Jeans as a crime — the strange North Korean law explained

North Korea is widely known as a place where ordinary things can turn into strict taboos. Tourists planning their first trip to the DPRK are often shocked: what seems completely normal elsewhere can cause serious trouble there. One such restriction concerns clothing.

Novyny.LIVE explains why jeans are banned in North Korea.

And no — it’s not because they’re uncomfortable or unsuitable for the climate. The reason is ideological.

Why jeans are banned in the DPRK

For North Korean authorities, denim is more than just fabric. It is seen as a symbol of the West, a world the country has spent decades opposing. In the United States, jeans began as workwear, but over time became associated with freedom, individuality, and youth rebellion.

In North Korea, any hints of "foreign values" are suppressed. Officials believe Western fashion could undermine the state ideology of Juche and weaken citizens’ loyalty. For this reason, jeans ended up on the list of undesirable items — a symbol of everything the regime wants to reject.

For locals, wearing jeans can lead to serious consequences: from fines to arrest. In extreme cases, such behavior may be treated as a sign of disloyalty to the regime — and that brings far harsher punishment.

What else is forbidden to wear

Jeans are only the tip of the iceberg. Anything that resembles Western culture is restricted: clothing with brand logos, overly bright outfits, extravagant cuts, unusual accessories. Local fashion is conservative and strictly "ideologically correct."

That’s why anyone planning a trip to the country must learn the dress rules in advance. It can help you avoid misunderstandings — and situations that may cost you your peace of mind or even your freedom.

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