Russian Becomes Required in North Korean Schools Starting Fourth Grade

Beginning with the new academic year, the Russian language has become a mandatory subject in North Korean schools from the fourth grade. The reminder came from Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov during a meeting of the Russia–North Korea intergovernmental commission in Moscow, as reported by Interfax. Earlier, Russia’s Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora noted that compulsory Russian instruction would take effect on April 1.

Growing Interest in Russian and Korean Languages

According to the minister, Russian traditionally ranks among the three most popular foreign languages in North Korea, where roughly 600 people currently study it. In Russia, more than three thousand schoolchildren study Korean, most often as a second or third foreign language.

University Programs and Academic Exchanges

Educational cooperation continues to develop along several tracks. In the previous academic year, 96 North Korean citizens enrolled in Russian universities, primarily at the Far Eastern Federal University, MGIMO, and RUDN University. At the same time, 300 Russian students opted to study Korean, which is taught at three pedagogical universities across the country.

Professional Training and Technical Specializations

Special attention is being paid to vocational and technical training. This year, 29 North Korean geologists completed studies at Russian specialized institutions, where they trained in field exploration, laboratory analysis, cartography, and database work. Similar programs have been established for banking professionals, energy specialists, and medical staff.

Russian Language Center to Open in Pyongyang

In 2025, Pyongyang will open a Russian-language Open Education Center based at the Kim Chol Joo Pedagogical University. Construction of a dedicated building for the center is currently underway. Ambassador Matsegora also reported that in May 2025, the first-ever Forum of University Rectors of Russia and North Korea took place in Vladivostok at the Far Eastern Federal University.