North Korea
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At a glance
- Region
- Eastern Asia
- Capital
- Pyongyang
- Population
- 26.5 million (2024)
- Area
- 120,538 km²
- Languages
- Korean
- Currency
- North Korean won (KPW)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +850
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Before you go
Overview
North-Korea is located in East Asia.
The capital city is Pyongyang located along Taedong River.
The country recorded a population of 25.55 million in 2018 and covers an area of 120,538 km2.
The second-largest city is Hamhung.
Skyline of the capital, P’yŏngyang.
History
Japan ruled Korea until 1945 after the Second World War.
Korea was divided into northern supported by the Soviet Union and southern supported by the US in 1948.
North-Korea became a republic on 9th September 1948.
The two Korean states later went to war in 1950. The war lasted for three years.
Food & culture
Its culture is the traditional Korean culture with slight developments.
The main crops are rice and maize. Other crops include wheat, barley, sugar beet, soybean, potatoes, millet, buckwheat and sorghum. Popular foods include kimchi, noodles, tofu and rice.
Wildlife
the most common wildlife animals include Siberian musk deer, Asiatic black bear, cinereous vulture, tiger snake, and wild boar.
Festivals & events
Spring Dragon Boat festival is celebrated to remember the life and death of Qu Yuan a Chinese scholar.
Kim Jong-suk’s birthday is commemorated nationwide on 24th December.
The establishment of the socialist constitution is celebrated on 27th December.
Others include the bonfire festival, wangin culture festival, mass games, chuseok-harvest moon festival and the day of the sun.
Things to see
At the heart of Pyongyang city is Mansu Hill Grand Monument where the bronze statues of Kim II Sung and Kim Jong II are situated giving the city a beautiful view.
The country also hosts the Grand Mass Gymnastics and Arirang Mass Games in Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang in August or September.
The Korean Revolution Museum and Korean Art Gallery display the Korean art, culture and history.
Interesting facts
The national language is Korean.
The country is irreligious; the main religions are Korean Shamanism and Chondoism.
Neighbours
My Bucket List goals in North Korea
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