When you think of unusual jobs, you might think of a snake milker or a professional cuddler. But just like anything else, North Korea even takes bizarre job ideas to an entirely different level. In this isolated country, work is more about proving loyalty, following orders, and keeping up appearances than focusing on making money.
What’s even wilder is that these jobs aren’t optional and are not jokes. They’re treated with absolute seriousness. Failing at them can lead to punishment, interrogation, or worse. Curious what kind of work you’d find if you peeked behind the curtain? Let’s check out these real jobs you’ll only find in North Korea.
People Who Get Paid to Cry
Credit: flickr
It’s a part of your patriotic duty to cry when a North Korean leader dies. And not just any crying—we’re talking loud and dramatic sobs. That’s where professional mourners come in. They’re trained to wail on command and show just the right amount of heartbreak. During Kim Jong-il’s funeral, cameras caught people screaming and collapsing in tears.
Guy Who Checks for Dust on the Supreme Leader
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Every home in North Korea has to hang up portraits of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. This isn’t optional. And you must ensure it’s not dusty or crooked at any time. Some government inspectors drop by just to check if your leader photos are spotless. And get this—some people’s job is just to clean these portraits daily.
A Person Who Watches You Ride an Escalator
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In Pyongyang, escalators have their own babysitters. These workers just stand there, staring as people go up and down. They don’t fix or help with anything. Their only job is to just stand and watch. They ensure everyone’s behaving well and would not hesitate to remind you that you’re constantly being watched.
Human Traffic Cone (But With Choreography)
Credit: flickr
North Korea prefers style over stoplights. Young women in snappy uniforms direct cars with dramatic, military-style moves. These women train like dancers. Every turn, wave, and step is timed perfectly. They put on a show. Even though the traffic is pretty light in Pyongyang, these performers are everywhere.
Lady Who Makes Sure You Wait in Line Like a Good Citizen
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Skipping the line at the bus stop is not something you can dare do in North Korea. There are actual workers whose whole job is ensuring everyone lines up correctly. They don’t just gently remind people—they enforce it.
Spy-Like Tourist Guide
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If you ever visit North Korea (not easy, by the way), you won’t be strolling around solo. The government assigns you a chaperone, and you can’t shake them. These “guides” plan every step of your trip—down to when you eat and where you point your camera. They're friendly on the surface, but make no mistake.
The Guy Who Repaints Propaganda
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North Korea LOVES a good slogan. You’ll see bold red phrases like “We Are the Happiest People in the World” plastered across buildings. But those slogans don’t maintain themselves. Some workers spend their days repainting them by hand, even if a single letter fades.
Badge Checker
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Most adults in North Korea wear a little loyalty pin on their chest. It shows one of the Kims and tells the world, “Hey, I’m with the program.” And yes, there are people whose job is to check that everyone’s wearing it properly. They do random spot checks in markets and public places. If the badge isn’t there, it could trigger an uncomfortable chat.
Human Applause Sign
Credit: flickr
In North Korea, clapping is assigned. Some people are planted in the crowd at rallies or speeches, and their job is to start clapping at the right time and keep everyone else in rhythm. They set the tone, and the rest of the audience follows like clockwork.
Loudspeaker Fixer
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In North Korea, loudspeakers are everywhere, so you can hear state-run news and patriotic music whether you want to or not. Some people have the job of checking every speaker daily to make sure they’re working perfectly. If one goes silent, it gets fixed fast.
Parade Coach
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
You’ve probably seen North Korea’s military parades with flawless rows of soldiers moving in perfect sync. That doesn’t happen by accident. Behind the scenes, there are parade supervisors who drill troops for weeks. Even a half-second delay gets flagged. These parades are a huge deal as they’re broadcast to the world, and any mistake could be seen as a crack in the country’s image.
Shoveling Snow Just for the Statues
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
It doesn’t matter if it’s freezing, snowing, or no one’s around. If there’s a monument of a Kim leader, it stays spotless. During winter, workers are assigned to clear snow off statues and pathways—by hand, with essential tools. Also, snow is not allowed to cover the face of a leader. Ever.
Fashion Cop Who Says “No” to Your Jeans
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Wearing jeans could be a problem in North Korea. Fashion police walk around checking hairstyles, clothes, and accessories. Apart from enforcing style, they’re also instructed to block Western influence. Certain haircuts are banned, as are foreign logos and anything that looks capitalist.
Neighborhood Watch Leader
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Every neighborhood has a local “Inminban” unit; its head is usually a middle-aged woman who runs the block. She knows who’s coming and going, who’s late to meetings, who didn’t sweep their sidewalk, and who might be acting suspiciously. Her job is to keep order and make sure government rules are followed.
Elevator Operator Even When the Elevator Doesn’t Work
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The job of an elevator operator in North Korea has a twist: the elevator often doesn’t work because of power shortages, but the attendant has to show up every day and sit in the booth. They’re there because it shows discipline and loyalty. Even when the elevator isn’t moving, the person inside reminds you that the system still is.