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U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

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Judicial Assistance Country Information

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

North Korea
Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Judicial Assistance in North Korea

Disclaimer:  This circular is informational only; it is not an opinion on any aspect of United States, North Korean, or international law.  The U.S. Department of State does not intend by the contents of this circular to take a position on any aspect of any pending litigation.

The United States and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) do not have any treaty relationships that provide for judicial assistance.  The DPRK is not party to either the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra-Judicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters, or the Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters.

Moreover, the United States does not maintain diplomatic relations with the DPRK. Therefore, the U.S. Government cannot directly provide normal consular services, including the transmission of judicial documents, in the DPRK. Nor does the United States have in place a protecting power or other arrangement that would permit another sovereign to 1) transmit letters rogatory requesting service of process or the taking of evidence, or 2) effect service of process upon the government of the DPRK on behalf of U.S. litigants as provided for in the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.

Last Updated: November 21, 2023

North Korea Map