For many of us, skateboarding is a favorite pastime. But what if the laws in your home country didn’t permit such activities?
That’s exactly the situation in North Korea – it’s one of the most restrictive countries on Earth and its citizens aren’t allowed to enjoy leisure activities like skateboarding freely.
So we’re asking: Is it possible to skateboard in North Korea? We’ll take an inside look at this mysterious country to explore how locals are able to get around on their boards, as well as where and when they can ride safely away from government’s watchful eyes.
Quick Facts: Skateboarding is not widely accepted in North Korea. Although there are a few skateparks and skate shops around the country, most of them are for entertainment purposes rather than actually participating in the sport. Street skating is completely outlawed with severe penalties from the government, so it’s best to stick to sanctioned parks if you plan on partaking in this activity while visiting North Korea.
Is it possible to skateboard in North Korea?
Skateboarding in North Korea seems to have been a popular activity since the 1990s, and evidence of skateparks in Pyongyang have been documented.
However, due to the current restrictions placed on civil liberties by the government, it’s difficult to assess the freerunning culture in North Korea today.
Generally speaking, public activities are monitored by the police, so it’s possible that skateboarding may not be welcomed as widely as before.
There is also a risk of arrest for any recreational activities which do not meet with the approval of authorities
In short, although there is some evidence that skateboarding did exist in North Korea several decades ago, today it is unclear if this activity can be practiced as passionately as before given the authoritarian state of the country.
What is the punishment for skateboarding in North Korea?
Skateboarding is an activity not permitted in North Korea, and punishments for those who practice it can be unpredictable and severe. Punishments have ranged as follows:
◈ Monetary fines
◈ Detention
◈ Forced labor
◈ Imprisonment
◈ Public Shaming
It is important to note that punishments vary from case to case, and the North Korean government may also choose to deport those caught skateboarding.
In some cases, individuals suspected of taking part in activities related to skateboarding have been significantly punished by North Korea’s authorities, so it’s best to err on the side of caution when traveling in the country.
Final Verdict:
It is clear that skateboarding in North Korea is not something that the authorities look kindly upon.
The punishment for engaging in this activity can be severe, and even thinking about riding your board around Pyongyang could land you in trouble with the law.
So to answer our original question – Yes, it’s possible to skateboard in North Korea, but it’s best to stick to the sanctioned skateparks and avoid any activities that could be seen as suspicious by the government.
Keep this in mind when visiting North Korea and make sure you respect their laws at all times. Skate safe!