The Federal Republic of Germany and North Korea established diplomatic relations on 1 March 2001.

Since 2020, the German Embassy in Pyongyang is temporarily closed.

Germany is supporting, both bilaterally and under the auspices of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, endeavours by the international community to persuade North Korea to negotiate seriously on ending its nuclear and ballistic weapons programme. At the same time, Germany is endeavouring to induce North Korea to enter into dialogue with the international community on the human rights situation in the country.

In response to the expansion of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, the international community imposed tough sanctions against the country.

Trade between Germany and North Korea has constantly declined in recent years and has now come to a standstill. Cultural and education work in the country is greatly constrained by the requirement to obtain official permission for all activities as well as by prior censorship.

The German political foundations with offices in Seoul are partly working on North Korea.

This text is intended as a source of basic information. It is regularly updated. No liability can be accepted for the accuracy or completeness of its contents.