history of North Korea: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos

Political map of North Korea showing provincial boundaries, major cities, and neighboring countries China and South Korea. The map highlights the Demilitarized Zone along the southern border and includes a locator inset indicating North Korea's position in East Asia. Major cities such as Pyongyang, Nampo, and Hamhung are labeled, along with surrounding seas: the Yellow Sea to the west and the East Sea (Sea of Japan) to the east.

Large bronze statue of Kim Il-sung with one arm raised, standing in front of a government building in Pyongyang as people bow and lay flowers at the base.

Portrait of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il wearing glasses and a gray collared shirt, looking forward with a neutral expression.

South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung, left, speaks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il during a lunch in Pyongyang after a summit on June 15, 2000.

Kim Jong-Un and Kim Jong Il

Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju stand side by side on a red carpet, posing for a photo in front of a blue and green abstract backdrop.

People seated at Seoul Railway Station watch a TV news broadcast about North Korea's fifth nuclear test, with a soldier standing nearby and a Samsung sign above the screen.

See All Images and Interactives →

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic