North Korea - (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Official Sites of North Korea




The Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang is the seat of the Supreme People's Assembly, the unicameral legislature of North Korea.
Image: Nicor


Government

North Korea is a totalitarian, Juche ideology-based state with a highly centralized power structure, ruled by the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and a hereditary leadership. Kim Jong Un, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, serves as both the head of state and the supreme leader.

The Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) functions as the country's legislature, though it acts primarily as a rubber-stamp body for party decisions.

The Juche (self-reliance) ideology emphasizes military strength, economic independence, and loyalty to the state, reinforced by the Songun (Military-First) policy, which prioritizes the military's role in national affairs.

The regime's tight control over all aspects of public and private life is bolstered by a cult of personality centered on the Kim family, severe punishment for dissent, and extensive surveillance. While the state promotes the idea of complete economic self-sufficiency, limited market reforms and external aid play a crucial role in sustaining the economy.


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(Semi-) Official Sites of North Korea

Cabinet of North Korea
The Cabinet of Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the supreme administrative organ of North Korea, Minju Choson is the official newspaper of the Cabinet. (in Korean, Chinese and English)

Naenara
Naenara (Korean: "My Country") is the official web portal of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, hosted under the .kp domain. The site is managed by the Korea Computer Center (KCC) and features information on the country's politics, culture, economy, and news, as well as propaganda content that reflects the government's viewpoints.

Korean Friendship Association (KFA)
Information about North Korea, the Great Leader Kim Il Sung, the Dear Leader Kim Jong Il, and current Supreme Leader Chairman Kim Jong Un.
Official webpage of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). The Korean Friendship Association is created by Alejandro Cao de Benós, a Spanish political activist and a Special Representative of the Foreign Ministry of North Korea. ^[2]



The North Korean side of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The demilitarized zone is a border barrier that divides the peninsula into roughly two halves in a west/east direction.
Image: ブローディ

 

Maps of North Korea



Map of North Korea (click map to enlarge)
Image: © nationsonline.org

Maps

Map of North Korea
Political Map of North Korea.

Administrative Map of North Korea
Map showing North Korea with international borders, provincial boundaries,
provincial capitals, major cities, main roads, railroads and major airports.

Korean Peninsula
Map of the Korean Peninsula.

Google Earth Korean Peninsula
Searchable map and satellite view of the Korean Peninsula.

Google Earth Pyongyang
Searchable map and satellite view of North Korea's capital city.

Map of Asia
Political Map of Asia.

 

North Korea News

News from North Korea

North Korea defines its political system as "an independent socialist state which represents interests of all the Korean people. Guiding ideology of the DPRK is the Juche Idea, created by the founder and father of the socialist Korea – President Kim Il Sung." ^{[Explore DPRK]}

In reality, North Korea's totalitarian regime maintains a strict system of propaganda and censorship to control the population's perception of reality, shaping a state-controlled narrative essential for the regime's survival.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) serves as the primary source of official news for both print and broadcast media, with other state-controlled outlets echoing its messaging. Neither foreign media nor unrestricted internet access is permitted, isolating North Korean citizens from the outside world. Internet access is available in North Korea, but is only permitted with special authorization. The country is globally unique in that it restricts virtually all access to the global internet for its citizens, allowing only a tiny elite to access the global internet, while most people can only use a limited, heavily censored intranet called Kwangmyong.

Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)
North Korean news and about the Workers' Party of Korea General Secretary Kim Jong Un's Revolutionary Activities.

The Rodong Sinmun
The official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea reports on the activities of the Supreme Leader in the DPRK.

Naenara
Official news from the DPRK. in nine languages.

The Choson Sinbo
Choson Sinbo, the 'Korea Newspaper' is a Japan-based a pro-North Korea newspaper published in both Korean and Japanese.

North Korea Times
Oldest online news service in North Korea.

The Pyongyang Times
The Pyongyang Times is a state-controlled weekly English-language newspaper published in the North Korea's capital, Pyongyang.





Radio
Voice of Korea
North Korean state-run international broadcasting service providing music, news and propaganda in several languages.


International News sources
NK News
North Korea subscription-based news with US background. The website provides stories and analysis about North Korea and is headquartered in Seoul.

Daily NK
Online newspaper with North Korea related news based in Seoul. Daily NK places an emphasis on human rights, internal developments, and using a network of sources within North Korea.

North Korea may be able to produce a double-digit number of nuclear weapons
September 2024 Reuters article on North Korea's ability to produce nuclear weapons.

