
RUNNING TO THE GROCERY
Running to the grocery store to fill up the pantry is another important and regular chore in everyone's life. However, we see a major difference in the basic chore being carried out in both countries.
While the picture on the top shows a grocery store where the isles are straight and have only local country brands and a standard shopping cart, we see that in the picture on the bottom, the grocery shop is more organized and well named along with other international brands and their products. Even the shopping cart in the latter picture seems more modern and functional.
LIFE ON A BUS
Travelling in public transport is a big part of life for any country's citizen, to get to work, to get home or even to get to different places for day-to-day tasks. And every economy needs transportation to function. However, getting on a bus to commute from one place to the other seems like a risky task. You have to stand, and there is hardly any concern for one's safety.
Whereas in South Korea, the situation is very different. They are more modern and functional, carry more people and are not a safety hazard. Hence, commuting by bus in South Korea is clearly easier and better.
COLOR ME WITH LIFE
Art is self-expression. Art is not bound, unlike in North Korea, where even fine art is under surveillance and censorship. Artists have turned top, adding the "Great leader "as their art subject in their artworks.
However, the art in South Korea is more free, diverse and boundless. There is freedom of expression, which is also seen in people's artworks, unlike in North Korea. People are not restricted to keeping anyone or anything as an object of focus in their artworks.
A CAR OR A CYCLE
In North Korea, owning a car is a fancy deal. The public mainly uses bicycles to cover their distances because it is inexpensive and easy to maintain and also great for the environment. Riding bikes as a group is a common sight in North Korea.
On the other hand, owning a car in South Korea is very common and often a preferred method of transportation for people. There are higher numbers of cars and motorcycles than bicycles. Clearly, the latter is more progressed and forward.
TOO OLD FOR THEIR AGE
When you look at the pictures of these two men, you can easily make a guess between who is younger and who is older. However, to your surprise, these two college-going men are of the same age. The picture on the top is of a young North Korean man in his 20s in college, but because of his formal clothing and mature hairstyle, it forced us to believe that this man was older.
However, when you look at the latter picture, you see a man in trendy clothes and hairstyle, and you know that he's of a young age. The latter picture is of a young South Korean man in college. It is amusing how different two people of the same age can look.
A MASTERPIECE IN THE MUSEUM
Just like the city tour guides we saw earlier, there is a clear distinction between the two museum guides of the country too. The North Korean tour guides are dressed more formally and traditionally and are restricted in what they can say.
Whereas the South Korean tour guides are more relaxed and dressed more casually they are also not restricted to withholding any information about any topic and can talk freely.
FESTIVITIES OF LIFE
Both countries have a wide variety of holidays, and each celebrates them lavishly and wholeheartedly. The North Korean festivities are followed in a little more conservative and disciplined manner. People dress up for the North Korean holidays and eat their traditional foods, and there are considerably fewer outside or tourist attractions.
However, South Korean festivals are celebrated with an open mind and relaxed fashion and attract a lot of tourist attractions. Both countries enjoy their festivities beautifully.
BOB THE BUILDER
Construction of newer projects, from housing to government buildings, is an important part of any country's development. However, as we see in the pictures, the construction processes of both countries are very different.
While North Koreans use their hands for all the construction, from laying and mixing the cement to take it to different floors, South Koreans have a different and faster approach. The South Koreans use heavy machinery to do all the heavy lifting and mixing, thereby making the construction process easier and faster.
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
The security of the nation and its citizens is a job in all countries. Cops help maintain discipline in society and bring its citizens peace. In the picture above, we see North Korean cops riding on a moped, whereas in South Korea, cops have a well-equipped and functional motorcycle to help them in times of need.
Like with many differences in both countries, it comes down to better financing. Better equipment and transportation will only equip these officials to deal with dire situations easier.
SUBWAYS, NOT THE SANDWICH
Both countries have efficient subway systems; hence there is a major difference between the two. The North Korean subway systems have officials dressed in formal clothing, and the walls are used for the propagation of the state's propaganda.
However, South Korean subway systems are more free and similar to the ones we see across the world. It's more efficient with better guidance boards and appears to be more ergonomic for the passenger's needs.
THEATRE IS AN ART
The art of theatre is one part where the countries differ the most, In North Korea, most of the art is censored and has to be approved first, that also includes plays and theatre. Most of which is a depiction of the glory of North Korean dictators.
Whereas the South Korean theatre is diverse in its culture and its stories. Freedom of speech enables South Koreans to express their feelings with art, which is not seen in the case of North Korea.
NO POTHOLES, PLEASE
Due to its free trade agreements with the rest of the globe, South Korea is able to accumulate funds for national infrastructure projects. This results in well-built bridges and good road conditions for its citizens.
However, trade is restricted in North Korea, and given the way the government is organized, there isn't much of a budget left over for maintaining their roads and bridges. Hence, at times we see the roads aren't constructed well, and the houses are old.
TAKE ME OUT TO EAT
In these pictures, we see that there are differences in the ambience of the restaurants even when you eat out. It is visible and palpable. The bulk of the eateries in North Korea appears to be a bit more organized and frequently not completely full.
In contrast, eating out is more common in South Korea, perhaps because more people can afford it, and hence that explains the busier restaurants.
THE YELLOW SCHOOL BUS
Travelling is one of the most significant parts of one's day. So is transportation for school kids. In North Korea, students are transported from their houses and back in trucks, where they have to stand and hold the truck ends, much like how people travel in rural areas in North Korea.
However, the South Korean students board a well-designed yellow. School buses with assigned seats to each student with all safety measures taken with closed windows and seatbelts. It's an easier and more safe choice for the students too.
CIRCUS OF LIFE
There aren't really that many differences in this particular area. But it's barely enough for us to include it in this article. These performers in both circuses pull off amazing stunts to engage the audience and leave them in awe.
However, the North Korean circus is only different in the way that it has fewer visual elements overall, like props, better lighting and better costumes. In actuality, the North Korean circus seems to evoke a more innocent era.
LIFE ON A BEACH
In the summer heat, the go-to option for everyone for a good time is at the beach. This does not change much if the person is from South Korea or North Korea, but what is not similar is the way they visit the beaches. The people of North Korea, being more conservative, mostly visit beaches in polo and full trousers or pants in the sand.
In South Korea, however, it is more like what we all expect at the beach around the world. Women wear Bikinis, shorts and swimsuits, and men wear only shorts in general; even the beaches are much more freeing just like the country, than in North Korea.
I AM A FARMER
Farming is crucial in any nation, and the jobs might be practically the same. However, the atmosphere and different viewpoints most certainly are not. The North Korean Farmer's landscapes look a little outdated with sticks and hay coverings. Furthermore, it seems as though he really wants a couple of additional layers.
The South Korean farmer looks somewhat more easygoing, and the crops are protected by steel and electrical wiring. They have better and more modern versions of equipment as well, which aids them in doing their task better and much quicker.
GOLF-THE BEST DEAL MAKER
At the point when you are hoping to make big deals, multiple finance managers head out to Golf Courses as a leisure activity. It is an informally designated place where big deals take place. And both countries prompt two distinct experiences relying upon which Korea you are living in. In North Korea, the helpers are dressed in formal clothing, and the grounds are not quite manicured as compared to the ones in South Korea.
The greens in South Korea are additionally greater and offer more amenities and playing space and much better terrains to offer an all-rounded experience than the ones in North Korea.
UNFILTERED STREET ART
As shown in the pictures, street art might be extending the meaning of what can be found on the walls in North Korean metro stations, as most of them are portraits of their great leaders. Regardless, It is the art that is on walls, so one can refer to it as street art. In a large portion of the world, Street Art is a social critique or articulation of one's sentiments. However, in North Korea, it is tied in with causing individuals to understand the significance of their chief.
Compared to South Korea, the nation gives more freedom to its citizens. Creativity and art are visible in South Korea's streets.
MONEY MAKER
It is kind of obvious that Money would be unique, correct? The Currency of both nations portrays legends and significant figures from their history. For North Korea, that implies the Leaders and commanders - every one of whom is men.
