North Korea

North Korea
"North Korea" is a phrase of obscure origins but immense power. At least to those in the know.

Saying "North Korea" in a room will cause all those in ear shot to clap for a short period. It has the use of getting attention should things get rowdy, being a mild nuisance and alienating outsiders. For these reasons, especially the last one, it is advised that it is used sparingly and explained to those who look confused.

The power of "North Korea" has been lightheartedly used as a social experiment within the community. When newcomers experience its power for the first time, their reactions range from confusion to utter conformity. If a newcomer joins the clapping, it's a great opportunity to open up a discussion about how it has become so normal for people to conform without fully understanding or questioning why. Why do we do this? How can we encourage ourselves to think before following the crowd? We want to encourage people to think for themselves.

A work around for when the nation of North Korea is a subject of conversation is to use the term "The Chosen Nation."

South Korea
On a low key night out in Christiania 06/09/17 in a lightning flash it was proposed and decided that a vocalised "South Korea" should elicit a "BOOOOOOO!" from all those within earshot.

Bystanders seemed both nervous and confused.