Unveiling the Harsh Reality: North Korea's Inescapable Borders Under Kim Jong-un

Aiden Starling

Updated Friday, July 5, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

North Korea stands as the only nation where citizens face severe restrictions on their freedom to travel, making it nearly impossible to escape. The stringent measures implemented under the regime of Kim Jong-un have escalated these restrictions to unprecedented levels.

North Korea's southern border, shared with South Korea, is heavily fortified with 750,000 troops and an astonishing 2 million landmines. This formidable defense makes any attempt to flee to the south an almost certain failure. The East and West borders are equally unyielding, as they stretch across vast expanses of sea, leaving the northern border as the only potential escape route.

However, escaping through the northern border presents its own perilous challenges. One must navigate the treacherous Yalu and Tumen Rivers, with the added risk of being captured by Chinese or Russian authorities. Both countries have agreements with North Korea to return any defectors they catch, further diminishing the chances of a successful escape.

Under Kim Jong-un's leadership, the situation has become even more dire. Border security has been significantly tightened with the construction of new walls and guard posts. Border guards now have stricter orders, and internal travel within the country requires explicit permission. These measures have effectively sealed off the country, making it nearly impossible for any North Korean citizen to flee.

Despite these overwhelming obstacles, a few determined individuals have managed to escape. Their stories are a testament to the human spirit's resilience against oppression. For a deeper dive into this topic, watch the compelling video by yourGEOFACTS that highlights the severe restrictions and the near-impossible journey of escaping North Korea.

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View source: TikTok

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