Sleeping In North Korea: A Day In The Life

Sleep is a precious commodity in both North and South Korea. In the North, the day starts early, with many people at work by 7 am. In the South, people are also early risers, and the country has one of the highest rates of sleep deprivation in the world.

In North Korea, the eight-hour working day was introduced by Kim Il Sung, but this doesn't mean that people are able to relax outside of work. The country's progress from being one of the poorest in the world to a technological powerhouse has been driven by a collective nationalism that pushes people to work harder and faster.

In South Korea, the problem is compounded by gruelling office hours, with some people working until 2 am or 3 am on busy days. This has led to an epidemic of addiction to sleep medication, with an estimated 100,000 Koreans dependent on sleeping pills.

So, while it's unclear whether you can sleep all day in North Korea, it seems that many people in both North and South Korea would benefit from more sleep.

North Korea's working population

In 2010, North Korea had a large working population, with approximately 59% of the total population in employment. A growing number of women work in white-collar office jobs and make up around 90% of workers in light industry and 80% of the rural workforce. Many women are now the major wage earners in their families, while also being housewives, mothers, and cooks, or even soldiers.

The most recent census in North Korea, conducted in 2008, put the country's population at 24 million. The median age of the population is 32.9 years, and the gender ratio is 0.95 males to 1.00 females. The population density is 199.54 inhabitants per square kilometre.

The main sources of employment in North Korea are machine building and the manufacturing of metallurgical products, military products, and textiles. In 2006, the unemployment rate was between 14.7% and 36.5%.

Workday schedules

North Korea's founding leader, Kim Il Sung, introduced the "Eight Hour Working Day" when he came to power. However, in 1967, an addendum was added to this progressive move for late 1940s East Asia.

A typical workday in North Korea starts early, with breakfast at 6 am, followed by preparations for work. At 7:30 am, there is a 30-minute reading session and exercises before work begins. This includes receiving instructions, studying the daily editorial in the party papers, directives on daily tasks, and official announcements.

Work officially begins at 8 am and ends at 5 pm. However, most people are required to stay in the office or factory for the daily Community Session and Learning Session, which includes discussions about the day's work, evaluations of progress, and anticipations for the next day. There are also political ideology learning sessions for disseminating party policy, self-criticism, and "colleague criticising sessions."

While there is no specific information about napping during work hours in North Korea, it is known that the country faces chronic power cuts, which may cause disruptions to daily routines. Additionally, there is a culture of overwork and stress in the country, with long work hours and a heavy emphasis on productivity.

In contrast, South Korea, which shares a similar cultural background, has a different perspective on napping during work hours. Napping is generally not common in Korean companies, especially in white-collar industries. However, some companies do provide designated areas or rooms for employees to take short breaks or naps during the day. This practice is more prevalent in blue-collar industries and is also observed in the military and hospitality sectors.

Overall, while there may be opportunities for rest during the workday in North Korea due to power cuts or other disruptions, the country's emphasis on hard work and long work hours suggests that napping during work hours is not a widespread or encouraged practice.

Sleep deprivation in South Korea

South Korea is one of the most sleep-deprived nations in the world. The average South Korean gets 6.8 hours of sleep per night, with 16.7% getting less than 5 hours. This is far below the 7-9 hours of sleep recommended by the National Sleep Foundation.

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, South Koreans work long hours. In 2019, they worked on average 241 hours more per year than the average across developed countries. Long commutes are also a factor, with the average commute in South Korea lasting 58 minutes, compared to 28 minutes in other developed countries.

South Korea's 24/7 culture also makes it hard for people to switch off. Many businesses are open late, and cafes on every corner fuel the country's hectic lifestyle with a steady supply of caffeine. The number of coffee shops in the country stood at 83,363 as of 2021, an increase of 88.2% from four years earlier. Even before this surge, each adult in South Korea was consuming 353 cups of coffee a year in 2018.

Ironically, less sleep is considered a show of productivity or diligence among many South Koreans. Comments by businesspeople like Elon Musk, who touts a short sleep cycle as a badge of honour, encourage many to deprive themselves of sleep in the hopes of achieving the same levels of success.

However, sleeping fewer hours is something only a minority of people with a special gene can enjoy without adverse health effects. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and depression. It can also lower brain function and productivity.

The consequences of sleep deprivation are serious. In South Korea, there is an epidemic of addiction to sleep medication, with an estimated 100,000 people addicted to sleeping pills. When they still can't sleep, it is common to turn to alcohol, with dangerous consequences. Sleep-deprived South Koreans also increasingly seek help from the burgeoning sleep-aid industry, which was estimated to be worth $2.5 billion in 2019.

