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'''Voice of Korea''' (Korean: 조선의 소리, ''Chosŏn-ŭi Sori''), formerly '''Radio Pyongyang''', is the international radio broadcasting service of the [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] (DPRK). It broadcasts news, political commentary, music, cultural programming and other material concerning the DPRK to audiences abroad.
'''Voice of Korea''' (Korean: 조선의 소리, ''Chosŏn-ŭi Sori''), formerly '''Radio Pyongyang''', is the international radio broadcasting service of the [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] (DPRK). It broadcasts news, political commentary, music, cultural programming and other material concerning the DPRK to audiences abroad.


Radio Pyongyang began broadcasting in October 1945, shortly after the liberation of Korea from [[Empire of Japan|Japanese colonial rule]]. Its international service began on 16 March 1947 with a Chinese-language broadcast. Japanese broadcasts began in 1950, English in 1951, French and Russian in 1963, Spanish in 1965, Arabic in 1970 and German in 1983.<ref>{{Citation|author=James Wood|year=2000|title=History of International Broadcasting|publisher=IET|page=158}}</ref> The service adopted the name ''Voice of Korea'' in 2002.<ref>{{Citation|author=James E. Hoare|year=2012|title=Historical Dictionary of Democratic People's Republic of Korea|publisher=Scarecrow Press|page=395}}</ref>
Radio Pyongyang began broadcasting in October 1945, shortly after the liberation of Korea from [[Empire of Japan|Japanese colonial rule]]. Its international service began on 16 March 1947 with a Chinese-language broadcast. Japanese broadcasts began in 1950, English in 1951, French and Russian in 1963, Spanish in 1965, Arabic in 1970 and German in 1983.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|author=James Wood|year=2000|title=History of International Broadcasting|publisher=IET|page=158}}</ref> The service adopted the name ''Voice of Korea'' in 2002.<ref name=":1">{{Citation|author=James E. Hoare|year=2012|title=Historical Dictionary of Democratic People's Republic of Korea|publisher=Scarecrow Press|page=395}}</ref>
 
Voice of Korea forms part of the DPRK's international media and provides the country's own perspective on domestic and international affairs. Its broadcasts regularly cover the activities and policies of the [[Workers' Party of Korea]] and the DPRK government, Korean history and culture, socialist construction, Korean reunification and opposition to [[imperialism]]. It consequently provides an important primary source for the DPRK's positions on events which are frequently presented internationally almost exclusively through hostile Western and south Korean media.


== History ==
== History ==


Radio broadcasting from Pyongyang began following the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial occupation in 1945. Radio Pyongyang was established in October and formally began programming on 14 October 1945, when it broadcast a speech delivered by [[Kim Il Sung]] following his return to Pyongyang.<ref>{{Citation|author=James E. Hoare|year=2012|title=Historical Dictionary of Democratic People's Republic of Korea|publisher=Scarecrow Press|page=395}}</ref>
Radio broadcasting from Pyongyang began following the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial occupation in 1945. Radio Pyongyang was established in October and formally began programming on 14 October 1945, when it broadcast a speech delivered by [[Kim Il Sung]] following his return to Pyongyang.<ref name=":1" />


The first foreign-language transmission was made in Chinese on 16 March 1947. The international service subsequently expanded alongside the development of the DPRK's broadcasting infrastructure. Japanese-language programming began in 1950 and English-language broadcasting in 1951. French and Russian services followed in 1963, Spanish in 1965, Arabic in 1970 and German in 1983.<ref>{{Citation|author=James Wood|year=2000|title=History of International Broadcasting|publisher=IET|page=158}}</ref>
The first foreign-language transmission was made in Chinese on 16 March 1947. The international service subsequently expanded alongside the development of the DPRK's broadcasting infrastructure. Japanese-language programming began in 1950 and English-language broadcasting in 1951. French and Russian services followed in 1963, Spanish in 1965, Arabic in 1970 and German in 1983.<ref name=":0" />


