North Korea: flag, capital, currency and history
North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in Eastern Asia, Asia. Its capital is Pyongyang. The currency is the North Korean won. Languages spoken include Korean.
Quick facts about North Korea
- Official name
- Democratic People's Republic of Korea
- Capital
- Pyongyang
- Region
- Asia, Eastern Asia
- Currency
- North Korean won (KPW, ₩)
- Languages
- Korean
- Calling code
- +850
- Internet domain
- .kp
- Area
- 120,538 km² (46,540 sq mi)
- Land borders
- China, South Korea, Russia
- Demonym
- North Korean
- National day
- Foundation Day, September 9
Flag of North Korea
Download the flag of North Korea as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇰🇵.
History of North Korea
The Korean peninsula was home to early states such as Gojoseon, followed by the Three Kingdoms, Unified Silla, Goryeo and Joseon, the last of which lasted from 1392 into the early 20th century. Japan annexed Korea in 1910 and ruled it until 1945. At the end of the Second World War the peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel into Soviet and American zones. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was proclaimed in the north in 1948. The Korean War of 1950 to 1953 ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. The country is a one-party state with Pyongyang as its capital.
Key dates
- 918Wang Geon founds Goryeo, which later unifies the Korean peninsula.
- 1392Yi Seong-gye founds the Joseon dynasty.
- 1910Japan annexes Korea.
- 1945Japanese rule ends, and the peninsula is divided into Soviet and American zones.
- 1948The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is proclaimed on 9 September.
- 1950The Korean War begins when northern forces cross the 38th parallel.
- 1953An armistice agreement is signed on 27 July, halting the fighting.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of North Korea
North Korea uses the North Korean won (KPW, ₩). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of North Korea?
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang.
What currency does North Korea use?
North Korea uses the North Korean won (KPW, symbol ₩).
What languages are spoken in North Korea?
Languages used in North Korea include Korean.
What is the calling code of North Korea?
The international calling code of North Korea is +850. Its internet domain is .kp.
Which countries border North Korea?
North Korea shares land borders with China, South Korea and Russia.
On which continent is North Korea?
North Korea is in Asia, in the region of Eastern Asia.
What is the national day of North Korea?
North Korea marks Foundation Day on September 9.
Neighbours of North Korea
More countries in Eastern Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).