In South Korea, the range varies from leaders to philosophers and even incorporates a lady! That is astounding and more than certain nations will do. It is sure by this that South Korea is a much more progressive country than North Korea comparison.
WAITING AT A TRAIN STATION
Yet again, we see in the pictures the distinction in this design is clear. As shown by the format and the layout in North Korea, they are more conservative and outdated; the walls are shrouded in craftsmanship, portraying the significance of their Great Leader.
In South Korea, the look is similar to the rest of the world. What's more, the sitting structure in the lounge areas is entirely unique and very ergonomic all as well. South Korean stations, just like the country, are much more modernized and technologically advanced.
FUN FIELD TRIPS
Given the severe principles and guidelines in North Korea, one would envision that anything having to do with school activities will be unique. This likewise incorporates when children head beyond school to get some additional education.
Field trips are different in every country, not only in the manner in which the children dress but also in the way that they make it from place to place. South Korean children are somewhat less strict about walking in lines like this, and their backpack selection does not resemble the Army.
A PEACEFUL PROTEST
Squares and public spots in every country are utilized for social events and parades. However, that is where North Korea stands out from the rest. In North Korea, these celebrations and events are heavily state-mandated and require a certain degree of formality.
In South Korea, on the other hand, they are used not only for celebrations but for individuals to protest and bring their concerns to the government.
THE SAGA OF A NEWSPAPER
Newspapers have forever been the most loving thing for communist regimes to use to disperse what they want their people to be aware of. Consequently, there is an obvious distinction while reading a North Korean newspaper and a South Korean newspaper. All media must be approved by the state in North Korea, and this implies that what is put out is skewed and frequently exceptionally nationalistic.
On the other hand, South Korean newspapers have freedom of speech and can express their concerns freely without having to ask permission from the government.
FOREIGN FAVOURITES
As seen before, North Korea is very restricted as a country and any type of media, whether it is paper or book, needs to go through a check-in North Korea. Numerous foreign books are not translated due to their disruptive ideas according to the North Korean regime.
It is not that the people do not have any options. They are just not as large or versatile as what is permitted in South Korea. This restricts an individual's capacity to take in different perspectives that may be counterproductive to the North Korean leaders.
EVERY GIRL'S BIG DAY
Even though there are some South Korean girls who want a more traditional appearance, there are man girls in North Korea who are not given as many options given many options as they don't have a lot of exposure to western fashion. They, therefore, rely on what they already know.
South Korean women, however, have a wide range of choices from different cuts, colours and designers. And hence the look and feel of the wedding ceremonies in both countries vary greatly from each another.
FAMILY FUN AT THE SKI RESORT
Ski resorts are one of everyone's favourite places. To be at, there is a lot of snow and stunning slopes. All the amenities are available to you in the resort's hotels as well. But in North and South Korea, the layout's design and the amenities themselves differ.
Many of the ski resorts in South Korea have architectural features that resemble Swiss chalets. While in North Korea, the buildings appear to be a particularly interesting fusion of modern and traditional styles.
TIME FOR REST
Everyone needs time to rest, but how people spend it varies greatly between these two nations. In South Korea, it's common to see families camping out in the parks on the weekends. Like many other things, leisure time is much more regulated in North Korea. Families may be gathered in a public space to listen to their Supreme Leader's motivational speech.
While South Koreans get to enjoy free time by going to restaurants and facing picnics, North Koreans, if they don't want to listen to a speech, can have a nice dinner at home as family time.
WHO GETS A BETTER PARKING SPOT
As seen before, North Korea does not allow many people to possess cars because they are so expensive. This implies that the normal parking lot will appear considerably different in the middle of the day on the weekend, with much fewer cars and much less congestion of traffic.
And as driving a car is practically a requirement in South Korea, parking spaces at malls and other venues can become congested. This makes it difficult to find a location, which is an issue North Korea does not experience.
STATE TO STATE
Although North Korean train stations are aesthetically beautiful, with chandeliers and marble walls, the same can't always be true of travel as some residents are even barred from travelling within the nation.
