Archive · 16 Sep 2025
North Korea Bans Western Words Amid Cultural Crackdown
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has banned certain Western words like 'ice cream' and 'hamburger.'
Tour guides must now use local terms instead of these words.
This is part of a bigger effort to control culture and shield North Korea from foreign influence.
They want to promote North Korean language and culture, and training for tour guides will ensure these language rules are followed.
It also aligns with strict rules against outside media.
Kim Jong Un banned words like 'ice cream', 'hamburger', and karaoke.
Tour guides are told to use local terms.
The ban aims to promote North Korean culture.
Guides must memorize officially approved slogans.
This is part of an increasingly repressive climate.
- Who
- Kim Jong Un
- What
- Banning of Western words.
- When
- N/A
- Where
- North Korea
- Why
- To promote local culture.
- Action
- Kim Jong Un banned Western words.
- Banned Words
- Ice cream, hamburger, karaoke, and other Anglicized terms.
- New Terms
- Dajin-gogi gyeopppang for hamburger.
- New Terms
- Eseukimo for ice cream.
- Target
- Tour guides at the Wonsan beach-side resort.
- Objective
- Promoting North Korean vocabulary.
Sources
North Korea's Linguistic Crack Down: Kim Jong Un Bans Western Words Like 'Hamburger', 'Ice Cream'
No more ‘ice cream’ in North Korea? All about Kim Jong Un’s shocking new crackdown
North Korea Dictator Kim Jong Un Bans 'Western' Words Like Hamburger, Ice Cream & Karaoke — Here's Why
North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Un Bans Words Like 'Hamburgers', 'Ice-Cream'. Here's Why?
North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s new and bizarre ruling is here. DON’T use words like 'Hamburgers', 'Ice-Cream'. Details inside
