North Korea cities list with latitude and longitude in Excel, CSV, XML, SQL, JSON formats

Last update : 05 December 2025.

Below is a list of 100 prominent cities in North Korea. Each row includes a city's latitude, longitude, region and other variables of interest. This is a subset of all 32202 places in North Korea that you'll find in our World Cities Database. You're free to use the data below for personal or commercial applications. The data below can be downloaded in Excel (.xlsx), .csv, .json, .xml and .sql formats. Notable Cities: The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang.

**Exploring North Korea: A Geographer's Quest**

Introduction**

Embarking on an exploration of North Korea's geographical landscape is akin to peeling back the layers of a complex geopolitical onion. As a geographer, delving into the depths of this enigmatic nation offers both challenges and revelations. In this narrative, we undertake a journey to obtain geographical data encompassing the cities, regions, and departments of North Korea, with a particular focus on uncovering the latitude and longitude coordinates of each city.

Unveiling North Korea: Beyond the Veil**

North Korea, often shrouded in secrecy and mystery, presents a terrain of contrasts and contradictions. From the rugged mountains of the interior to the coastal plains along the Korean Peninsula, the geography of North Korea is as diverse as it is captivating. Yet, behind this natural beauty lies a nation governed by a unique political ideology, shaping its landscape in ways both visible and concealed.

Navigating Administrative Divisions: Understanding the Territorial Framework**

Within North Korea's administrative structure lie divisions that offer insights into the nation's governance and spatial organization. While the country operates under a centralized regime, administrative regions and departments play a crucial role in delineating urban and rural landscapes. From the capital city of Pyongyang to the remote provinces bordering China and Russia, each administrative unit adds depth to our understanding of North Korea's territorial dynamics.

Data Quest: Capturing the Essence of Latitude and Longitude**

Central to our exploration is the quest to obtain precise geographic coordinates, illuminating the spatial essence of North Korea's cities and settlements. Latitude and longitude data serve as navigational tools, guiding our journey through the intricacies of the nation's geography. From the urban centers of Pyongyang and Hamhung to the rural villages dotting the countryside, each set of coordinates unveils a new facet of North Korea's territorial tapestry.

Interpreting Insights: From Data to Geographic Understanding**

As data streams in, meticulously gathered and analyzed, patterns begin to emerge, offering insights into North Korea's urbanization, population distribution, and socio-economic landscape. Through the lens of geographic data, we gain a deeper appreciation for the interplay between human activity and the natural environment. From the bustling streets of Pyongyang to the agricultural heartlands of the countryside, North Korea's geography reflects the complexities of life under its unique political system.

Challenges and Reflections: Navigating the Geopolitical Terrain**

Yet, our journey is not without its challenges. The closed nature of North Korea's regime poses significant obstacles in obtaining accurate geographical data. From navigating through restricted areas to accessing information from reliable sources, the pursuit of geographic knowledge in North Korea requires resilience and adaptability. Despite these challenges, our quest for understanding remains undeterred, fueled by a passion for uncovering the truths hidden within the nation's borders.

Conclusion**

In conclusion, North Korea presents a landscape ripe for exploration and discovery. Through the lens of geographic data acquisition, we embark on a journey to unravel the spatial intricacies of this enigmatic nation. As we delve deeper into North Korea's urban and rural landscapes, armed with geographical coordinates and a sense of inquiry, we are reminded of the profound interconnectedness between data and geographic understanding, forging pathways to new horizons in geographical inquiry.

Download data files for North Korea's cities in Excel (.xlsx), CSV, SQL, XML and JSON formats

Unveiling North Korea: A Geographer’s Exploration through Data

North Korea, one of the most isolated countries in the world, presents unique geographical challenges and opportunities for research. Situated in East Asia, bordered by China, South Korea, and Russia, its terrain is characterized by mountains, valleys, and a relatively small but heavily militarized coastline. For geographers and researchers, understanding the spatial distribution of North Korea's cities, regions, and departments is crucial for analyzing its development patterns, infrastructure, and resource management. Despite the limited access to data, having accurate and up-to-date geographic data can shed light on the country’s complex urban landscape and how it interacts with its natural environment.

The Geographical Structure of North Korea

North Korea's geography plays a significant role in its political, economic, and social dynamics. The country is divided into nine provinces and two directly governed cities, Pyongyang (the capital) and Kaesong. Each province is made up of smaller administrative divisions, including cities, counties, and districts. The country’s landscape is dominated by mountainous regions, particularly in the east, while the western part is characterized by plains and the presence of key rivers such as the Yalu and Tumen. The capital, Pyongyang, is located along the Taedong River in the western part of the country, and it serves as the heart of North Korea’s political and cultural activities.