This implies that the entry and exit of citizens from the nation are strictly regulated and can only be approved after various permissions. On the other hand, South Korea's bullet trains go quickly from one end of the nation to the other, enabling its people to travel without any restrictions.
TRAFFIC JAMS OF LIFE
As you can see in the picture of North Korea, there is typically very little to no traffic on the nation's highways as there are comparatively very few cars. And while anyone would relish the opportunity to zoom down a deserted street rather than spend hours stuck in traffic, we have to confess that image is a little unsettling.
However, there is a lot of activity in South Korea. Seoul is one of the biggest cities in the world, so it's hardly unexpected to see so many vehicles clogging the streets.
COUNTRY FIELDS
Let's face it; the North Korean countryside doesn't exactly seem alluring. We are referring to how arid the terrain appears outside of the major cities. Even yet, it's encouraging to know that the nation celebrates a tree-planting day every March in an effort to revitalize the environment.
However, if you look to South Korea, you'll see that the nation's rural areas are lush, in blossom, and filled with animals. The photographer who took these pictures claims that South Korea has a lot more green space than North Korea.
SELF-EXPRESSION
The people in North Korea don't really have a lot of freedom for self-expression, unlike many other places in the world. Even then, the nation does have places to unwind, such as Pyongyang's Taedonggang beer shop.
On the other hand, South Korea encourages youth and adolescents to express themselves fully. These children appear to be carefree, as evidenced by the image. Even the Winter Olympics were held in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in 2018.
MY OWN HOME
The residential districts in both North and South Korea are shown in these pictures. North Korea's amenities and aesthetics make everyone want to own a house there. And for North Korea, it appears that residents of the nation are exempt from paying for housing, communal expenses, or bills.
In fact, when they have submitted their marriage registration, residences are handed to them as a sign of gratitude. Whereas the price of a tiny flat in South Korea, though, might reach $180,000, beauty and amenities sure do have their own price in this country
I AM ADVANCED
Aside from various rumours, North Koreans do possess technology. The nation has a factory where it manufactures cellphones ('Arirang' runs on Android), laptops, and televisions. These goods are labelled in North Korea but are produced in China.
Even then, very few people really have access to the funds necessary to purchase these products. As you can see from the picture here, South Koreans are allowed to utilize any and all forms of technology without limitations, just like people in other Westernized regions of the world are, and North Koreans aren't.
FASHION FORWARD
Even though there have been many myths about fashion in North Korea, it is found that women in North Korea are allowed to wear pants and have different hairstyles. Chinese vendors and multinational supermarkets both provide reasonably attractive clothing.
However, as you can see, women in North Korea dress a little more traditional than those in South Korea. South Korean women have free will in the way they want to look and dress, and can see why South Korea is regarded as having some of the world's most fashionable clothing.
THE DEGREES YOU NEED
North Korea's educational system is centred on a year of preparatory school and ten years of required study. Several academic areas are taught in order to illustrate the Western way of life, including geography and Western literature.
After all of this is finished, young geniuses and wealthy people enrol in institutions, while the remaining students begin their job search. South Koreans attended school for 12 years, and the country's universities are among the most esteemed in the world. Because of this, many foreign children dream of receiving a scholarship to study there.
APPLES AND CABBAGES
Even though there isn't a famine situation, there is a definite lack of fruits and vegetables in North Korea. This is one of the main explanations for the enormous popularity of apples and cabbage. Unfortunately, compared to South Koreans, the average individual is shorter due to a shortage of foods high in protein.
People have started shooting frogs and turtles to make up for this protein shortage. Sausage sticks, ice cream, popcorn, and steamed meat buns are among the foods sold by food carts, which are common in the streets of large cities. Seoul, on the other hand, has a wide variety of foods from across Europe in addition to its rich national cuisine.
BUSINESS GETS MONEY
In these two images, the business districts in both capitals are compared as North Korea's economy is mostly controlled and isolated. The South Korean economy is one of the world's most advanced and productive economies, ranking 12th globally in terms of its annual output.
The North Korean economy is difficult to analyze and isn't always able to meet the basic needs of its people, because of which the growth of the country is affected. At the same time, South Korea's economy is heavily dependent on exports.