China's 'nightmare scenario'
October 2006 BBC article: A North Korean nuclear test has long been a nightmare scenario for China.


North Korea currently is estimated to have 50 warheads, as of January 2024, and the fissile material for an estimated 70-90 nuclear weapons.
Arms Control Association
 

Arts & Culture of North Korea



Happy North Koreans during the cherry blossom.
Image: friend.com.kp

Arts & Culture

Culture

Consumerism in North Korea: The Kwangbok Area Shopping Center
Article by 38 north, a project of the U.S.-Korea Institute.

Friend
The North Korean Friend website. The website is part of the broader network of North Korean state-sponsored platforms aimed at providing information about the country from its official perspective.

Korean Dishes
A collection of Korean dishes.

Korfilm
Korea Film Export & Import Corporation shows patriotic movies from North Korea on its website.

Korean Review - Culture of Korea
DPRK website with stories about North Korean culture.


Culture of North Korea
Wikipedia article about the peculiarities of the culture of North Korea.

Sports

Sports Korea
Website about North Korean sports, affiliated with the Ministry of Sports of the DPRK.

DPRK Sport
More about the different sports in the DPRK.

North Korea national football team
DPR Korea Football Association at FIFA.

 

North Korean gymnasts performing with hoops at the Arirang Games in Pyongyang, a festival of mass gymnastics.
Image: Mark Scott Johnson

 

Business & Economy of North Korea



Harvest at Chon Sam agriculture co-operative farm between Wonsan and Kosan, east of Pyongyang.
Image: Uwe Brodrecht


The economy of North Korea
North Korea's economy is primarily state-controlled and heavily reliant on several key sectors: mining (coal, iron, and rare earths), manufacturing, and military production. Agriculture plays a significant role, although it struggles with inefficiencies. The country engages in limited trade, mainly with China, focusing on exports like textiles, seafood, and minerals.

North Korea is heavily sanctioned by multiple countries and international organizations such as the United Nations. The sanctions have been imposed primarily due to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, as well as human rights abuses.

The sanctions have had a significant impact on North Korea's economy, limiting its access to foreign currency, disrupting trade, and curtailing its ability to procure materials for its weapons programs.



Central Bank
Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
North Korea's central bank, it issues the North Korean wŏn and the Chŏnsŏng banking card. (so far the bank does not maintain a website)

DPR Korea-Trade
North Korean magazine promoting trade, exchange and cooperation between the DPR of Korea and foreign countries.

Foreign Languages Publishing House
The Foreign Languages Publishing House (FLPH) in Pyongyang publishes publications intended for foreign countries in several languages.

Korea National Insurance Corporation (KNIK)
The Korea National Insurance Corporation was founded in July 1947 and has been active in the life and property and liability insurance business in the DPR Korea for over 70 years.


Manmulsang
A North Korean e-commerce website.

Some North Korean enterprises listed at Manmulsang

Myohyang IT Company
The Myohyang IT Company specializes in the research and development of smartphones and other mobile telecommunications terminal devices and their production.

Namsong Trading Company
The company is involved in the manufacture and export of pharmaceuticals.

Nyongbyon Silk Mill
The company produces mainly silk fabrics.

Ryugyong Fermented Soybean Factory
The factory in the Rangnang district of Pyongyang produces various types of health-beneficial fermented soy products, which are sold in various stores around the country.

Pyongyang Construction & Trading Corporation
The company supplies equipment and materials needed for construction in the capital and is also active in the manufacture and marketing of building materials and electronics, IT development and fuel sales.


Transportation
Air Koryo
Air Koryo is the state-owned flag carrier of North Korea and the country's only commercial airline.



A metro station in Pyongyang.
Image: Kristoferb
 
 

Tourism in North Korea



The 17th century Taedong Gate (Taedongmun) in central Pyongyang; it is the eastern gate of the inner castle of the walled city of Pyongyang.
Image: David Stanley

Destination North Korea - Travel and Tour Guides

Discover North Korea


Explore DPRK
Uncover the real DPRK beyond western narratives.

DPR Korea Tour
Official tourism information for visits to the DPR of Korea.

Tour Operator
Koryo Tours
Koryo Tours is an independent British tour operator based in Beijing that has specialized in group and private tours to North Korea for 30 years.

Uri Tours
Tour operator, specialized on North Korea, offers curated group tours, departing from Beijing or Shanghai.

Young Pioneer Tours
Young Pioneer Tours to North Korea.

A quick guide to North Korean cities
Page about North Korean cities by Young Pioneer Tours.


Travel
Tourism in North Korea
Wikipedia article about the tightly controlled tourism in North Korea.

