Mandatory Morning Salute to the Leader’s Portrait in Government Offices

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), old bureaucratic customs have occasionally baffled outsiders. One such historical practice was the mandatory morning salute to the portrait of the nation's leader, displayed prominently in every government office. Employees were expected to stand and offer a formal bow or salute before commencing their daily duties. This ritual symbolized respect and loyalty to the leadership and was deeply ingrained in the bureaucratic culture for decades. Although exact enforcement details varied regionally, anecdotal accounts suggest that failing to perform the salute could attract reprimands or social pressure among colleagues. Remarkably, this rule remained in effect well into the late 20th century and sometimes appears in local folklore discussions about North Korea’s unique administrative customs. While today’s regulations may have evolved, this colorful bureaucratic tradition highlights how protocol and politics once combined to shape daily work life. The practice, often cited in historical observations, continues to fascinate those studying the intersection of ceremony and state control in North Korea.