What Language Do They Speak in North Korea?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
The official language of North Korea is Korean. Korean is also an official language in 1 other country worldwide.
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Korean Phrasebook & Dictionary
The essentials for ordering food, asking directions and being polite.
Languages of North Korea at a glance
| Official language | Korean |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 1 |
| Countries on this site where Korean is official | 2 |
| People (demonym) | North Korean |
| Capital | Pyongyang |
| Internet domain | .kp |
Other countries where Korean is official
Korean is also an official language in 1 other country covered here:
Languages of neighbouring countries
| China | Chinese |
|---|---|
| South Korea | Korean |
| Russia | Russian |
North Korea in context
- North Korea covers 120,538 kmΒ², making it the 97th largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 215 people per kmΒ² ranks 50th of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 3 countries: China, South Korea, Russia.
- With 25,950,000 people, North Korea holds about 1.6% of the population of Eastern Asia.
- Traffic drives on the right, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- North Korea is a member state of the United Nations.
Compare North Korea
Useful phrases for visitors to North Korea
Everyday Korean phrases you will hear and use in North Korea:
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Hello | μλ νμΈμ (annyeonghaseyo) |
| Thank you | κ°μ¬ν©λλ€ (gamsahamnida) |
| Please | λΆνν©λλ€ (butakhamnida) |
| Goodbye | μλ ν κ°μΈμ (annyeonghi gaseyo) |
| Yes | λ€ (ne) |
| No | μλμ (aniyo) |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in North Korea β FAQ
What language do they speak in North Korea?
The official language of North Korea is Korean.
How many official languages does North Korea have?
North Korea has 1 official language: Korean.
Is Korean spoken anywhere else?
Korean is also an official language in 1 other country.
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