After WWII, the Korean peninsula was divided into two separate countries, North Korea and South Korea. For over 70 years, their relations have been tense. Recently, there has been some progress, but if they do reunite, it will take time as their cultures are very different. Here are some examples of how life in these two countries varies.
Waterparks are popular in both North and South Korea during summer. However, their approach is quite different. In North Korea, people are more conservative, while South Koreans dress more like those in the West when they visit water parks.
Skylines of the two capitals show more differences. In Pyongyang, the buildings are not as modern, and you can clearly see pollution. Seoul, on the other hand, is more modern, with fewer signs of pollution despite more cars.
When it comes to airlines, North Korea has only one carrier, which is rated poorly. South Korea, however, has many options for flights, both from local and international airlines, reflecting its position in the global economy.
Lifeguards in both countries wear uniforms, but there is a noticeable difference in their appearance. In North Korea, the lifeguard’s uniform looks more like that of a flight attendant, while in South Korea, the lifeguard is dressed for the task with a first aid kit on hand.
On a boat tour, a North Korean boat driver on the Taedong River looks much different from his South Korean counterpart on the Han River in Seoul. In North Korea, the tours are highly controlled and monitored.
In terms of college life, North Korea is more structured and formal, while South Korea’s campuses resemble those of Western universities, with a more relaxed and open atmosphere.
The internet access in both countries is another major difference. North Korea controls what its citizens can view online, limiting access to many sites, whereas South Korea offers a more liberal internet environment.
Lastly, the way people interact in amusement parks, bus stops, and even the subway reflects these cultural differences. South Korea’s public places tend to be more modern and crowded, while North Korea remains more functional and orderly.