FACE OF A FACTORY
In these two images, a North Korean manufacturing worker in Wonsan is compared with a South Korean coworker in Chuncheon. It is very evident that North Korea is one of the world's most isolated and controlled countries.
In general, North Korean citizens do work, often against their will, but they do engage in the labour force. The majority of North Koreans are given a job and have no choice in their line of work. On the other hand, South Korea is a prosperous country that provides its residents with a variety of career options they can choose from for their careers. With no restrictions in any field.
FILL MY TANK
North Koreans frequently have their jobs allocated to them. And even then, residents can also find employment at gas stations. Even though working at a gas station might not be the best job for everyone, South Korean citizens can make a respectable living doing it.
North Koreans, on the other hand, don't make a fair wage working at a gas station, and in comparison they
THE 'D' ZONE
In these photos, we see Military personnel from both North and South Korea. The Korean Demilitarized Zone, which spreads across the Korean Peninsula, is being protected by these two men
It was created under the terms of the Korean Armistice Agreement to provide a safe environment for the refugees fleeing North and South Korea. The demilitarized zone splits the Korean Peninsula in two. There is no public access to this place, and only the North or United Nations Command can provide entry.
TO THE TOP PLEASE
On top of Pyongyang's Tower of the Juche Idea is a North Korean tour guide, and on the view deck of the 63 Building is a South Korean guide (officially called 63 Square. The 63 Building is a skyscraper on Yeouido island in Seoul that has views of the Han River.
Although there are tour guides in both nations, as we saw earlier, touring North Korea is subject to far stricter rules and restricted information. Imagine going. To a foreign land only to know that you cannot freely roam around and experience its culture.
A BOAT RIDE
In these pictures, we see a south Korean boat driver and a North Korean boat driver. The man in South Korea is on the Han River in Seoul, while the driver in North Korea is on the Taedong River in Pyongyang.
If you are a tourist in North Korea, you can take a tour of North Korea, but if you do, just be aware that the entire trip, no matter how long it may be, will be closely observed by government officials. Imagine living a life in constant surveillance.
COLLEGE LIFE IS THE BEST LIFE
College is crucial, and we've already discussed how the styles differ at this level of study. There are, however, many more distinctions when it comes to education and the general appearance of college campuses.
As one would imagine now, everything is far more regimented and official in North Korea. South Korea is remarkably similar to what most people in Western countries imagine college campuses and classes to look like when comparing the two.
4G/5G/ NO G
The internet is a major distinction in both countries. While South Korean citizens have access to the internet in all its forms, the North Korean government controls what people can access, and not everyone has access to the internet, either.
Imagine not being able to use the internet as one does and the various kinds of information they are missing out on. Online gaming, Online courses, various shows on the internet and whatnot.
AMUSE ME
Getting out of the usual routine and having fun is something both countries recognize. It is important to take time-to-time breaks in order to create balance in life. Keeping that in mind, both countries have great amusement parks for their citizens and yet there are multiple differences that we get to see.
While the people in the. Amusement parks in South Korea are dressed more casually and comfortably. The people in North Korea are dressed in formal clothing. Along with the rides, the rides on the South Korean amusement parks are more modern and technologically advanced in comparison to the ones in North Korea. Whatever it may be, it is sure that everyone is having fun.
BORED AT A BUS STOP
As shown in the picture above. The bus stops in both countries vary greatly. The bus stops in North Korea are minimal and functional and do their job pretty well.
Whereas, in South Korea, the bus stops are more artistic, creative and intriguing. For example, the bus stop in the latter picture is that of an antique television. Such creativity is enough to make anyone's brain tickle.
TAKING A TRAIN
One will notice that taking the train in North Korea is a little different than taking the train in South Korea. Because a lot of individuals utilize bicycles as their primary mode of transportation in North Korea, the train trip has a sense of order, discipline and cleanliness to it, and you also have a lot of privacy.
However, one of the most often used modes of transportation in South Korea is the subway. There will be substantially less personal space because of the crowded space.
