Farm Level Green House in Tongchon County in DPRK. Photo: Concern Worldwide.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Why DPRK? Chronic food insecurity and childhood malnutrition are widespread in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Over 10 million people are undernourished – its hunger problem classified as ‘serious' in the 2018 Global Hunger Index. Increased frequency of droughts and floods have also left the country vulnerable.

We are currently responding to the threat of COVID-19 in DPRK. Find out more about our response here.

*We are currently responding to the threat of COVID-19 in DPRK. Find out more about our response here.

A vulnerable nation

DPRK continues to face a multitude of challenges and remains extremely vulnerable to frequent disasters and the impact of climate change. In September 2019, DPRK was hit by typhoon Lingling. It brought strong wind and heavy rain, causing
significant damage to crops and livelihoods.

Separately, around 20% of the population face gaps in the water supply, with a significant lack of resources to replace dilapidated facilities.

Our work in DPRK mainly focuses on improving food security and nutrition, water and sanitation, responding to emergencies, and building resilience.

We are proud of Concern’s strong presence in DPRK, addressing the most complex and protracted humanitarian crises.

Concern Worldwide Regional Director Bríd Kennedy. Photo: Concern Worldwide

"People are stunted here because they don’t get enough nutrition as children. The physical work that they do every day is enormous."

Bríd Kennedy, Concern Worldwide

Latest achievements

WASH support

We delivered water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) support to 30,923 vulnerable people in 2019.

Disaster Risk Reduction

Livelihoods

Conservation Agriculture at work in DPRK. Photo: Concern Worldwide.

Farmers taking part in field training in Kangwon Province. Photo: Concern Worldwide.

How we’re helping DPRK

Concern DPRK is implementing multiple projects aimed at improving food and nutrition security and nutrition, enhancing WASH access, and supporting communities to become more resilient.