Ask a North Korean: How many North Koreans read Chinese characters? | NK News
NK News Logo
December 22, 2024

NK News is hiring

Ask A North Korean

Ask a North Korean: How many North Koreans read Chinese characters?

"I had always wanted to learn Chinese. I memorized 3000 characters by myself in my spare time"

Every week, we ask a North Korean your questions, giving you the chance to learn more about the country we know so little about.

Today’s question comes from Weiyu Chen: Do North Koreans truly understand Hanja (Chinese characters) words such as in legal jargon, "four character phrases" (idioms) and propaganda material?

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.