How Do North Korean Children Learn English? A Peek Inside Their Textbooks (Part 1)

Have you ever wondered how North Korean children are taught English? 

Today, I’ll delve into this topic, exploring how the country teaches foreign languages, especially English, to its young students. 

In North Korea, foreign language instruction begins at the age of nine, typically in the third grade of elementary school. 

While students can choose between two primary foreign languages, English and Russian, the majority opt for English. Roughly twice as many students choose English over Russian, making it the dominant foreign language taught in North Korean public schools. 

Learning a second language is mandatory, so every North Korean student must take either English or Russian as part of their education.

Textbooks as a Window Into North Korean Education

One of the most fascinating aspects of North Korean education is the use of hand-me-down textbooks. Due to the chronic shortages of paper and ink, it’s common practice for students to use textbooks passed down from older students. 

When I was a student, it was a regular occurrence to ask senior students for their used textbooks. Unlike in the U.S. or other countries where students might sell used books, in North Korea, there is a sense of obligation and virtue in passing textbooks to younger students. 

Not only is it a cultural practice, but schools also mandate that students return their textbooks so they can be redistributed. This system of reuse allows the state to conserve limited resources.

Of course, not every student follows this pattern. Some families, particularly those with connections to the education department or publishing houses, are able to purchase new textbooks. This privilege was rare when I was in school and remains so today. 

Additionally, textbook revisions are infrequent—some textbooks remain unchanged for over a decade. The English textbook we’ll explore today was published in 2012 and, as far as I know, wasn't revised until 2018, illustrating the slow pace of educational updates in North Korea.

It's important to note that the reliance on hand-me-down textbooks is not limited to English. Across all subjects, North Korean students often use second-hand textbooks because new books are difficult to come by. 

The government’s budget for education is always limited, and priorities are mostly focused on military spending or missile development projects. This leaves schools underfunded, forcing them to rely on students and parents to contribute to the upkeep of school supplies. 

A Look Inside a Third-Grade English Textbook

Let’s take a closer look at the English textbook used by third-grade elementary students in North Korea. 

Upon opening the book, the first thing you might notice is not a lesson in grammar or vocabulary, but a piece of propaganda. 

Right after the table of contents, the phrase "The Great Leader Generalissimo Kim Il Sung Will Always Be with Us" stands out prominently. 

This is not part of the English lesson but a deliberate message from the regime, one that appears across all North Korean textbooks, regardless of subject.

This phrase reflects the state’s priority of instilling unwavering loyalty to the leadership, even in the context of foreign language education. 

In fact, before students are taught common English phrases like "Good morning" or "How are you?" they are first required to memorize this phrase glorifying Kim Il Sung. Repetition is the core method used to drive this piece of propaganda into young minds. 

Through constant repetition, students are meant to absorb this message as a fundamental truth, embedding it deep in their memories. 

It’s one of the many ways the regime intertwines education with ideological indoctrination, making sure that loyalty to the Kim family is an essential part of their daily learning.

The Uneven Quality of Education Across Schools

The quality of English education in North Korean public schools varies significantly. In most public schools, especially those located outside of Pyongyang or other key cities, the quality of instruction is relatively low. 

Many teachers have never traveled to an English-speaking country, and teaching materials are often outdated or insufficient. 

As a result, students in these schools receive a basic understanding of English but rarely develop the depth of knowledge needed to become proficient speakers.

In contrast, elite schools such as the Pyongyang Foreign Language School and other specialized institutions offer much higher-quality education. 

These schools are better equipped with modern materials, and their teachers often receive more advanced training, making them capable of teaching at a higher standard. 

Students in these elite institutions are expected to become foreign language specialists, and many go on to work in diplomatic or foreign trade sectors. 

The disparity between these elite schools and ordinary public schools is stark, reflecting broader inequalities within North Korea’s education system.

Full Textbook: 

Contents

Unit 1: Greetings

Unit 2: The English Alphabet

Unit 3: My Family

Unit 4: My Friend

I hope this exploration has given you a clearer understanding of how North Korean children are taught English and the broader context in which education takes place in the country. 

What are your thoughts on this method of education? Feel free to share your impressions and insights in the comments below—I’d love to hear your reactions.

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