Do North Korean Soldiers Get Paid?
North Korea is one of the most isolated and enigmatic countries in the world, and its military is no exception. For decades, rumors and speculation have circulated about the salaries and compensation of North Korean soldiers. While some reports suggest that they receive a meager wage, others claim that they are not paid at all. So, do North Korean soldiers get paid? Let’s delve into the mystery.
Direct Answer: No, North Korean Soldiers Do Not Get Paid
In a direct and blunt answer, experts and sources close to the regime confirm that North Korean soldiers do not receive a salary. No monetary compensation is given to them in the form of wages or salaries. Instead, they are sustained through a complex system of subsistence, which is primarily based on rationing and food allocation.
What Do North Korean Soldiers Survive On?
To understand how North Korean soldiers survive without a salary, let’s look at their living conditions and rationing system:
• Food Rationing: Soldiers receive a monthly food ration, which includes staple grains like rice, corn, and potatoes, as well as limited amounts of protein-rich foods like meat, fish, and eggs. The quality and quantity of food are strictly controlled to ensure that the military’s basic needs are met.
• Communal Living: Soldiers are housed in large communal barracks, where they share limited resources and amenities. This arrangement allows the military to minimize costs and maximize living space.
• Social Support: The North Korean government emphasizes the importance of social solidarity and loyalty among soldiers. Camaraderie and mutual support are seen as crucial components of military morale and effectiveness.
Other Benefits and Incentives
While North Korean soldiers may not receive a salary, they are compensated in other ways:
• Social Benefits: Soldiers have access to free or heavily subsidized medical care, as well as low-cost education and training for themselves and their families.
• Land and Agricultural Benefits: Privileges and land grants are awarded to soldiers who excel in their duties or achieve specific military milestones. This allows them to supplement their food ration with farm-produced goods.
• Social Status: Serving in the military is considered a prestigious and honorable career choice, with social standing and respect bestowed upon soldiers and their families.
Comparison to Other Countries
To put North Korea’s military compensation system into perspective, let’s compare it to other countries:
| Country | Military Compensation | Rationing System | Social Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Competitive salary and benefits | Food allowance, with optional purchasing power | Comprehensive healthcare, education, and social security |
| United States | Competitive salary and benefits | Optional purchasing power | Comprehensive healthcare, education, and social security |
| China | Moderate salary and benefits | Food allowance, with optional purchasing power | Limited social benefits, but improving |
| North Korea | No salary, with subsistence rations | Food rationing, with limited optional purchasing power | Limited social benefits, focused on loyalty and solidarity |
Conclusion
In conclusion, North Korean soldiers do not receive a salary, relying instead on a complex system of subsistence, food rationing, and communal living. While their living conditions may be austere, they are compensated with social benefits, land and agricultural privileges, and social status. This unique approach to military compensation is shaped by the North Korean regime’s emphasis on social solidarity, loyalty, and sacrifice.