North Korea
Wikivoyage travel article about North Korea: cities, destinations and attractions.



Heaven Lake caldera atop Baekdusan (Paektu Mountain), at 2,744 m (9,003 ft), the tallest mountain in North Korea and Northeast China.
Image: Laika ac from USA
 

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North Korea



The tomb of Goguryeo king Gwanggaeto the Great (r. 391–412 CE). It is one of the 30 well-preserved buriel mounds tombs of the Koguryo Kingdom, built between the 3rd and 7th centuries CE.
Image: Bart0278
 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North Korea
There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North Korea and five sites on the Tentative List (see the List)

Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong.
Located in the southern city of Kaesong, the site consists of 12 individual parts that together testify to the history and culture of the Koryo Dynasty from the 10th to the 14th centuries. The geomantic complex of the former capital Kaesong, its palaces, institutions and burial sites, defensive walls and gates embody the political, cultural, philosophical and spiritual values ​​of a decisive period in the region's history.


Complex of Koguryo Tombs
The Koguryo Tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the art, culture, and burial traditions of the Koguryo Kingdom, one of the Three Kingdoms of ancient Korea. The site comprises around 30 well-preserved tombs, built between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD, which are scattered around Pyongyang and Nampo.The tombs are made of stonework and earthwork some with beautiful wall paintings (murals), are almost the only remains of the culture of the Koguryo Kingdom. The territory of this kingdom, extended across northeastern China and half of the Korean peninsula.

 

Education in North Korea



The Grand People's Study House in Pyongyang is North Korea's central library.
Image: Mauricio Moreno



Grand People's Study House
The Grand People's Study House is the central library of North Korea located in Pyongyang.

Universities

There are more than 300 colleges and universities in North Korea.

Kim Il Sung University
Kim Il Sung University is a public university in Pyongyang. It was founded on 1 October 1946 and is the first higher education institution in North Korea since the country was founded.

List of universities in North Korea
Wikipedia's list of universities in North Korea.
 
 

Environment & Nature



The Podok Hermitage, one of North Korea's national treasures, is located in the Inner Kumgang Mountains and was built during the Koguryo Dynasty. The hermitage was rebuilt in 1675. Mt. Kumgang and the Historical Relics in and around the Mountain are on UNESCO's Tentative List of proposed World Heritage Sites in North Korea.
Image: Uri Tours


Environmental issues
Some of North Korea's environmental problems are water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water; waterborne disease; deforestation; soil erosion and degradation.


Democratic People's Republic of Korea Environment and Climate Change Outlook
2012 PDF document by the UN environment programme (UNEP).

Democratic People's Republic of Korea: State of the Environment Report
2003 PDF document by the UN environment programme about the state of environment of North Korea.

International Health: North Korean Catastrophe
International Health article related to UNEP's 2003 North Korea State of the Environment Report.

Environment of North Korea
Wikipedia article about the Environment of North Korea.

 

North Korea History



The Korean War (June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953) was an armed conflict on the Korean peninsula fought between North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea; DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea; ROK) and their allies. North Korea was supported by the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union, while South Korea was supported by the United Nations Command (UNC) under the leadership of the United States. The fighting ended in 1953 with a ceasefire without a treaty being signed. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when the Northern Korean People's Army invaded South Korea in a coordinated general attack at several strategic points along the 38th parallel. ^[IKE]
Image: US Department of Defense


Korean War
Wikipedia article about the Korean War (25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953), an armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula fought between North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea; DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea; ROK) and their allies.

The Korean War and Its Origins
Korean War documents at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum.

Eyewitness: A North Korean Remembers
Korean history from 1930 to 1955. (see also: Seoul City Sue)

Korean History Project
The Korean War Digital History Project aims to document and share the experiences of Korean War veterans by collecting interviews and artifacts.

National Institute of Korean History (South Korea)
The NIKH's mission is to manage the nation's historical heritage. The institute was founded in 1946.

The T'angun Legend
The national foundation myth - the short version.

Dangun
Wikipedia article abaut Dangun, the legendary founder and first king of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom.

History of Korea
Wikipedia entry about Korea's History.

 

Additional Information




BBC Country Profile: North Korea

Amnesty International: North Korea

FAO: North Korea

GlobalEDGE: North Korea

The Heritage Foundation: North Korea

Human Rights Watch: North Korea

Nuclear Threat Initiative - NTI: North Korea

OEC: North Korea

Reporters Without Borders: North Korea

Wikipedia: North Korea

The World Factbook -- North Korea