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What is the capital of North Korea?

Flag of North Korea
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang

Pyongyang lies on the Taedong River, about 109 kilometres upstream from its mouth on the Yellow Sea, in the west of North Korea.

Pyongyang is the capital and seat of government of North Korea, a role it has held since 1948. North Korea itself has an estimated population of 26,571,036 (2025).

Pyongyang is also the largest city in North Korea, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.

Pyongyang at a glance

City population3,255,288 (2008 census)
Country🇰🇵 North Korea
Capital since1948
Largest city in North KoreaPyongyang
Time zoneUTC+09:00
CurrencyNorth Korean won (KPW)

About Pyongyang

Pyongyang has been the capital of North Korea since 1948, Pyongyang became the de facto capital when North Korea was established in 1948, and the 1972 constitution formally declared it the capital.

Pyongyang served as a capital of the ancient Korean kingdoms of Gojoseon and Goguryeo, many centuries before it became the capital of modern North Korea.

The city was severely damaged during the Korean War and was rapidly rebuilt afterwards with Soviet assistance.

Pyongyang is a directly administered city with a status equal to that of North Korea's provinces.

City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Pyongyang.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of North Korea?
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang.
Is Pyongyang the largest city in North Korea?
Yes. Pyongyang is both the capital and the largest city of North Korea.
What is the population of Pyongyang?
Pyongyang has a population of about 3,255,288 (2008 census).
Where is Pyongyang located?
Pyongyang lies on the Taedong River, about 109 kilometres upstream from its mouth on the Yellow Sea, in the west of North Korea.
When did Pyongyang become the capital of North Korea?
Pyongyang has been the capital of North Korea since 1948, Pyongyang became the de facto capital when North Korea was established in 1948, and the 1972 constitution formally declared it the capital.
What time zone is Pyongyang in?
Pyongyang uses UTC+09:00.
What currency is used in Pyongyang?
Pyongyang, like the rest of North Korea, uses the North Korean won (KPW, symbol ₩).

Capitals of neighbouring countries

See the full profile of North Korea on its country page, or browse every capital city.

Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.