The distribution of cities and towns across North Korea is shaped by its rugged terrain and limited arable land, which impacts the agricultural and industrial centers in the country. The concentration of urban areas near major rivers and the coast reflects the country’s historical development and strategic priorities, including its military-industrial complex. Understanding the geography of these areas requires access to detailed data on cities, their locations, and the specific regions they belong to.

Latitude and Longitude: The Core of Geographic Analysis

Latitude and longitude coordinates are fundamental for accurately mapping North Korea’s cities and regions. These coordinates allow geographers to pinpoint the locations of key cities such as Pyongyang, Chongjin, and Wonsan, and to understand their spatial relationships with natural features such as rivers, mountains, and the sea.

For instance, by obtaining the latitude and longitude data for Pyongyang, researchers can analyze its position in relation to other major cities or its proximity to key infrastructure such as transportation networks and military sites. Similarly, geographic coordinates of cities in the less populated regions of North Korea can provide valuable insights into how urbanization has developed in relation to the country’s rugged topography and limited resources.

Latitude and longitude data are essential not only for mapping but also for more complex spatial analyses, such as identifying regions that may be more vulnerable to natural disasters or evaluating the distribution of resources across the country. This data plays a critical role in understanding how geography influences urban growth, regional disparities, and access to key infrastructure.

The Power of Geographic Data in Various Formats

To make geographic data on North Korea useful for researchers and urban planners, it is essential that the data be available in multiple formats that suit various types of analysis and applications. Providing geographic data in formats such as CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML allows for greater flexibility and easier integration with mapping software, databases, and geographic information systems (GIS).

- **CSV (Comma-Separated Values):** CSV is a straightforward format for organizing geographic data in tabular form. It is particularly useful for storing data such as city names, populations, and coordinates. Researchers can use CSV files to quickly sort, filter, and analyze data, making it ideal for users who need easy access to basic geographic information or want to generate quick visualizations of the data.

- **SQL (Structured Query Language):** SQL is used for managing large datasets and running complex queries on geographic data. It allows researchers to perform detailed analyses on cities, regions, and their relationships with surrounding environments. SQL can be particularly useful for examining trends in urbanization, resource allocation, or regional development, providing insights into the economic and social structure of North Korea.

- **JSON (JavaScript Object Notation):** JSON is a flexible format used primarily for web-based applications. It is particularly useful for creating interactive maps and real-time applications that display geographic data dynamically. JSON is ideal for integrating North Korea’s geographic data into digital platforms or for building applications that allow users to explore the country's geography interactively.

- **XML (Extensible Markup Language):** XML is a versatile format that is especially useful for handling complex, structured data. It supports hierarchical data organization, which makes it ideal for sharing more detailed geographic datasets, such as administrative divisions, infrastructure networks, and environmental factors. XML ensures that data can be shared and processed seamlessly across multiple systems, supporting collaborative research efforts and broader data exchanges.

Offering data in these formats ensures that it can be applied across various systems, tools, and research methods, providing valuable geographic insights regardless of the complexity of the task.

A Comprehensive Database for Understanding North Korea's Geography

For researchers, planners, and policymakers, access to a comprehensive database that includes detailed geographic data about North Korea's cities, regions, and departments is essential for informed decision-making. A well-organized database should contain not only city names, populations, and coordinates, but also data on infrastructure, resource distribution, and environmental features. This database would serve as a critical resource for studying urban growth, regional disparities, and infrastructure needs across the country.

For example, by comparing data from Pyongyang, a major urban center, with smaller cities in rural regions such as Hyesan or Sinuiju, researchers can evaluate the concentration of resources and services in urban areas versus more remote locations. Such data is also useful for understanding how the country’s geography affects industrialization, trade, and access to essential services like healthcare, education, and transportation.

The availability of data in formats like CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML ensures that this information can be integrated into various research platforms and tools, whether for policy analysis, urban planning, or disaster risk management. This accessibility allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how the geographical and political landscapes of North Korea intersect, providing the foundation for data-driven decision-making.

Conclusion

The geography of North Korea, with its rugged terrain, dense urban centers, and strategic locations, offers unique challenges for urban planning, infrastructure development, and resource management. Obtaining accurate geographic data on cities, regions, and departments—including their latitude and longitude coordinates—provides valuable insights into the spatial relationships between urban centers, natural resources, and environmental factors. By making this data available in flexible formats like CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML, researchers, urban planners, and policymakers can access the tools they need to make informed decisions. This data-driven approach to understanding North Korea’s geography ensures more effective planning, resource allocation, and policy development for the future.