Orders, decorations, and medals of North Korea

The award system of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) was initially created less than one month after the foundation of the Republic. During the years of Japanese Occupation of North Korea, many of the future leaders fled to the Soviet Union. During World War II many if not close to all party leaders and KPA commanders served in the Soviet Army and as such adopted many of the Soviet Awards criteria for their own. During the late 1940s and until the Sino-Soviet Split in late 1958, orders and titles were made in the Soviet Money Mints in Moscow or Leningrad. Soviet made awards were modeled after Soviet orders and made of sterling silver. Initially the Orders were attached to clothing with a screw-plate, but after Soviet production stopped, production was moved to North Korea. The screwback was replaced with a pin and the silver content was replaced with cheap tin. With the exception of a few examples of modern orders, Soviet and Czech KPA awards are the most sought after in current militaria markets.

Titles

Award	Name (English/Korean/Transliteration)	Date Created	Description
	Hero of the Republic 공화국영웅 Konghwaguk Yŏng'ung	1950-06-30	The "Hero of the Republic" was the highest award of the Democratic People's Republic Of Korea until the Order of Kim Il-Sung was established in 1972. Awarded for extreme heroic exploits during war. The recipient is also awarded with the Order of the National Flag 1st Class which was the nation's highest Order until the Order of Kim Il-Sung. Along with the Gold Star and Order the Recipient is also honoured with the erection of a personal statue at their birthplace. This award is based upon the Soviet award "Hero of the Soviet Union".
	Hero of Labour 로력영웅 Roryŏk Yŏng'ung	1951-07-17	This title was the highest civilian award until the establishment of the Order of Kim Il-Sung in 1972. Awarded for exceptional merit and efficiency in professional labour. The recipient of this title was also awarded the Order of the National Flag 1st Class which was also the nation's highest order until the Order of Kim Il-Sung. This award is based upon the Soviet award "Hero of Socialist Labour".

