jkb92

Yes. We tend to imagine that the North Koreans are like brainwashed robots with no joy in their lifes who do not know anything about the rest of the world. That is false. The North Koreans are very friendly people who love to make jokes, play pranks on each other, play games and laugh. They are very interested about what happens elsewhere in the world and they are also willing to discuss politics and analyse North Korean politics. However, they might analyse it correctly, but they come to the false conclusion, often because their "facts" are wrong. But this is not their fault.

You know what's scary? How close it actually is: very close. When you are there, you get the feeling that you are in Oceania.

This question is quite difficult. I think many North Koreans are suffering a lot. I witnessed people searching for food on empty fields. Nearly everyone I met was smaller than me (and I am NOT a tall person), because of malnutrition. On the other hand, I believe that the people in Pyongyang live considerably well. I did not see much poverty there. The people were well dressed, kids were playing, laughing and even rollerblading on the Kim-Il-sung-square (the one where the military parades normally take place). However, those who live in Pyongyang are the privileged ones. Nobody can say how bad the situation for the ordinary farmers and those who do not get the chance of living in the capital really is. I did feel a compassion for those who were clearly suffering. The North Koreans are indeed very proud to be Korean. Many of them believe their country to be a paradise that is surrounded by enemies and suppressed by the world. And at the same time they are told that the ordinary workers, farmers and intellectuals from other countries see North Korea as a role model. I think it's just natural that the North Koreans have developed such a strong patriotism. If you have never heard or seen anything different, then you tend to believe what you are told.

Yes.

Yes. Help me! No, of course not.

Which one is true?