North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country with a highly centralized government and a unique political system. It presents a distinct academic landscape, mostly inaccessible to the broader international community but intriguing for studies in Korean language, history, and political science under specific programs.
Basic Facts
- Official name: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
- Capital city: Pyongyang
- Major cities: Hamhung, Chongjin, Nampo, Wonsan
- Population: Approximately 25 million
- Official language: Korean
- Currency: North Korean Won (KPW)
- Time zone: Pyongyang Time (PYT), UTC +9
- Climate: Temperate, with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers
- Government type: Single-party state
Education System Overview
- North Korea’s education system is state-run and compulsory up to the secondary level.
- Higher education is tightly controlled, with a strong emphasis on ideological education and political loyalty.
- The main institutions are focused on science, technology, and political studies, reflecting the state’s priorities.
Top Universities
- Kim Il-sung University
- The premier university of North Korea, located in Pyongyang, offering advanced studies in the sciences, humanities, and political subjects.
- Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST)
- A unique institution where some courses are taught by international staff in English, mainly focusing on IT, engineering, and agriculture.
Popular Courses and Programs
- Political Science (Juche ideology)
- Nuclear Physics
- Agricultural Science
- Computer Engineering
- Korean Studies
Admission Requirements
- Admission for foreigners is highly restrictive and usually part of specific exchange programs.
- Candidates are typically required to demonstrate ideological compatibility and may be subject to stringent security checks.
- Proficiency in Korean is essential for most programs, except for special courses at PUST.
Cost of Education
- Information on tuition is not publicly accessible; however, state-sponsored education for locals is generally free.
- International programs might be funded by sponsoring bodies or require special arrangements.
Living Costs and Accommodation
- Living conditions and costs for foreign students are not well-documented due to the secretive nature of the state.
- Accommodations for foreigners are usually arranged by the state and are segregated from local facilities.
Visa and Immigration
- Student Visa
- Very few foreigners study in North Korea and those who do have their visas facilitated through specific governmental or diplomatic channels.
- All visits are tightly regulated, and movement within the country is restricted.
Cultural and Social Aspects
- The culture is deeply influenced by the principles of Juche (self-reliance) and the veneration of the Kim dynasty.
- Social activities, even for foreigners, are monitored and usually occur within the confines of designated areas and events.
Employment Opportunities
- There are virtually no employment opportunities for foreign students within North Korea.
- Any form of work or research is likely to be part of academic programs and strictly controlled.
Health and Safety
- Healthcare facilities for foreigners are limited to a few hospitals in Pyongyang.
- Safety in terms of personal security is high, but the legal environment is extremely strict with severe penalties for rule violations.
Travel and Transportation
- Internal travel is heavily restricted; foreigners can only travel with official approval and are usually accompanied.
- Public transport in Pyongyang includes metro, tram, and bus services, but access for foreigners may be limited.
Testimonials and Case Studies
Useful Resources and Contacts
- US Policy on Travel to North Korea
- Traveling to North Korea
- How do Westerners come to live and work in North Korea?
- Kim Il-sung University
Conclusion
Studying in North Korea is extraordinarily rare and complex, involving significant political and logistical challenges. It is typically possible only under specific governmental programs aimed at fostering diplomatic or scholarly ties.