North Korea

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK; Korean: Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk; Hangul: 조선민주주의인민공화국; Hanja: 朝鮮民主主義人民共和國), also known as North Korea, is a country in East Asia, covering the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Locally and in mainland China, it is more commonly called Pukchosŏn ("North Chosŏn"; 북조선; 北朝鮮), a name that associates the country with the Joseon Dynasty. Bukhan ("North Han"; 북한; 北韓) is commonly used in South Korea.

Culture

Traditional aspects of Korean culture tend to be downplayed or ignored in North Korea. The state is officially atheist and shuns traditional religious ceremonies and practices, though some state-sanctioned churches exist.

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There is a vast personality cult built up around Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-il, and much of North Korea's literature, theater, and film deal with praising or glamorizing various exploits of the two men and their life stories.

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In July 2004, the Complex of Koguryo Tombs was the first site in North Korea to be included into the UNESCO list of World Heritage.

Related Topics:
July 2004 - Complex of Koguryo Tombs - UNESCO - World Heritage

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