On this page:

• Summary
• A short history
• People and society
• Customs and traditions
• Media and Internet 

North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. It shares borders with China and Russia to the north and South Korea to the south. A Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) acts as a heavily fortified buffer between the two Koreas. The country is surrounded by the Yellow Sea to the west and the East Sea (Sea of Japan) to the east.

North Korea has a land area of approximately 120,540 km², making it slightly larger than South Korea. The terrain is mostly mountainous (Approximately 80%), with limited arable land located in the lower lying coastal regions. Mount Paektu, an active volcano standing at 2,744 meters, is the country’s highest peak straddling the Chinese-North Korea border. The Volcano and its high-altitude lake are regarded as the mythical birthplace of the Korean people and has featured in state propaganda to legitimise the ruling Kim family.

Paektu Mountain, North Korea

North Korea’s population is estimated at around 26 million people, with most residing in urban areas, including the capital, Pyongyang.

Winters are long and bitterly cold, especially in the northern and inland regions, where temperatures can drop below -20°C. Summers are mostly short and humid, with temperatures in the southern parts reaching around 30°C. North Korea is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons and floods, which have led to food shortages and economic disruptions in the past.

A Short History

North Korea and South Korea share the same ancient history, having been part of the Three Kingdoms of Korea (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla) and later the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Goguryeo, which controlled much of present-day North Korea and Manchuria, was known for its military prowess and cultural achievements. Baekje and Silla, located in the southern parts of the peninsula, played crucial roles in the spread of Buddhism and regional diplomacy.

The Joseon dynasty was the last and longest-lived imperial dynasty in Korea (1392–1897). Regarded by many as the Golden age of Korea, it left a lasting impression on Korean culture, system of government, and societal values. Science, culture and education thrived; however, Joseon suffered invasions from Japan in the late 16th century (Imjin War) and later from the Manchus in the 17th century, weakening the state. By the late 19th century, Korea faced growing external pressures from China, Japan, and Western powers.

Japan ruled Korea as a colony from 1910 to 1945, subjecting the population to economic exploitation, cultural suppression, and forced labour. Thousands of Korean men were conscripted into the Japanese military, while many women were forced into sexual slavery. During this time Japan industrialised parts of Korea, particularly heavy industries in the north, which would later influence North Korea’s economy.

Korea was liberated by the allied forces following Japan’s 1945 WWII defeat; however, there was no post war plan preceding liberation, and the country was subsequently divided along the 38th parallel into two zones of occupation. The Soviet Union administered the north, while the U.S controlled the south.

By 1948, it was clear that reunification would not be possible due to the stark ideological differences between the occupying powers. In the South, an American-backed government was established, led by Syngman Rhee, while in the North, a Soviet-backed government was formed under Kim Il-sung.

On 25 June 1950, Kim Il-sung, backed by the Soviet Union and China, launched a full-scale invasion of South Korea, igniting the Korean War. The 75,000 strong invading force advanced quickly, capturing Seoul in only three days. In response, the United Nations, led by U.S. troops, joined the war effort in support of South Korea. China entered the war on behalf of North Korea three months later.

Despite fighting for over a year, neither side could establish a decisive advantage. Fierce battles were fought along the 38th parallel until eventually in 1953, the war ended in an armistice. A Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the opposing sides was established, yet no formal peace treaty has ever been signed and so both countries are technically still at war.

People and Society

North Korea is one of the most ethnically homogeneous societies in the word. 99.8% of the population are Korean with 0.2% identifying as Chinese. The national language of North and South Korea is Korean, also known as Hangul; however, there has been some divergence since the 1950s, especially in terms of vocabulary. The North Korean government has removed many foreign words, replacing them with purely Korean terms to promote cultural purity.

The country is officially atheist, although its constitution guarantees free practice of religion, providing it doesn't introduce foreign forces, harm the state, or harm the existing social order. While not strictly a religion, the North Korean government has adopted the ideology of ‘Juche’, a state philosophy centred on self-reliance and loyalty to the ruling Kim family. It permeates every aspect of life, reinforcing the belief that North Korea must remain strong in the face of external threats. Religious practices are largely banned, with underground Christian communities facing severe persecution if discovered.

National Psyche

North Korean society is dominated by strict government controls, national pride, and a deep sense of loyalty to the ruling regime. The country operates under a highly centralised government that enforces strict adherence to the teachings of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un. Citizens are taught from a young age to revere their leaders, with state propaganda playing a significant role in maintaining national unity. This indoctrination is reinforced through education, arts, and mass mobilisation events.

North Korea is also known for its rigid social classification system, known as Songbun, which determines an individual’s status based on family background and perceived loyalty to the regime. Those with higher Songbun enjoy privileges such as better housing, education, and job opportunities, while those with lower Songbun face restrictions, state surveillance, and potential relocation to rural areas or labour camps.

Visitors to North Korea are typically accompanied by government-approved guides and are limited in their interactions with the local people. North Koreans are generally known for their politeness and respect for authority figures, traits that are deeply ingrained in the country’s Confucian-influenced culture. Public behaviour is highly regulated, with strict norms governing interactions and conduct.

Customs and Traditions

North Korean culture is heavily controlled by the state, but it also retains many traditional Korean customs. 

Mass Games

One of the most famous cultural events in North Korea is the Arirang Mass Games, a massive, choreographed performance involving tens of thousands of participants. These displays celebrate North Korean history, socialist achievements, and loyalty to the leadership. The event is renowned for its synchronised gymnastics, large-scale mosaics made by human performers, and themes of nationalism and military strength.

Holidays

National holidays in North Korea revolve around the ruling Kim family. The most significant celebrations include Kim Il-sung’s birthday (Day of the Sun) on April 15 and Kim Jong-il’s birthday (Day of the Shining Star) on February 16. These events feature parades, fireworks, and public displays of devotion, including mass dances and floral exhibitions. Other key holidays include the anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the National Day of North Korea.

Traditional Korean Arts

Despite state influence, North Korea preserves some elements of traditional Korean culture, including folk music, dance, and traditional clothing (hanbok); however, these are often adapted to align with political messages. The government also produces state-approved operas and musical performances that glorify the leadership and socialist ideals.

Media and Internet

North Korea has one of the most restricted media environments in the world. All media is state-owned, with no independent journalism allowed. The government operates several television and radio stations, which broadcast state-approved news and propaganda. Foreign media is banned, and access to information from outside the country is strictly controlled, with harsh punishments for those caught consuming foreign content.

The internet is virtually non-existent for ordinary citizens. Only a select few, such as government officials and researchers, have access to a heavily censored intranet known as Kwangmyong. Unauthorized access to foreign information is considered a serious crime, punishable by imprisonment or worse. Smuggled mobile phones and USB drives from China have become a growing underground market, allowing some North Koreans to access outside information despite the risks.

For more general information on North Korea, see the resources below:

Videos:

• Visiting North Korea | DW Documentary
• How North Korea Actually Works | Authorized Account | Insider

Articles:

• North Korea | Facts, Map, & History | Britannica
• Korea, North – The World Factbook
• North Korea profile – Timeline – BBC News
• War And Nationalism: How North Korea Forges A National Identity From Loss – The Yale Review Of International Studies
• Liberty in North Korea
• NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY: CLASSES, HIERARCHY SONGBUN, INEQUALITY AND SURVIVAL | Facts and Details
• North Korea's Caste System | Human Rights Watch
• 'Squid Game' smuggler set to die by firing squad in North Korea
• How the Internet Works in North Korea | TL Dev Tech
• North Korea steps up efforts to stamp out consumption of illegal foreign media – but entertainment-hungry citizens continue to flout the ban