90 Facts About North Korea

Here are 90 facts about North Korea:

General Information

1. Official Name: The official name of North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
2. Capital: The capital city is Pyongyang, one of the most well-known cities in the country.
3. Area: North Korea covers an area of 120,540 square kilometers (46,541 square miles).
4. Population: North Korea has an estimated population of around 25 million people.
5. Language: The official language is Korean (same as South Korea), written in Hangul.
6. Currency: The currency used in North Korea is the North Korean Won (KPW).
7. Time Zone: North Korea follows Pyongyang Time (KST), which is UTC+9 (the same as South Korea and Japan).
8. Flag: The North Korean flag features a red field, a blue stripe, and a white circle with a five-pointed star.
9. National Motto: The national motto is “Workers of the world unite!”, symbolizing socialist solidarity.
10. Independence: North Korea was officially established in 1948 after the end of World War II and the division of Korea.

Government and Politics

11. System of Government: North Korea operates under a totalitarian dictatorship, with a strong central authority controlled by the ruling family.
12. Supreme Leader: The country’s leader is the Supreme Leader, currently Kim Jong-un (since 2011).
13. Kim Family Dynasty: The Kim family has ruled North Korea since its establishment. The first leader was Kim Il-sung, followed by his son Kim Jong-il and then his grandson Kim Jong-un.
14. Korean Workers’ Party: The Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) is the ruling political party and the central institution in North Korean governance.
15. Cult of Personality: North Korea has an intense cult of personality surrounding its leaders, with statues and portraits of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il displayed in public places.
16. Military First Policy: North Korea follows a “Military First” policy, where the military is prioritized in all aspects of life.
17. National Assembly: The Supreme People’s Assembly is the country’s legislature, but it operates as a rubber-stamp parliament, with real power held by the Supreme Leader.
18. Totalitarian Control: The government exercises strict control over all aspects of life, including the economy, media, education, and even personal behavior.
19. No Political Opposition: Political opposition is not allowed in North Korea, and dissent is severely punished.
20. Secret Police: The State Security Department is responsible for maintaining internal security and suppressing any anti-government activities.
21. Kim Jong-un’s Position: Kim Jong-un holds titles such as Supreme Leader, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

Geography and Environment

22. Geography: North Korea is located on the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, bordered by China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and South Korea to the south.
23. Mountains: About 80% of North Korea’s land is mountainous, with prominent peaks like Mount Paektu, which is considered sacred and is believed to be the birthplace of the Korean nation.
24. Rivers: Major rivers in North Korea include the Yalu River and the Tumen River, both of which form natural borders with China and Russia.
25. Climate: North Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
26. Natural Resources: The country has abundant natural resources, including coal, iron ore, magnesite, and zinc.
27. Farming: Despite its mountainous terrain, agriculture remains an important sector, with staple crops such as rice, corn, and potatoes grown.

Military and Defense

28. Military Size: North Korea has one of the largest standing armies in the world, with approximately 1.2 million active-duty soldiers.
29. Nuclear Weapons: North Korea has developed nuclear weapons, conducting several nuclear tests since 2006.
30. Military Spending: A large portion of North Korea’s GDP is allocated to the military, with estimates suggesting around 20% of its GDP.
31. Nuclear Program: The country has pursued an aggressive nuclear weapons program, testing several nuclear bombs, which has led to international sanctions.
32. Missile Program: North Korea has also developed a range of ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the United States.
33. Korean People’s Army: The Korean People’s Army (KPA) is the military arm of North Korea, which is divided into land, navy, and air forces.
34. Military Parades: North Korea regularly holds military parades to demonstrate its military power and achievements.
35. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): The DMZ is a heavily guarded border area separating North and South Korea, which is considered one of the most militarized regions in the world.
36. Cyber Warfare: North Korea has been linked to cyberattacks on other nations, including cybercrime and hacking activities targeting financial institutions.

Economy and Industry

37. Command Economy: North Korea has a centralized command economy, with the state controlling most industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
38. Agriculture: The economy relies heavily on agriculture, with state-owned collective farms producing rice, corn, and other crops.
39. Industrial Output: North Korea’s industrial output includes machinery, textiles, chemicals, and steel.
40. Self-Sufficiency: North Korea follows a self-sufficiency policy known as Juche, which focuses on national independence and minimizing foreign influence.
41. Sanctions: North Korea has been heavily sanctioned by the United Nations and other countries due to its nuclear weapons program and other activities.
42. Trade: North Korea’s major trade partners are China, Russia, and South Korea.
43. Underground Economy: There is an informal underground economy where people trade goods outside state control, often using foreign currencies like the Chinese yuan.
44. Export: North Korea exports commodities such as minerals, coal, textiles, and agricultural products.
45. Energy: The country faces chronic energy shortages, and electricity is often limited, particularly in rural areas.
46. Currency: The North Korean won is the national currency, but U.S. dollars and Chinese yuan are often used in unofficial transactions.

