College life in North Korea: It's like the military | NK News
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September 28, 2026Sep 28, 2026

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Ask A North Korean

College life in North Korea: It’s like the military

You're tested on Kim family works, you can't pick your major, and don't even think of being late

Every week we ask a North Korean your questions, giving you the chance to learn more about the country we know so little about.

This week’s question is:

Yoo-sung, you’ve studied at both North Korean and South Korean colleges. Is the college experience in the two countries very different? Tell me about differences.

Yes, that’s right. I’ve been to two universities under two different systems: one in the communist North and the other in the capitalist South. In my opinion, based on my experiences being enrolled at both types of universities, the similarities between them were very rare and I