Orders

Order And Ribbon	Name (English/Korean/Transliteration)	Date Created	Description
	Order of Kim Il-sung 김일성 훈장 Kim Ilsŏng Hunjang	1972-03-20	The Order of Kim Il-sung is the highest decoration of the country. It is awarded for contributions to the revolution or upholding the dignity of the country at home or abroad. It is usually awarded around April 15 (Day of the Sun, the birthday of Kim Il-sung). Kim Jong-il was its first recipient, although he rejected the order first.[1]
	Order of Kim Jong-il 김정일 훈장 Kim Chŏngil Hunjang	2012-02-03	With the issuance of Decree 2150 by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly on 3 February 2012, the Order of Kim Jong-il was created for the 70th anniversary of his birth. The order measures 67mm in length and 65mm in width. It features the portrait of Kim Jong-il in the centre of golden ears of rice above a shining five-point star, the flag of the DPRK below and the emblem of the Workers' Party of Korea above with an engraving of "Order of Kim Jong-il" on the back with pin and serial number. It is made to give commendation to officials, service personnel, working people, military units, organs, enterprises, and organizations who provided distinguished service to the DPRK. The order ribbon is similar to the Order of Kim Il-sung in colour and the star at the centre, but its design is different.
	Order of the National Flag 1st Class 국기훈장 제1급 Kukki Hunjang Che il-gŭp	1948-10-02	Until the creation of the Order of Kim Il-sung in 1972, the highest order of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The ONF was based on the awarding criteria of the Soviet Order of the Badge of Honour. Awards were present to those that exemplified themselves in the fields of Science, Economics, and teachings of Socialist Ideologies.
	Order of the National Flag 2nd Class 국기훈장 제2급 Kukki Hunjang Che i-gŭp	1948-10-02	Order ribbon has 2 gold stripes indicating 2nd Class.
	Order of the National Flag 3rd Class 국기훈장 제3급 Kukki Hunjang Che sam-gŭp	1948-10-02	Order ribbon has 3 small gold stripes indicating 3rd Class.
	Order of Korean Labour 조선로력훈장 Chosŏn Roryŏk Hunjang	1951-07-17	For efficient and meritorious professional labour. Notable recipients: King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev of Nepal Konrad Püschel, East German architect and town planner, for his work rebuilding the cities of Hamhung and Hungnam.[2]
	Soldier's Medal of Honour 1st Class 전사영예훈장 제1급 Chŏnsa Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che il-gŭp	1950-06-25	For acts of individual gallantry in combat. The insignia design is similar to the Soviet Union Order of the Red Star (soldier on central crest encircled with wreaths) and Order of the Patriotic War (Red enamel five-pointed star, made of gold/silver, with straight rays in the background, and crossed sabre and a rifle) combined.
	Soldier's Medal of Honour 2nd Class 전사영예훈장 제2급 Chŏnsa Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che i-gŭp	1950-06-25
	Order of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin 1st Class 이순신장군훈장 제1급 I Sunsin Changgun Hunjang Che il-gŭp	1950-07-13	Conferred upon flag officers and navy commanders for outstanding leadership. The 1st class is never issued and the order is discontinued. Believed to be based on the Soviet Union equivalent Order of Ushakov or Order of Nakhimov.
	Order of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin 2nd Class 이순신장군훈장 제2급 I Sunsin Changgun Hunjang Che i-gŭp	1950-07-13
	Order of Freedom and Independence 1st Class 자유독립훈장 제1급 Sayu Tongnip Hunjang Che il-gŭp	1951-07-17	The original screwplate or pin back awards were given to Division, Corp or Army field commanders for achievement in battle. The medal was awarded to commanders in both the KPA and the PLA. During the reign of Kim Jong Il, the award became a necktie style, has lost its battlefield prestige and given for reason more political than military. Awarded to Regiment or lower formation commanders for skill in battle.
	Order of Freedom and Independence 2nd Class 자유독립훈장 제2급 Sayu Tongnip Hunjang Che i-gŭp	1951-07-17
	Order of Military Service Honour 1st Class 군사복무영예훈장 제1급 Kunsa Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che il-gŭp	1973-07-03
	Order of Military Service Honour 2nd Class 군사복무영예훈장 제2급 Kunsa Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che i-gŭp
	Order of Military Service Honour 3rd Class 군사복무영예훈장 제3급 Kunsa Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che sam-gŭp
	Order of Colliery Service Honour 1st Class 석탄광업복무영예훈장 제1급 Sŏkt'an Kwang'ŏp Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che il-gŭp	1973-09-03
	Order of Colliery Service Honour 2nd Class 석탄광업복무영예훈장 제2급 Sŏkt'an Kwang'ŏp Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che i-gŭp
	Order of Colliery Service Honour 3rd Class 석탄광업복무영예훈장 제3급 Sŏkt'an Kwang'ŏp Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che sam-gŭp
	Order of Military Engineering Service Honour 10 Years 군수공복무영예훈장 10 Kunsugong Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang sip		Awarded to veteran military engineers, enlisted, NCOs and officers in the KPA for 10 years service in military engineering service
	Order of Military Engineering Service Honour 20 Years 군수공복무영예훈장 20 Kunsugong Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang isip		Awarded to veteran military engineers, enlisted, NCOs and officers in the KPA for 20 years service in military engineering service
	Order of Military Engineering Service Honour 30 Years 군수공복무영예훈장 30 Kunsugong Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang samsip		Awarded to veteran military engineers, enlisted, NCOs and officers in the KPA for 30 years service in military engineering service
	Order of Fishery Service Honour 1st Class 수산복무영예훈장 제1급 Susan Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che il-gŭp
	Order of Fishery Service Honour 2nd Class 수산복무영예훈장 제2급 Susan Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che i-gŭp
	Order of Railway Service Honour 1st Class 철도복무영예훈장 제1급 Ch'ŏldo Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che il-gŭp
	Order of Railway Service Honour 2nd Class 철도복무영예훈장 제2급 Ch'ŏldo Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che i-gŭp
	Order of Railway Service Honour 3rd Class 철도복무영예훈장 제3급 Ch'ŏldo Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che sam-gŭp
	Order of Democratic People's Republic of Korea Friendship 1st Class 조선민주주의인민공화국친선훈장 제1급 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'insŏn Hunjang Che il-gŭp	1985	Awarded only to non-nationals. Including; Antonio Inoki　on 2010-09-15
	Order of Democratic People's Republic of Korea Friendship 2nd Class 조선민주주의인민공화국친선훈장 제2급 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'insŏn Hunjang Che i-gŭp	1985	Awarded only to non-nationals. Including; Alejandro Cao de Benos ,[3] Norbert Vollertsen in 1999[4] Ellsworth Culver on 2006-01-10[5] Liu Xiaoming on 2010-02-03.
	Order of the Red Banner Of Three Great Revolutions 3대혁명붉은기훈장 Sam Tae Hyŏngmyŏng Pulg'ŭngi Hunjang	1986-11-20

