Archive · 17 Sep 2025
North Korea Bans Foreign Words, Enforces Strict Language Policy
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, has banned some words like "ice cream" and "hamburger."
He wants people to use Korean words instead because he thinks foreign words are harmful.
Tour guides and workers at the new beach resort must follow this rule.
It's part of a plan to control what people see and hear, especially to prevent Western ideas from spreading.
Anyone who uses the wrong words could get in trouble, and there are consequences for those who watch or share foreign media.
Kim Jong-un has banned specific English and South Korean words.
The ban aims to reduce foreign cultural influence within North Korea.
Tour guides and resort workers must use state-approved Korean words.
The policy is enforced at the new luxury beach resort in Wonsan.
This is part of a broader effort to control information and culture.
- Who
- Kim Jong-un and the North Korean government.
- What
- Banned the use of certain foreign words, requiring the use of state-approved Korean alternatives.
- When
- The training program began on August 21st.
- Where
- North Korea, specifically Wonsan resort.
- Why
- To limit foreign cultural influence and control what both locals and foreign visitors hear.
North Korean Government
North Korean Citizens/Trainees
Impact of Foreign Words
North Korean Government
Foreign words are ideologically harmful and undermine North Korean culture.
North Korean Citizens/Trainees
Foreign words are necessary for communication, especially with tourists. The new rules cause confusion.
- Banned Words
- Ice cream, hamburger, karaoke, and English-derived/South Korean words
- Replaced With
- State-approved Korean alternatives
- Targeted Groups
- Tour guides and resort workers
- Reason
- To limit foreign cultural influence
- Location of Enforcement
- Wonsan luxury beach resort
- Oversight
- Workers’ Party of Korea’s Cadre Department
- Training Program Start
- August 21st