Labeled Map of North Korea with States, Capital & Cities

Written by World

28 July 2023

A Labeled Map of North Korea helps you identify the country’s capital, administrative provinces, major cities, rivers, and neighboring countries. It is useful for students, teachers, geography enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a printable map of the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), occupies the northern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It shares land borders with China, Russia, and South Korea. The Yellow Sea lies to the west, while the Sea of Japan, also called the East Sea in Korea, lies to the east.

On this page, you can explore labeled maps of North Korea showing provincial boundaries, the capital city, major urban centers, and surrounding geography. You can also use the linked map images and PDF files for study and reference.

Labeled Map of North Korea

The labeled map below provides a geographical overview of the Korean Peninsula, including place names and regional boundaries.

PDF

North Korea occupies the northern section of the peninsula, with South Korea to the south. The northern border follows parts of the Yalu (Amnok) and Tumen river systems, which separate North Korea from China and, in part, Russia. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separates North and South Korea.

A labeled map is particularly helpful for locating Pyongyang, identifying the country’s provinces, and understanding how its cities and rivers relate to surrounding terrain.

Labeled North Korea Map with States

North Korea is divided into provinces and separately administered cities, rather than states in the same sense as those in countries such as the United States or India. Administrative classifications can change, so maps may show different city and provincial arrangements depending on their publication date.

The nine commonly listed provinces are:

Chagang
North Hamgyong
South Hamgyong
North Hwanghae
South Hwanghae
Kangwon
North Pyongan
South Pyongan
Ryanggang

North Korea also has cities with special or centrally administered status. Pyongyang, the capital, is distinct from the provincial administration system. Kaesong, Nampo, and Rason have also been listed among special administrative cities in reference sources. Their precise status and classifications should be checked against the date and source of a map.

Labeled Map of Korea with States 712x1024 1

PDF

Use this map to compare provincial boundaries and identify the location of North Korea’s main administrative regions. Remember that maps of the entire Korean Peninsula may also display South Korean provinces, so check the map legend before interpreting its labels.

Labeled Map of North Korea with Cities

A labeled city map makes it easier to locate North Korea’s principal urban centers and understand their positions across the country.

PDF

Some notable cities include:

Pyongyang: The national capital and a major political, cultural, and administrative center.
Hamhung: A major city on the country’s eastern side.
Chongjin: An important northeastern coastal city.
Nampo: A port city near the western coast.
Sinuiju: A city in the northwest, close to the Chinese border.
Wonsan: A coastal city on the eastern side of the peninsula.
Kaesong: A historic city near the border with South Korea.

The number and designation of cities shown on a map depend on the administrative classification used by its publisher. For this reason, it is better to use a dated, sourced map rather than assume every map reflects the current administrative structure.

This map can support geography assignments, classroom discussions, and basic research into North Korea’s urban geography.

Labeled North Korea Map with Capitals

Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea. It is located in the western part of the country, near the Taedong River. The city is the country’s principal political and administrative center.

Seoul is the capital of South Korea, not North Korea. When using a map of the full Korean Peninsula, both cities may appear because the map covers the two countries.

PDF

A capital-labeled map is useful for distinguishing national capitals from provincial administrative centers and other major cities.

Major Rivers and Physical Features of North Korea

North Korea has extensive mountainous terrain, valleys, river systems, and coastal plains. Its physical geography influences settlement patterns, transportation routes, and the location of agricultural areas.

Important rivers include:

Yalu (Amnok) River: Forms a substantial part of the border between North Korea and China.
Tumen River: Runs along sections of the country’s northeastern border with China and Russia.
Taedong River: Flows through Pyongyang before reaching the western coastal region.
Chongchon River: An important river in the northwestern part of the country.

The country is predominantly mountainous, particularly in its northern and eastern regions. The western side contains broader plains and important urban and agricultural areas. A physical map can help readers distinguish elevation and terrain from administrative boundaries.

For an additional geographical reference, consult the CIA’s North Korea map collection.

North Korea’s Location and Neighboring Countries

North Korea lies in East Asia and occupies the northern portion of the Korean Peninsula. Its location places it between mainland Northeast Asia and the surrounding seas.

The country’s geographical neighbors and nearby waters include:

China: Lies to the north and northwest, across sections of the Yalu and Tumen rivers.
Russia: Shares a short land border in the northeast.
South Korea: Lies to the south, separated by the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
Yellow Sea: Lies to the west.
Sea of Japan (East Sea): Lies to the east.

These geographic features are easier to understand when using a map that shows national borders, rivers, coastlines, and the position of the Korean Peninsula within Asia.

You can also explore our labeled map of Asia for a wider regional view.

How to Use and Print a Labeled Map of North Korea

A printable map is useful for educational activities, geography revision, and basic location reference. Follow these steps to use the map effectively:

Choose a map that shows the details you need, such as cities, provincial boundaries, or the capital.
Open the linked image or PDF file.
Check the map title, legend, and publication date to understand what the map represents.
For printing, open the PDF and select the paper size and orientation that best fit the map.
If using the map for a school assignment or publication, cite the original map source and verify place names against a reliable geographical reference.

For a broader geographical overview, explore our physical world map and political world map.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the capital of North Korea?

Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea. It is a major political and administrative center located near the Taedong River.

2. How many provinces does North Korea have?

North Korea is commonly listed as having nine provinces. It also has cities with special or centrally administered status. Administrative classifications may change, so check the source and date of the map.

3. What are the major cities of North Korea?

Major cities include Pyongyang, Hamhung, Chongjin, Nampo, Sinuiju, Wonsan, and Kaesong. Their administrative status varies.

4. Which countries border North Korea?

North Korea shares land borders with China, Russia, and South Korea. The Yellow Sea lies to the west, and the Sea of Japan lies to the east.

5. Which rivers are shown on a map of North Korea?

Important rivers include the Yalu (Amnok), Tumen, Taedong, and Chongchon rivers. The Yalu and Tumen river systems are especially important for understanding parts of North Korea’s northern borders.

6. Can I download a printable map of North Korea?

Yes. You can open the map image and PDF links provided in this article. Select a map based on whether you need cities, provincial boundaries, or the capital.

7. What is the difference between a political map and a physical map?

A political map emphasizes boundaries, administrative divisions, and cities. A physical map emphasizes natural features such as mountains, rivers, plains, and elevation.