Budae-Jjigae is not the only thing banned in North Korea: These 5 items are also forbidden in the country

Budae-jjigae, a spicy noodle soup that became popular in North Korea after being imported from South Korea, is just one example of how the country’s regime has cracked down on foreign influences. Under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, there has been a persistent effort to limit Western culture and anything perceived as "decadent" or "capitalist." This includes not just food, but fashion and beauty items as well. North Koreans are banned from indulging in various items that could be seen as symbols of vanity or Western influence. Here’s a look at five fashion and beauty items that are prohibited in the country.

One of the most iconic symbols of Western culture, denim jeans, have been banned in North Korea. They are seen as a representation of Western capitalism and consumerism, which goes against the values promoted by the regime. The government has repeatedly warned citizens against wearing jeans, especially those that resemble styles popular in the West, such as ripped jeans. The restriction is part of the country’s larger efforts to prevent outside influence from permeating everyday life, especially in the realms of fashion. Instead, North Koreans are expected to wear more traditional clothing, like the choson-ot, which is a type of hanbok worn by both men and women.

Brightly coloured hair is also banned in North Korea. The government prohibits citizens from dying their hair in colours such as blonde, red, or purple, which are often seen as a symbol of rebellious, non-conformist Western culture. Citizens are expected to adhere to modest, natural hair colours, such as black or dark brown, which are seen as more traditional and in line with the country’s socialist values. This ban is a reflection of the broader cultural effort to maintain uniformity and avoid expressions of individuality that might be associated with Western ideals of freedom and self-expression.

The use of heavy or glamorous Western-style makeup is another banned item in North Korea. Bold eyeshadows, red lipstick, and other extravagant beauty products that signify a Western ideal of beauty are discouraged. Instead, makeup is expected to be minimal and subtle. Women are encouraged to use cosmetics only to enhance their natural features, not to drastically alter their appearance. This prohibition is in line with the regime’s stance against anything that could be associated with foreign luxury, consumerism, or vanity, and reflects a desire to maintain a sense of nationalistic purity in personal appearance.

Wearing branded and accessories from Western or foreign designers is strictly forbidden in North Korea. Clothing items adorned with recognizable logos or names from international fashion houses like Nike, Adidas, or Louis Vuitton are considered a sign of bourgeois values, which are opposed by the ruling regime. Citizens are expected to wear more generic, government-approved clothing and are not allowed to flaunt their wealth or consume products associated with foreign luxury. The fashion ban extends to accessories like watches, shoes, and handbags that are linked to Western or capitalist countries.

North Korean women are also banned from wearing high heels or other forms of modern, fashionable footwear that are seen as a Western indulgence. Instead, they are expected to wear plain, practical shoes that align with the country’s modest aesthetic. The regulation of footwear is part of a larger effort to suppress individualism and ensure that North Koreans dress and present themselves in a manner that conforms with the regime’s ideological guidelines. High heels, in particular, are viewed as a symbol of Western-style vanity and are associated with individualism and luxury.

While Kim Jong Un’s regime places strict restrictions on personal appearance and behavior, it’s clear that the crackdown on fashion and beauty items is a concerted effort to prevent outside influences and maintain a tightly controlled national identity. By banning jeans, brand-name products, heavy makeup, and even high heels, the government aims to limit the spread of Western cultural values and maintain a strict uniformity among its citizens. For North Koreans, following the government’s dress code is not just about fashion, it’s a matter of national pride and survival.