Is housing in North Korea really free?
Housing in North Korea is technically free, but only for those who make significant contributions to the state. For most citizens, high housing costs prevail, especially in cities.
Hey there! Let’s talk about the reality of free housing, healthcare, and education in North Korea. Although these services are technically free, the eligibility requirements are very strict and don’t really benefit the average citizen. Free housing is only available to those who have made special contributions, while modern city housing prices remain sky-high. Medical standards are behind, with frequent shortages of medicines and equipment. Although basic education is free, the costs of textbooks and miscellaneous fees during university can be quite burdensome.
Many people think that North Korea offers free housing, medical care, and education—but is that really the case? In this piece, I’ll take a closer look at what’s behind these so-called “free” services. At first glance, it might sound ideal—who wouldn’t want to pack up and move to North Korea? But the truth is, while free housing does exist, it’s not available to just anyone. Only those who have made significant contributions to the state qualify, so for the average person, it’s out of reach. In reality, houses are being bought and sold, and prices in major cities are quite high—comparable to those in our own urban areas.
Lots of people think that North Korea offers free housing, healthcare, and education. But is that really true? Let’s dive into the reality behind these so-called “freebies” in North Korea. Sounds great, right? You might even be tempted to move there! While it’s true that free housing exists, it’s not available to just anyone. You have to make significant contributions to qualify, so it’s not something that concerns the average person. Nowadays, housing is actually bought and sold, and in major cities, prices are quite steep—comparable to those in our own big cities.
Before 1990, almost everyone had access to free housing. At that time, thanks to aid from the former Soviet Union and China, the average standard of living was even higher than in some other countries. Free healthcare was also available, but the system for training doctors was relatively underdeveloped. Medical students were required to do labor work during their studies, leaving them with limited time to actually learn. Despite this, hospitals and doctors were barely sufficient. However, most hospitals were severely lacking in equipment, and even basic medicines were rarely available. Supplies donated by the United Nations would mysteriously end up circulating in the market, meaning you could buy medicine and then have a doctor administer it for free. This created a situation where minor illnesses were left untreated, and serious illnesses went untreated as well.
Education is much the same. Basic education is nearly universal, but free textbooks are non-existent; students have to buy second-hand books that have been used for many years and pay certain miscellaneous fees. Although there are no official fees during university, various hidden costs add up, and students must cover their own food and accommodation. Under these circumstances, it’s quite a burden for most ordinary rural families to support a full-time university student living in the city. If you’re able to get into Kim Il-sung University—the top university in North Korea—based on your own abilities, you can access genuinely free education, including meals and accommodation. However, spots for regular citizens are very limited, and it’s pretty clear who takes up most of these spots, right?
After reading this, does anyone still want this kind of “free” housing, healthcare, and education?
What are your thoughts on the reality of ‘free’ services in North Korea? Share in the comments!