Work-life balance in North Korea

North Korea's founding leader, Kim Il Sung, introduced the "Eight Hour Working Day" when he came to power. This was considered a progressive move for late 1940s East Asia. However, an addendum was added in 1967, which stated that workers must also engage in "Study Sessions" after their regular working hours.

In North Korea, the day starts early in Pyongyang, the country's capital. Breakfast usually consists of corn or maize porridge, boiled eggs, sour yoghurt, and powdered milk for children. People then get ready for work. North Korea has a large working population, with approximately 59% of the total in 2010. A growing number of women work in white-collar office jobs and make up around 90% of workers in light industries and 80% of the rural workforce. Many women are now the major wage earners in their families.

At 7:30 am, many North Koreans start their day with a 30-minute reading session and exercises before work. This includes receiving instructions, studying the daily editorial in the party papers, directives on daily tasks, and official announcements.

Work begins at 8 am. Pyongyang is the centre of the country's white-collar workforce, but offices would appear sparse to outsiders. Banks, businesses, and industries operate almost entirely without computers, photocopiers, and modern office technology. Payrolls and accounting are done by hand.

At 5 pm, work ends, but most people are required to stay for the daily "Community Session" and "Learning Session". The Community Session involves a discussion of the day's work, an evaluation of progress, and plans for the next day. The Learning Session is more political and can include a "Political Ideology Learning Session" to disseminate party policy.

Most people are home by 8 pm. Due to electricity shortages, most residents stay in their winter clothes all day and sleep in them. They also cover their windows with plastic sheeting to keep the cold out.

Leisure activities are limited in North Korea. There are about eight cinemas in Pyongyang, but many close early due to power shortages. Normal fare at the cinema includes heavy propaganda, such as "Sea of Blood", "The Fate of a Self-Defence Corps Man", and "Flames Spreading Over the Land". Holidays are also rare, with four to five days of annual leave being the norm.

In recent years, the concept of "work-life balance" has emerged in neighbouring South Korea, known as "Warabal" or "Waravel". It refers to the tendency to value quality of life over annual salary increases and proper working hours. While this concept is gaining popularity among South Korea's youth, it is still a work in progress, with the country ranking 36th out of 38 OECD countries in the "Better Life Index" in 2016.

South Korea has a history of long working hours, with 23.1% of workers clocking in more than 50 hours per week, compared to the OECD average of 13%. The average workweek in South Korea is 44.3 hours, while the OECD average is 37.6 hours.

The work culture in North Korea appears to be similarly demanding, if not more so. While the standard workday is eight hours, the additional mandatory study sessions after work can extend the workday. Furthermore, leisure activities and holidays are limited, indicating that free time may be scarce for North Koreans. Therefore, achieving a healthy work-life balance in North Korea may be challenging.

Sleep deprivation solutions in South Korea

South Korea is one of the most sleep-deprived nations in the world. The average South Korean gets 6.8 to 7.41 hours of sleep per night, with some getting as little as four to five hours. This is due to a variety of factors, including long working hours, long commutes, and a culture that glorifies sleep deprivation as a sign of productivity and diligence.

To address this issue, South Koreans have turned to various solutions, including sleep medication, alcohol, meditation, and sleep retreats. However, these solutions have their drawbacks and limitations. For example, sleep medication can lead to addiction and dangerous side effects, while meditation and relaxation techniques are seen by some as individual solutions that do not address the societal pressures and work culture contributing to sleep deprivation.

• Addressing Work Culture: Instead of glorifying long hours and sleep deprivation, work cultures should prioritize healthy sleep habits and work-life balance. This may involve changing societal attitudes, implementing policies for reasonable working hours, and providing support for employees to manage stress and improve sleep hygiene.
• Improving Work Conditions: Reducing the number of working hours and providing more flexible work arrangements can help employees get sufficient sleep. Additionally, addressing issues such as power cuts and providing better infrastructure can improve work conditions and reduce commute times.
• Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the importance of sleep and the risks associated with sleep deprivation can help individuals make informed decisions about their sleep habits. Educational campaigns can also dispel myths about the benefits of sleep deprivation and encourage individuals to seek help for sleep disorders.
• Access to Healthcare: Improving access to healthcare services, such as sleep clinics, can provide professional support for those struggling with sleep disorders. This includes addressing the issue of sleep medication addiction and providing alternative treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia.
• Regulation of Sleep Aids: With the growing sleep aid industry, regulation is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of products. This includes regulating the sale of sleep medication and herbal remedies to prevent overuse and providing guidelines for the use of sleep apps and technology.
• Community Initiatives: Community-based initiatives, such as sleep support groups or community education programs, can provide additional support for individuals struggling with sleep issues. These initiatives can also help address the stigma associated with sleep disorders and mental health issues.

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