Commemorative Orders

Order And Ribbon	Name (English/Korean/Transliteration)	Date Created	Description
	Commemorative Order "Anniversary of the Foundation of the People's Army" 조선인민군창건기념훈장 Chosŏn Inmin'gun Ch'anggŏn Kinyŏm Hunjang	1968-01-25	This order was originally dated 1968.2.8 for the 20th anniversary and also a screw-back (the only screw-back commemorative order), later variations are pin back and undated for the 40th and 50th anniversaries. This order could be awarded to an individual up to three times, especially if he/she is a veteran or retired officer or NCO of the KPA in recognition of services given to the country.
	Commemorative Order "20th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Democratic People's Republic Of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건20주년기념훈장 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'anggŏn Isip Chunyŏn Ginyŏm Hunjang	1968-05-24	This order was awarded only once per recipient and dated 1968.9.9. on the reverse. Awarded to people who helped found the DPRK in 1948 as well as those who contributed to national defense, development and progress in the past 20 years.
	Commemorative Order "Foundation of the Democratic People's Republic Of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건기념훈장 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'anggŏn Kinyŏm Hunjang	1978	This commemorative order was issued on the 30th and 40th anniversaries of the foundation of the DPRK. It was only awarded a maximum of twice to a single recipient. The obverse of this order is identical to the 20th Anniversary Commemorative Order but is not dated on the reverse.
	Commemorative Order "40th Anniversary Of Fatherland Liberation War Victory" 조국해방전쟁승리40돐기념훈장 Choguk Haebang Chǒnjaeng Sŭngri Sasip-dol Kinyŏm Hunjang	1993
	Commemorative Order "5th March" 3월5일기념훈장 Sam-wŏl O-il Kinyŏm Hunjang	1986-03-03
	Commemorative Order "30th Anniversary of the Agricultural Presentation" 농촌데제발표30돐년기념훈장 Nongch'onde Chebal P'yo Samsip-dolnyŏn Kinyŏm Hunjang	1990
	Commemorative Order "60th Anniversary of the People's Army" 조선인민군창건60돐기념훈장 Chosŏn Inmin'gun Ch'anggŏn Yusip-dol Kinyŏm Hunjang	1992
	Commemorative Order "Capital Construction" 수도건설기념훈장 Sudo Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Hunjang	1992
	Commemorative Order "50th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Democratic People's Republic Of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건50돐년기념훈장 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'anggŏn Osip-dolnyŏn Kinyŏm Hunjang	1998
	Commemorative Order "60th Year Anniversary Of the Fatherland Liberation War Victory" 조국해방전쟁승리60돐기념훈장 Choguk Haebang Chǒnjaeng Sŭngri Yusip-dol Kinyŏm Hunjang	2013-04-24[6]	The newest state commemorative medal, issued to all Korean War veterans

Medals

Medal And Ribbon	Name (English/Korean/Transliteration)	Date Created	Description
	Medal For Military Merit 군공메달 Kun'gong Medal	1949-07-13	Awarded to more than 500,000 Koreans and more than 400,000 Chinese during the Korean War.[7]
	Medal of Labor Merit 공로메달 Kongro Medal	1949-07-13	Awarded for meritorious labour service.
	Medal Of Military Service Honour 군사복무영예메달 Kunsa Pongmu Yŏng'ye Medal	1973-07-03
	Medal For Agricultural Merits 농업공로메달 Nong'ŏp Kongro Medal	1974-12-24
	Medal Of Friendship of the Democratic People's Republic Of Korea 조선민주주의인민공화국친선메달 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'insŏn Medal	1985
	National Reunification Prize	1990

