Where is North Korea Located?

Where is North Korea located on the map? North Korea is an independent nation located in Eastern Asia. Check out the following images to see location of North Korea on maps.

North Korea Location in World Map

Location Information of North Korea

Latitude and Longitude

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is located in East Asia, on the Korean Peninsula. It is bordered by China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and South Korea to the south, while to the east it faces the Sea of Japan (East Sea) and to the west the Yellow Sea. The country’s approximate geographic coordinates are 40.3399° N latitude and 127.5101° E longitude. North Korea covers an area of approximately 120,540 square kilometers (46,540 square miles), making it the 99th largest country in the world.

The country’s geography includes mountain ranges in the east, plains in the west, and a coastline along the Sea of Japan and Yellow Sea. The terrain is rugged, with significant areas covered by forests, rivers, and valleys. The country is also home to numerous rivers, including the Yalu River and Tumen River, which serve as natural borders with China and Russia, respectively.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Pyongyang

The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang, located in the western part of the country along the Taedong River. Pyongyang is the largest city in North Korea, with a population of around 3 million people. It is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, with many government institutions, monuments, and historical sites. Key landmarks include the Kim Il-sung Square, Juche Tower, Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, and Pyongyang Metro. Pyongyang serves as a symbol of the North Korean regime and is the focal point for visitors allowed into the country, although tourism is strictly controlled by the government.

Major Cities

1. Hamhung: Located on the east coast of North Korea, Hamhung is the second-largest city in the country, with a population of approximately 800,000. It is an industrial center, particularly known for its chemical manufacturing and textiles industries. Hamhung is also home to the Hamhung Grand Theatre and the Masikryong Ski Resort, which are popular for domestic tourism.
2. Nampo: Situated on the west coast, near the Yellow Sea, Nampo is a port city and industrial hub with a population of around 500,000. The city is known for its shipbuilding industry and serves as a major center for coal, cement, and electrical products. The nearby Chollima Steel Complex is one of the largest steel factories in the country.
3. Wonsan: Wonsan, located on the eastern coast of North Korea along the Sea of Japan, is a port city with a population of about 300,000. Wonsan is a key center for fishing, agriculture, and tourism. It is known for its resorts, including the Wonsan Kalma Peninsula area, and has historical significance as a cultural and trade center in North Korea.
4. Sinuiju: Located along the Yalu River, Sinuiju is a major city near the border with China. It has a population of around 300,000 and is important for trade, particularly with China. Sinuiju serves as a key gateway for trade across the border, and the Sinuiju Special Economic Zone has been a focal point for economic reforms.
5. Kaesong: Located in the southern part of the country, Kaesong is known for its historical and cultural significance as well as its proximity to the border with South Korea. The city was the capital of the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) and has several historical landmarks, including the Kaesong Koryo Museum and Panmunjom.

Time Zone

North Korea operates on Pyongyang Time (KST), which is UTC +9:00. This time zone is shared with South Korea, Japan, and Russia’s Far East. In 2015, North Korea created its own time zone by setting the clock 30 minutes behind South Korea and Japan, calling it Pyongyang Time. This change was made in a symbolic move to emphasize the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Climate

North Korea has a continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The climate is influenced by the Asian monsoon and the cold Siberian winds that impact much of the Korean Peninsula.

1. Winter (December to February)

Winters in North Korea are harsh, with cold temperatures and heavy snow in the northern regions and mountainous areas. The average temperatures range from -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F) in many parts of the country. Pyongyang and other lowland areas experience milder winter temperatures compared to the more northern and mountainous regions. The cold Siberian air leads to dry conditions and frost.

2. Spring (March to May)

Spring in North Korea is mild and relatively short, with temperatures gradually warming from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). The country begins to experience higher levels of precipitation, particularly in the months of April and May, as the Asian monsoon begins to build up.

3. Summer (June to August)

Summer is characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. Average summer temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), with heatwaves pushing temperatures higher in some regions. The summer months coincide with the rainy season due to the Asian monsoon. This brings heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding in various parts of the country. The east coast experiences the heaviest rainfall.

