What time is it in North Korea

Current Local Time and Date in North Korea

The current local time in North Korea follows Korea Standard Time (KST), which operates on UTC+09:00. This means the country is nine hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. Whether you’re planning to make an international call, schedule a business meeting, or coordinate travel arrangements, knowing the exact time in North Korea is essential for smooth communication and planning.
North Korea uses a 24-hour clock system in official settings, though the 12-hour format is also commonly understood. The time zone remains consistent throughout the entire country, making it straightforward to determine the local time regardless of which region you’re referencing. You can always check the current local times around the world for accurate, real-time information.

Timezone Information for North Korea

North Korea operates under Korea Standard Time (KST), positioned at UTC+09:00. This timezone is shared with South Korea and is one of the standard time zones used in East Asia. The country adopted this timezone to align with its geographical position and maintain consistency in timekeeping across the Korean Peninsula.
Understanding the UTC offset is crucial for international coordination. When it’s noon (12:00 PM) in UTC, it’s 9:00 PM the same day in North Korea. This nine-hour difference affects everything from business operations to personal communications. The timezone designation helps travelers, businesses, and international organizations coordinate activities effectively.
The Korea Standard Time zone covers the entire territory of North Korea, from the northern border with China to the southern demilitarized zone. This uniform time system simplifies domestic scheduling and ensures consistency in government operations, broadcasting schedules, and transportation timetables throughout the country.

Time Difference Between North Korea and Major Cities

When coordinating with North Korea from other parts of the world, understanding time differences is essential. From New York (EST), North Korea is 14 hours ahead during standard time and 13 hours ahead during daylight saving time. This means when it’s 9:00 AM Monday in New York, it’s 11:00 PM Monday in North Korea.
London (GMT/BST) sits 9 hours behind during winter and 8 hours behind during British Summer Time. If you’re calling from London at 10:00 AM, you’ll reach North Korea at 7:00 PM the same day during winter months. Tokyo shares the same timezone as North Korea (UTC+09:00), making coordination between these locations seamless with no time difference to consider.
Sydney, Australia operates 1-2 hours ahead depending on daylight saving time observance. Dubai (UTC+04:00) is 5 hours behind, while Los Angeles (PST) is 17 hours behind during standard time and 16 hours behind during daylight saving time. These significant differences require careful planning when scheduling international meetings or coordinating travel arrangements.

Does North Korea Observe Daylight Saving Time?

North Korea does not currently observe daylight saving time. The country maintains Korea Standard Time (UTC+09:00) throughout the entire year without any seasonal adjustments. This consistent timekeeping approach simplifies scheduling for both residents and international partners, as there’s no need to account for clock changes during spring or autumn.
Historically, North Korea briefly created its own timezone called Pyongyang Time (UTC+08:30) in August 2015, setting clocks back 30 minutes. However, this change was reversed in May 2018 when the country reunified its timezone with South Korea as a gesture of inter-Korean cooperation. Since then, the country has maintained UTC+09:00 year-round.
The absence of daylight saving time means the time difference between North Korea and countries that do observe seasonal clock changes will vary throughout the year. For instance, the gap with New York alternates between 13 and 14 hours depending on whether the United States is observing daylight saving time.

Best Time to Call or Visit North Korea

For international calls to North Korea, timing depends on your location and the recipient’s schedule. If you’re calling from North America’s Eastern Time zone, the best window is typically between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM EST, which corresponds to 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM the following day in North Korea. This catches the morning business hours when offices are typically open and people are most responsive.
European callers should consider reaching out between 12:00 AM and 4:00 AM GMT to connect during North Korean business hours, though this overnight timing may be impractical for many. A more reasonable approach for Europeans is calling between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM GMT to reach early evening hours in North Korea. You can use a timer to remind yourself when it’s the optimal calling time.
For tourism purposes, the best months to visit are typically April through June and September through early November when weather conditions are most favorable. Spring brings mild temperatures and cherry blossoms, while autumn offers comfortable weather and stunning fall foliage. Summer can be hot and humid with monsoon rains, while winter brings harsh cold and limited tourism opportunities.

Travel Tips: Adjusting to North Korea’s Local Time

Adjusting to North Korea’s timezone requires preparation, especially for long-haul travelers. If you’re arriving from Western countries, you’ll experience significant jet lag crossing multiple time zones. Start adjusting your sleep schedule several days before departure by gradually shifting your bedtime closer to North Korean hours.
During your flight, set your watch to North Korean time immediately to begin mental adjustment. Stay hydrated throughout the journey and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine, which can disrupt sleep patterns and worsen jet lag symptoms. Upon arrival, resist the urge to nap excessively; instead, stay awake until a reasonable local bedtime to synchronize with the new schedule quickly.
Exposure to natural daylight helps reset your circadian rhythm. Spend time outdoors during daylight hours and keep your accommodation dark during nighttime. Light meals at local mealtimes rather than eating according to your home timezone will also facilitate adjustment. Most travelers find they adapt within 3-4 days when following these strategies consistently.
Before traveling, check our comprehensive travel time guides for detailed information about managing timezone transitions and planning your itinerary effectively. Understanding local time conventions helps you maximize your visit and maintain proper coordination with guides and scheduled activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Time in North Korea

What is the current time in North Korea right now?

North Korea currently follows Korea Standard Time (UTC+09:00) year-round. The country does not observe daylight saving time, maintaining a consistent nine-hour offset ahead of Coordinated Universal Time throughout all seasons.

Is North Korea’s timezone the same as South Korea?

Yes, North Korea and South Korea currently share the same timezone, both operating on Korea Standard Time (UTC+09:00). This alignment was restored in 2018 after North Korea briefly used Pyongyang Time (UTC+08:30) between 2015 and 2018.

How many hours ahead is North Korea from New York?

North Korea is 14 hours ahead of New York during Eastern Standard Time and 13 hours ahead during Eastern Daylight Time. This means when it’s Monday morning in New York, it’s already Monday evening or approaching Tuesday in North Korea.

Does North Korea change clocks for daylight saving time?

No, North Korea does not observe daylight saving time. The country maintains UTC+09:00 continuously throughout the year without any seasonal clock adjustments, providing consistent timekeeping for residents and international coordination.

What timezone abbreviation does North Korea use?

North Korea uses KST (Korea Standard Time) as its timezone abbreviation, representing UTC+09:00. This designation is shared with South Korea and indicates the standard time used across the Korean Peninsula.