North Korea Bans Western Words Hamburger and Karaoke Are No Longer Allowed

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has banned the use of certain Western-origin words. Tour guides in the country’s new tourist areas have been instructed not to use words like hamburger, ice cream, and karaoke when speaking to foreign visitors.

According to local media, guides will now refer to a hamburger as double bread with ground beef, ice cream as eskimo, and karaoke machines as “screen accompaniment devices.” The policy aims to ensure that tourists are introduced to North Korean culture using appropriate terminology.

Experts say the move is part of North Korea’s broader effort to shield its citizens from foreign influence, noting that access to foreign media has been heavily restricted in recent years. The state has reinforced control through public executions and harsh penalties to intimidate the population.

Reports indicate that North Korea has intensified its campaign against foreign cultural influence, deliberately guiding citizens to avoid Western words and concepts. This shows that the country’s isolationist policies now extend even into the tourism sector.