Commemorative Medals

Medal And Ribbon	Name (English/Korean/Transliteration)	Date Created	Description
	Medal for the Liberation of Korea 조선 1945.8.15 Chosŏn 1945.8.15 [8]	1948-10-16[7]	Awarded for participation in the Korean independence armies. 10,000 awarded by 1949.[7]
	Commemorative Medal "Great Fatherland Liberation War 1950–1953" 위대한조국해방전쟁을기념메달 1950–1953 Widaehan Choguk Haebang Chǒnjaeng'ŭl Kinyŏm Medal 1950–1953	1953-08-15	Awarded to all active and reserve enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, officers, generals and admirals of the KPA who participated in the Korean War of 1950–53.
	Commemorative Medal "Participation In The Fatherland Liberation War 1950–1953" 조국해방전쟁참전기념메달 1950–1953 Choguk Haebang Chǒnjaeng Ch'amjŏn Kinyŏm Medal 1950–1953	1953-08-15	Awarded to all active and reserve enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, officers, generals and admirals of the KPA who participated in the Korean War of 1950–53.
	Commemorative Medal "Fatherland Liberation" 조국해방기념메달 Choguk Haebang Kinyŏm Medal		Awarded to all active and reserve enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, officers, generals and admirals of the KPA who participated in the Korean War of 1950–53.
	Commemorative Medal "The Foundation of the People's Republic Of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건기념메달 Chosŏn Inmin'gun Ch'anggŏn Kinyŏm Medal
	Commemorative Medal "20th Anniversary Of Chongryon (General Association Of Korean Residents In Japan)" 20총련기념메달 Isip Ch'ŏngryŏn Ch'anggŏn Kinyŏm Medal	1975-05-20
	Commemorative Medal "Cheonggang Power Plant Dam Construction" 정강산발전소건설기념메달 Chŏnggang Sanbaljŏnso Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal	1990
	Commemorative Medal "Capital Construction" 수도건설기념메달 Sudo Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal	1992
	Commemorative Medal "Pyongyang-Nampho Highway Construction" 평양-남포고속도로건설기념메달 P'yŏngyang-Namp'o Kosoktoro Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal
	Commemorative Medal "Military Parade" 열병식기념메달 Yŏlbyŏngsik Kinyŏm Medal		Awarded to military units taking part in the various military parades in commemoration of state holidays.
	Commemorative Medal "Huicheon Power Plant Construction" 희천발전소건설기념메달 Huichŏn Paljŏnso Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal	2011-10-23
	Commemorative Medal "Paektusan Youth Power Station Construction” 백두산청년발전소건설기념메달 Paektusan Chongnyon Paljŏnso Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal	2016

Badges

Medal And Ribbon	Name (English/Korean/Transliteration)	Date Created	Description
	Commemorative Badge "20th Anniversary of the Foundation of the People's Army" 조선인민군창건20주년기념휘장 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'anggŏn Isip Chunyŏn Kinyŏm Hwijang	1968-02-08
	Chollima Honour Badge 천리마 영예 휘장 Ch'ŏllima Yŏng'ye Hwijang	1968

Prizes

Kim Il-sung Prize[9]
Kim Il-sung Children Honor Prize[10]
Kim Il-sung Youth Honor Prize[11]
International Kim Il-sung Prize[12]
People's Prize[13]
February 16 Science and Technology Prize[14]

Honorary titles

Honorary titles include:

Actor Emeritus[13]
Artist Emeritus[13]
Merited Actor[7]
Merited Athlete[11]
Merited Artist[15]
Merited Journalist[9]
October 8 Exemplary Educationist[16]
"People's titles"[7]
- People's Actor[7]
- People's Athlete[11]
- People's Artist[15]
- People's Journalist[9]
- People's Scientist[17]
- People's Teacher[18]

References

Citations

Yonhap News Agency (27 December 2002). North Korea Handbook. Seoul: M.E. Sharpe. p. 132. ISBN 978-0-7656-3523-5.
Dong-Sam Sin (2016) Die Planung des Wiederaufbaus der Städte Hamhung und Hungnam in Nordkorea durch die DAG-Städtebaubrigade der DDR von 1955 - 1962. A dissertation for HafenCity Universität Hamburg
"Democratic People's Republic of Korea_Juche Korea". korea-dpr.com. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
"Past news". kcna.co.jp. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
"Ellsworth Culver honored by North Korea for life's work | Mercy Corps". mercycorps.org. Archived from the original on 21 February 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
"The 60th Anniversary of the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Order and Its Miniature Decoration". Korea Today. Vol. 685 no. 7. 2013. ISSN 0454-4072.
Weiser, Martin (8 January 2016). "Chests Full of Brass: A DPRK Political History in Orders, Medals, Prizes, and Titles". Sino-NK. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
ru:Медаль «За освобождение Кореи»
Michael Breen (1 February 2012). Kim Jong-Il, Revised and Updated: Kim Jong-il: North Koreas Dear Leader, Revised and Updated Edition. John Wiley & Sons. p. 43. ISBN 978-1-118-15377-2. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
Kim Da Seul (22 June 2012). "Kim Il Sung's Image on Medals Changed". dailynk.com. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
"Asian Football Business Review: North Korea's winning U-20 women receive awards". asianfootballbusiness.com. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
James Hoare (13 July 2012). Historical Dictionary of Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Scarecrow Press. p. 181. ISBN 978-0-8108-6151-0. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
Sin Sik Chai; Jong Hun Hyon (1980). Cultural policy in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Unesco. p. 37. ISBN 978-92-3-101645-5. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
Rim, Sang Jun (2019). "Distinguished PhD in Materials Science". Korea Today. Vol. 759 no. 9. p. 20. ISSN 0454-4072.
Valérie Gelézeau; Koen De Ceuster; Alain Delissen (2 May 2013). De-Bordering Korea: Tangible and Intangible Legacies of the Sunshine Policy. Routledge. p. 160. ISBN 978-1-136-19253-1. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
History of Revolutionary Activities of Chairman Kim Jong Il. Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House. 2015. p. 327. ISBN 978-9946-0-1309-1.
Min Yong Hwa. "Introduction". pulbora.edu.kp. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
"Moranbong Middle School No. 1". naenara.com.kp. 11 February 2016. Retrieved 2016-02-11.

