All country briefings

Asia · Country briefing

North Korea

A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November — capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.

Briefing being written. The capital, map, languages and time-zone are right. We’re still hand-writing the rich cultural sections — highlights, native animals, food, music, sport and festivals — country by country. North Korea is on the list.
  • Capital
    Pyongyang
  • Population
    ~26 million
  • Time zone
    Asia/Pyongyang (UTC +9)
  • Currency
    North Korean won (KPW)
North Korea, with Pyongyang marked
loading map…

Climate in November: Mild autumn; cooler in the north.

Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea

The capital

Pyongyang

Photo · Wikimedia Commons

School life

In a North Korea classroom

Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.

Greetings to learn

Say hello like a local

  • Hello!
    Korean

Five questions to ask

Conversation starters

  1. 01What does your school day look like?
  2. 02What do you eat at lunch?
  3. 03What games do you play at break?
  4. 04What's the weather like today?
  5. 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?

What not to assume

Friendly cautions

  • North Korea has many regions and communities — there is no single experience.
  • Climate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Reflection prompts
  • What's something you'd love to share about your school day?
  • What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?

Could your class meet North Korea?

Choose North Koreawhen you register — we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.

Register your classroom