4. Autumn (September to November)

Autumn in North Korea is the most comfortable season, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The season experiences moderate temperatures and less precipitation, and the leaves in the mountainous areas turn vibrant colors, making it a beautiful time to visit. The harvest season also takes place during this time.

Economic Status

North Korea has a command economy, where the government controls most aspects of the economy, including production, distribution, and trade. The country remains one of the most isolated economies in the world, with limited foreign investment and trade, primarily due to sanctions imposed by the international community.

1. Agriculture

Agriculture is a significant sector in North Korea, employing a large portion of the population. The primary crops grown include rice, corn, wheat, barley, and potatoes. However, the country faces challenges such as poor soil, limited arable land, and frequent droughts. Despite these challenges, agriculture is essential for food security, as the country struggles with food shortages and malnutrition.

2. Industry and Manufacturing

North Korea’s industrial sector is diverse, with industries such as coal mining, steel production, machinery manufacturing, and textiles. The country is rich in mineral resources, including coal, iron ore, gold, and rare earth minerals. Military production is also a significant part of the industrial landscape, contributing to the development of military equipment and technology.

3. Energy

North Korea relies heavily on coal for energy production, although it has hydropower potential due to its mountainous terrain. The country also faces significant energy shortages, as the infrastructure is outdated and insufficient. Nuclear energy is a focal point of the country’s energy strategy, but its development has led to tensions with the international community, particularly due to North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

4. International Trade

North Korea’s economy is highly constrained by international sanctions related to its nuclear weapons program. While the country maintains trade relations with countries like China and Russia, its exports are limited to commodities like minerals, textiles, and agriculture products, with China being the largest trade partner. Sanctions have severely limited North Korea’s access to global markets, and its foreign investment is minimal.

5. Challenges

The country faces a stagnant economy, food shortages, poverty, and a lack of basic infrastructure. International sanctions and the nuclear issue further complicate the situation. The government’s focus on military spending and political control detracts from investments in the healthcare system, education, and technology.

Tourist Attractions

1. Pyongyang The capital city itself is an important attraction in North Korea, with historic landmarks like Kim Il-sung Square, the Arch of Triumph, and the Juche Tower, a monument to the country’s self-reliant ideology. The Pyongyang Metro and the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum also offer insights into the country’s history.
2. Mount Paektu Mount Paektu is the highest peak in the country, located on the border between North Korea and China. It is considered a sacred mountain in Korean culture, and is the site of the legendary birthplace of Kim Jong-il, the late leader of North Korea. Visitors can enjoy hiking and breathtaking views of the surrounding lake.
3. Kumgang Mountains Located in the southeast of North Korea, the Kumgang Mountains are famous for their scenic beauty and have been a significant tourist destination for South Korean visitors. The region is known for its dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and ancient temples, making it a key attraction for eco-tourism.
4. Kaesong The historic city of Kaesong, near the border with South Korea, is home to Koryo Museum and the Kaesong Koryo Inscription. The city is an important symbol of the Goryeo Dynasty and offers a rich historical experience.
5. Wonsan Located on the eastern coast, Wonsan is a port city known for its beaches, resorts, and mountainous landscapes. The area is relatively less developed than Pyongyang, but it offers opportunities for visitors to explore beaches and hiking trails.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa to visit North Korea. Tourist visas can only be obtained through authorized travel agencies that arrange group tours to the country. Travel to North Korea is tightly controlled, and visitors must be accompanied by an official guide at all times. Independent travel is not permitted, and tourists must adhere to strict rules and regulations while in the country.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance to New York City

The distance from New York City to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is approximately 10,600 kilometers (6,600 miles). Flights typically take around 12 to 14 hours, with layovers in cities like Beijing or Moscow.

Distance to Los Angeles

The distance from Los Angeles to Pyongyang is approximately 10,400 kilometers (6,460 miles). Flights from Los Angeles typically require at least one layover, and travel times range from 11 to 14 hours, depending on the route taken and the layover duration.

North Korea Facts

Size	122,762 km²
Residents	25.7 million
Languages	Korean, Russian, Chinese
Capital	Pyongyang
Longest river	Yalu (790 km)
Highest mountain	Paektusan (2,744 m)
Currency	won