Part 2: A Closer Look at North Korean Children's English Textbooks
In this second part of our exploration of North Korean children's English textbooks, we'll be taking a closer look at the textbook used by fourth graders, typically around 10 years old.
In North Korea, elementary education ends after the fourth grade, and students transition to middle school at around age 11.
It’s worth noting that the approach to foreign language education in North Korea has evolved significantly since the 1990s, reflecting a shift in the nation’s priorities.
A Shift in Curriculum: Emphasizing Early English Education
When I attended elementary school in North Korea during the 1990s, foreign languages were not introduced until middle school.
The education system was primarily focused on ideological and patriotic instruction, leaving subjects like foreign language as a secondary concern.
However, things have changed in the mid-2000s. English is now part of the curriculum for younger students, suggesting that the regime recognizes the importance of English in the global arena.
This increased emphasis on English education, even for children as young as 10, is a noteworthy development.
One of the first things you’ll notice when examining the English textbooks used by fourth graders today is the ubiquitous phrase: “Thank you, the Great Leader Generalissimo Kim Jong Il.”
This phrase appears not only in language textbooks but in all educational materials across subjects. It underscores North Korea's consistent priority: fostering loyalty and gratitude toward the ruling Kim family.
The phrase might seem simple, but its presence in nearly every lesson is a reminder of the pervasive nature of state propaganda in North Korean education.
British Influence on English Curriculum
As we move further into the textbook, you’ll find that the methods used to teach English are quite standard.
The textbook introduces basic vocabulary, simple dialogues, and grammar exercises similar to what you might find in other countries.
However, what stands out is that much of North Korea’s English curriculum appears to be modeled after British educational materials.
During my time at the Pyongyang Foreign Language School, we used textbooks produced in the United Kingdom. Today’s public school English textbooks continue to reflect this influence.
Whether it’s in the structure of the lessons or the style of language, North Korean English education seems to lean toward the British model.
This is an interesting choice, given North Korea’s complicated history with Western nations, but it also demonstrates the regime’s pragmatic approach to learning from other systems when it serves their purposes.
A Look at Classroom Conditions and Resource Scarcity
While the content of the textbooks may seem modern, the reality of education in North Korea is far from ideal.
One of the most striking aspects of the classroom environment is the lack of resources. In ordinary schools, the presence of televisions, computers, or any form of technology is exceedingly rare.
These tools are generally only available in elite schools or in regions that are prioritized by the government.
For most schools, there is no state provision for such equipment, meaning that parents are often forced to supply resources like mops, broomsticks, and lab materials.
This was the case when I was a student, and it remains true today. Schools assign specific financial contributions to each student’s family.
Failure to meet these demands can result in severe consequences, such as extra labor or the writing of self-criticism reports.
This system creates additional burdens on families who are already struggling, and it highlights the disparity between the idealized vision of education portrayed in state propaganda and the harsh realities on the ground.
A Glimpse Into Daily Life: Food Illustrations in Textbooks
Another revealing aspect of the English textbook is the food illustrations, which unintentionally reflect the scarcity of certain foods in North Korean life.
While you might find illustrations of basic foods like rice, kimchi, or vegetables, there is a conspicuous absence of beef or tropical fruits like bananas and pineapples.
This reflects the reality for most North Koreans, who rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to eat such foods.
Beef is a rare luxury, consumed perhaps once or twice a year, if at all. Tropical fruits are even more inaccessible, with many North Koreans never having tasted a banana or pineapple in their lifetime.
This scarcity extends to residents of Pyongyang, the nation’s capital. Although Pyongyang is often portrayed as a city of privilege compared to the rest of the country, even its residents face significant limitations when it comes to food.
The upper class may have more access to these luxuries, but they still do not enjoy the same abundance of meat, fruit, or other goods that people in free countries take for granted.
This scarcity is a stark reminder of the economic and social challenges facing North Korea, even among its elite.
Reflections on Education and Daily Life in North Korea
Through this exploration of a North Korean elementary English textbook, we gain valuable insights into the lives of the country's younger generation.
The educational system, while increasingly focused on foreign languages like English, remains heavily shaped by the regime’s ideological priorities.
The inclusion of praise for Kim Jong Il in the very first pages of a textbook speaks volumes about the purpose of education in North Korea—it is, first and foremost, a tool for cultivating loyalty to the state.
At the same time, the scarcity of basic classroom resources and the absence of common foods in textbook illustrations highlight the stark reality of life in North Korea.
The government’s focus on projecting an image of strength and self-reliance contrasts sharply with the daily struggles faced by its people, even in the most basic areas of life like education and nutrition.
I hope this deeper dive into North Korean elementary English textbooks has given you a clearer perspective on the realities of life in North Korea.
The content of the textbooks may seem innocuous, but it is deeply embedded in a system designed to shape young minds into loyal citizens.
Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section—I'd love to hear your reactions and any questions you may have.
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