I’ve been somewhat obsessed with learning about North Korea for the past year. I thought it was time to compile a list of media that I recommend if you would like to learn more about this real life 1984.
Videos
My introduction to North Korea was through the Vice Guide to North Korea. It still remains my favorite because it is a good mix of entertaining and informative. It doesn’t go as deep as the other sources of information do, but it does give you a tourists perspective of this country. It piqued my curiosity and was the reason I decided to continue learning more about North Korea.
They also just released a different version of the same trip where they explored the North Korean Film Industry.
Shortly after finishing the Vice Guide, I found this special from National Geographic. It’s a slightly deeper look into the brainwashing that the North Koreans suffer.
Audiobooks
Nothing to Envy: This book chronicles the lives of several different citizens of North Korea and their escapes from the dictatorship. It was a painful but inspiring read.
The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag: Thanks to Casey for recommending this to me. This is one mans story about growing up in a gulag and escaping from North Korea. I have never heard of more cruel conditions than the ones that these gulags inflict upon its political prisoners. I think it’s the most important book to read to gain more insight into how terrible and destructive to humanity the concept of government is.
Articles
Worse than 1984. Christopher Hitchens wrote an interesting article about North Korea.
Let me know if you recommend any other reads or watches that relate to North Korea.
Tags: north korea
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