Society and Culture

47. Education: The education system in North Korea is state-controlled, with a strong emphasis on political indoctrination and the achievements of the ruling Kim family.
48. Juche Ideology: The Juche ideology, developed by Kim Il-sung, is the country’s official state ideology, focusing on self-reliance and national independence.
49. Cult of Personality: There is a pervasive cult of personality surrounding the Kim family, with portraits, statues, and images of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un prominently displayed.
50. Religion: Religious freedom is severely restricted in North Korea. Christianity and Buddhism are suppressed, and the country is considered one of the least religious in the world.
51. State Holidays: North Korea celebrates official holidays like the Day of the Sun (Kim Il-sung’s birthday), Victory Day, and the Foundation of the Republic.
52. Control of Media: The government controls all media, including newspapers, television, and radio. Independent journalism is not allowed.
53. Censorship: All information coming into the country is heavily censored, and access to the internet is severely restricted for most citizens.
54. Art and Music: North Korea promotes art and music that glorify the Kim family and the state, while Western media is banned.
55. Public Displays of Loyalty: Citizens are expected to participate in public displays of loyalty to the Kim family, including attending parades and events.
56. Prison Camps: North Korea is known for its labor camps where individuals are sent for perceived political offenses. These camps are notorious for their brutal conditions.
57. Healthcare: Healthcare in North Korea is free, but the system is underfunded and suffers from shortages of medical supplies and equipment.
58. Cuisine: North Korean cuisine includes dishes like kimchi, cold noodles (naengmyeon), kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae), and grilled fish.
59. Traditional Clothing: North Koreans wear Choson-ot, a traditional Korean outfit, for special occasions and state events.
60. Public Behavior: There are strict rules about public behavior, including how to address others, dress, and even how to bow before the leadership.

Relationships with Other Countries

61. Isolation: North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world, with limited diplomatic relations.
62. China: China is North Korea’s largest and most important ally, providing economic support and trade.
63. South Korea: The relationship between North and South Korea is tense and marked by military confrontations and ideological differences.
64. United States: North Korea views the United States as a hostile power, although there have been occasional diplomatic efforts to engage in talks.
65. Russia: Russia maintains limited diplomatic relations with North Korea, mainly focused on economic cooperation.
66. Japan: North Korea’s relationship with Japan is strained due to issues related to abductions and regional security concerns.
67. United Nations: North Korea is a member of the United Nations, but its behavior has led to international sanctions and condemnation.
68. UN Sanctions: North Korea has been subjected to multiple rounds of UN sanctions due to its nuclear tests, missile launches, and human rights violations.

History

69. Korean War: The Korean War (1950-1953) was fought between the North (backed by China and the Soviet Union) and the South (backed by the United States and the UN). The war ended in an armistice, and Korea remains divided.
70. Division of Korea: After World War II, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel into Soviet-occupied North Korea and U.S.-occupied South Korea.
71. Kim Il-sung’s Rise to Power: Kim Il-sung became the first leader of North Korea, leading the country from its founding in 1948 until his death in 1994.
72. Japanese Occupation: Korea was under Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, during which North Korea was subjected to harsh conditions.
73. Juche and Independence: After the Korean War, Juche became the guiding philosophy, emphasizing the country’s independence and reliance on its own resources.

Technology and Development

74. Nuclear Development: North Korea has made significant advancements in its nuclear weapons and missile technologies.
75. Space Program: North Korea has developed a space program, claiming to launch satellites into orbit, although these have been controversial and linked to missile technology.
76. Internet Access: Most North Koreans have no access to the internet, which is heavily restricted. Only a small number of officials can access the global internet.
77. Mobile Phones: Mobile phones are common in North Korea but are limited in terms of features and international calls.
78. Technology Imports: North Korea relies on technology imports from countries like China, particularly in areas such as computers and telecommunications.
79. Transportation: Public transportation is available in cities like Pyongyang, but infrastructure in rural areas is underdeveloped.
80. Infrastructure Development: North Korea has invested in large infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, and airports, but they often lack modern technology.

Fun and Unusual Facts

81. Pyongyang Metro: The Pyongyang Metro is one of the deepest subways in the world and doubles as a bomb shelter.
82. Mass Games: North Korea holds large Mass Games performances, which are extravagant displays of gymnastics, dance, and synchronized performances, often celebrating the Kim family.
83. No Internet for Most: Only the elite have access to the global internet; most citizens only have access to a domestic intranet.
84. No Private Property: There is no private property in North Korea, and the state owns all land.
85. Public Transportation System: Pyongyang’s public transportation system, including buses and trams, is known for being clean but often poorly maintained.
86. Tourism: North Korea attracts tourists under strict supervision. Tourists can only visit the country in guided groups.
87. Bizarre Laws: North Korea has some peculiar laws, such as the ban on wearing jeans and Western clothing for certain groups of people.
88. Children’s Day: North Korea celebrates Children’s Day on June 1, where children receive gifts and attention from the government.
89. Kim Jong-un’s Popularity: Kim Jong-un is widely promoted in the media as the country’s beloved leader, with many statues and murals celebrating him.
90. Superstitions: There are superstitions about the Kim family’s fate, including beliefs about the sacredness of Mount Paektu.