Sources

Boik, William A. (2008). Orders, Decorations, and Medals of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Springfield, VA: DBMPress.com. ISBN 978-0-615-19087-7.

External links

Orders, Decorations and Medals of the Korean Democratic People's Republic at Medals of the World
Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Soviet Military Awards Page Forum

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[Seoul2002-1] Yonhap News Agency (27 December 2002). North Korea Handbook. Seoul: M.E. Sharpe. p. 132. ISBN 978-0-7656-3523-5.

[dong-2] Dong-Sam Sin (2016) Die Planung des Wiederaufbaus der Städte Hamhung und Hungnam in Nordkorea durch die DAG-Städtebaubrigade der DDR von 1955 - 1962. A dissertation for HafenCity Universität Hamburg

[Korea-DprAbout-3] "Democratic People's Republic of Korea_Juche Korea". korea-dpr.com. Retrieved 17 January 2014.

[kcna-4] "Past news". kcna.co.jp. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2014.

[mercycorps-5] "Ellsworth Culver honored by North Korea for life's work | Mercy Corps". mercycorps.org. Archived from the original on 21 February 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2014.

[6] "The 60th Anniversary of the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Order and Its Miniature Decoration". Korea Today. Vol. 685 no. 7. 2013. ISSN 0454-4072.

[Weiser2016-7] Weiser, Martin (8 January 2016). "Chests Full of Brass: A DPRK Political History in Orders, Medals, Prizes, and Titles". Sino-NK. Retrieved 16 April 2016.

[8] ru:Медаль «За освобождение Кореи»

[Breen2012-9] Michael Breen (1 February 2012). Kim Jong-Il, Revised and Updated: Kim Jong-il: North Koreas Dear Leader, Revised and Updated Edition. John Wiley & Sons. p. 43. ISBN 978-1-118-15377-2. Retrieved 4 July 2015.

[dail_KimI-10] Kim Da Seul (22 June 2012). "Kim Il Sung's Image on Medals Changed". dailynk.com. Retrieved 8 October 2015.

[asia_Asia-11] "Asian Football Business Review: North Korea's winning U-20 women receive awards". asianfootballbusiness.com. Retrieved 2015-08-27.

[Hoare2012-12] James Hoare (13 July 2012). Historical Dictionary of Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Scarecrow Press. p. 181. ISBN 978-0-8108-6151-0. Retrieved 4 July 2015.

[ChaiHyon1980-13] Sin Sik Chai; Jong Hun Hyon (1980). Cultural policy in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Unesco. p. 37. ISBN 978-92-3-101645-5. Retrieved 4 July 2015.

[14] Rim, Sang Jun (2019). "Distinguished PhD in Materials Science". Korea Today. Vol. 759 no. 9. p. 20. ISSN 0454-4072.

[GelézeauCeuster2013-15] Valérie Gelézeau; Koen De Ceuster; Alain Delissen (2 May 2013). De-Bordering Korea: Tangible and Intangible Legacies of the Sunshine Policy. Routledge. p. 160. ISBN 978-1-136-19253-1. Retrieved 4 July 2015.

[16] History of Revolutionary Activities of Chairman Kim Jong Il. Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House. 2015. p. 327. ISBN 978-9946-0-1309-1.

[17] Min Yong Hwa. "Introduction". pulbora.edu.kp. Retrieved 11 February 2019.

[18] "Moranbong Middle School No. 1". naenara.com.kp. 11 February 2016. Retrieved 2016-02-11.