North Korea

North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a highly centralized socialist state located in East Asia, occupying the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. Known for its military-first policy, strict authoritarian rule, and nuclear program, North Korea remains one of the most secretive and isolated countries in the world.

Formation and Historical Background

  • The Korean Peninsula was liberated from Japanese colonial rule in 1945.
  • Following World War II, Korea was divided into Soviet-backed North Korea and U.S.-backed South Korea.
  • In 1948, the DPRK was established under Kim Il-sung.
  • The Korean War (1950–1953) ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving North and South technically at war.
  • North Korea is governed under the Juche ideology (self-reliance), developed by Kim Il-sung.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) / 조선민주주의인민공화국
Capital Pyongyang (평양직할시)
Government Type One-party socialist republic
Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un (김정은)
Premier Kim Tok-hun (김덕훈)
Total Area Approx. 120,540 sq. km
Population Approx. 25.9 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Pyongyang Time (UTC+9)
Official Language Korean
Currency North Korean Won (KPW, ₩)
ISO Code KP

Administrative Divisions

North Korea is divided into three types of primary administrative units:

  • 9 Provinces (도 – Do)
  • 3 Directly Governed Cities (직할시 – Chikhalsi)
  • 2 Special Administrative Regions (특별행정구 – Teukbyeol Haengjeonggu)

List of Administrative Divisions:

Provinces (Do):

  1. Chagang (자강도)
  2. North Hamgyong (함경북도)
  3. South Hamgyong (함경남도)
  4. North Hwanghae (황해북도)
  5. South Hwanghae (황해남도)
  6. Kangwon (강원도)
  7. North Pyongan (평안북도)
  8. South Pyongan (평안남도)
  9. Ryanggang (량강도)

Directly Governed Cities (Chikhalsi):

  1. Pyongyang (평양직할시) – Capital
  2. Rason (라선특별시) – Special City with economic functions
  3. Nampo (남포특급시)

Special Administrative Regions:

  1. Sinuiju Special Administrative Region (신의주 특별행정구) – Border trade hub (underdeveloped)
  2. Kaesong Industrial Region (개성공업지구) – Joint industrial zone with South Korea (currently inactive)

Local Government Structure

  • The DPRK is governed by the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK).
  • Local governance is handled through people’s committees at the provincial, city, and county levels.
  • All executive decisions are overseen by the Supreme Leader and party leadership.

Leadership & Governance

  • Supreme Leader: Kim Jong-un – holds absolute power over party, military, and state.
  • Premier: Kim Tok-hun – head of government and economy management
  • Legislative body: Supreme People’s Assembly (largely symbolic)
  • Military: Korean People’s Army (KPA) is central to governance and national policy

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Domestic security is managed by the Ministry of State Security and Ministry of People’s Security.
  • Surveillance, political control, and border security are highly prioritized.
  • Emergency response is tightly controlled by the military and party apparatus.

Economy & Industry

  • Heavily state-controlled, centralized command economy
  • Key sectors:
    • Mining: coal, iron ore, rare earths
    • Military production and arms exports
    • Agriculture: largely collectivized farming
    • Textiles, seafood, machinery
  • Sanctions and isolation heavily affect international trade

Education & Institutions

  • Compulsory education up to secondary level
  • Major institutions: Kim Il-sung University, Kim Chaek University of Technology
  • Curriculum emphasizes political ideology and military readiness

Healthcare

  • Universal public healthcare system
  • Chronic resource shortages, lack of modern equipment
  • Limited access to global medical technology

Transport & Connectivity

  • Aging rail network connecting major cities
  • Roads and highways in poor condition, limited car ownership
  • Pyongyang Sunan International Airport: main international gateway
  • Internet access is highly restricted; domestic intranet (Kwangmyong) is used

Tourism & Attractions

  • Controlled tourism with government guides
  • Attractions: Juche Tower, Mansudae Grand Monument, Mount Paektu, Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
  • Mass games and military parades draw international attention

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Deeply influenced by state ideology
  • Traditional arts blended with propaganda themes
  • Cuisine: kimchi, corn-based dishes, cold noodles (naengmyeon)
  • Social structure based on songbun (loyalty classification system)

Summary

North Korea is a highly secretive and ideologically driven state with centralized control over all aspects of life. Despite economic hardship and international isolation, it remains a critical player in regional politics and military dynamics. Understanding its structure, leadership, and administrative divisions provides a foundation for informed analysis and global engagement.