The Unique Asian Culture of North Korea I Srimal Fernando

The Unique Asian Culture of North Korea

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Monday, 15 October 2012 08:48
By Srimal Fernando  

 

North Korea is famous in Asia for its great geographical settings, special historical reasons and for its unique political culture. The country occupies the Northern portion of the mountainous Korean Peninsula and is famously known as the Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) .The countries culturalpolicy was one of the guidingprinciples that gave birth to a unique culture that is not found in any other country in the World. As one of the most eminent personalities of this era the heroic leader Kim Il-sung is renowned for North Koreas cultural renaissance. Under the rule of Kim Il-sung the country became one of the great cultural centers of Asia and is a “kingdom of art”. Today the countrymen could proudly hold their heads up high, because of the late leader’s contributions to the nation. Inspirational noteworthy songs like “No Motherland without you” and the marching song of “General Kim Il-sung” are sung by the North Koreans in deep gratitude to their late leader.

Pyongyang the capital city is called the cultural capital of North Korea  for no other  reason than for its archeology and for it heritage .The capital town gets its name from the Korean word “Ryugyong” meaningthe “Capital of Willows”.

The North Korean cinema is characterized by rich film culture, which yet continues to shape the audience cinematic horizons. However the countries   cinema has captured the interest of many.  The film makers give the country a progressive and a positive image and it had undergone major developments in the recent years. The Pyongyang International Film Festival is a premier international film event held every two years .The romantic comedy Comrade Kim Goes Flying and Meet in Pyongyang was   screened at the Pyongyang premier international film Festival. The motion pictures for children are another  way the North Koreans have  developed  their cinema industry.

Music is an mania with the North Koreans. The North Korean music has a distinctive feel to it and portrays the culture and the traditions of the people of the country. The music of the country includes an array of traditional and popular styles, ranging from native folk music to modern rock and pop.  Songs like   ”We are One” and “Reunification Rainbow”, “Our Life Is Precisely a Song” and “We Shall Hold Bayonets More Firmly” are extremely famous songs, which showcase the culture and traditions of the North Korean people.

In addition to music, people of the country are closely associated with choreographed gymnastic dance performances and with other traditional dance types. Theatres and dance venues are mostly alive in many cities across the country.

( Source Daily Mirror Sri Lanka )