Radio Pyongyang expanded considerably during the period of socialist construction. It transmitted 159 hours of programming per week by 1960, increasing to 330 hours in 1970 and 597 hours by 1980.<ref>{{Citation|author=James Wood|year=2000|title=History of International Broadcasting|publisher=IET|pages=20, 158}}</ref>
Radio Pyongyang expanded considerably during the period of socialist construction. It transmitted 159 hours of programming per week by 1960, increasing to 330 hours in 1970 and 597 hours by 1980.<ref>{{Citation|author=James Wood|year=2000|title=History of International Broadcasting|publisher=IET|pages=20, 158}}</ref>


The station was renamed ''Voice of Korea'' in 2002.<ref>{{Citation|author=James E. Hoare|year=2012|title=Historical Dictionary of Democratic People's Republic of Korea|publisher=Scarecrow Press|page=395}}</ref>
The station was renamed ''Voice of Korea'' in 2002.<ref name=":1" />
 
International broadcasting has provided the DPRK with a means of communicating directly with foreign audiences despite the political isolation, [[economic sanctions]] and military pressure imposed upon the country by the [[United States of America|United States]] and its allies.


== Programming ==
== Programming ==
Voice of Korea broadcasts news, political commentary, historical and cultural features, music and programmes concerning social and economic development in the DPRK.


A typical foreign-language transmission lasts approximately 57 minutes. Broadcasts begin on the hour with an interval signal consisting of the opening notes of the ''Song of General Kim Il Sung'', followed by the announcement "This is Voice of Korea". The national anthem of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, ''Song of General Kim Il Sung'' and ''Song of General Kim Jong Il'' are then played.<ref name="NKtech2014">{{Web citation|author=Martyn Williams|title=Voice of Korea mid-2014 schedule|date=2014-03-27|url=http://www.northkoreatech.org/2014/03/27/voice-of-korea-mid-2014-schedule/|website=North Korea Tech|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025103253/http://www.northkoreatech.org/2014/03/27/voice-of-korea-mid-2014-schedule/|archive-date=2014-10-25}}</ref>
A typical foreign-language transmission lasts approximately 57 minutes. Broadcasts begin on the hour with an interval signal consisting of the opening notes of the ''Song of General Kim Il Sung'', followed by the announcement "This is Voice of Korea". The national anthem of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, ''Song of General Kim Il Sung'' and ''Song of General Kim Jong Il'' are then played.<ref name="NKtech2014">{{Web citation|author=Martyn Williams|title=Voice of Korea mid-2014 schedule|date=2014-03-27|url=http://www.northkoreatech.org/2014/03/27/voice-of-korea-mid-2014-schedule/|website=North Korea Tech|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025103253/http://www.northkoreatech.org/2014/03/27/voice-of-korea-mid-2014-schedule/|archive-date=2014-10-25}}</ref>


News bulletins largely consist of reports also distributed by the Korean Central News Agency, adapted for radio. These are followed by music and feature programmes. Broadcasts have also included readings from [[Kim Il Sung]]'s memoirs ''[[With the Century]]'', historical programmes, political commentary and reports concerning Korean culture and socialist construction. A transmission normally concludes with an announcement of frequencies and a sign-off.<ref name="NKtech2014" />
News bulletins largely consist of reports also distributed by the Korean Central News Agency, adapted for radio. These are followed by music and feature programmes. Broadcasts have also included readings from [[Kim Il Sung]]'s memoirs ''[[With the Century]]'', historical programmes, political commentary and reports concerning Korean culture and socialist construction. A transmission normally concludes with an announcement of frequencies and a sign-off.<ref name="NKtech2014" />
The different foreign-language services make extensive use of common programme material, with spoken portions translated into the respective language.


== Broadcasting ==
== Broadcasting ==


Voice of Korea primarily uses shortwave radio, allowing its broadcasts to be received over large distances without dependence upon foreign telecommunications infrastructure. Japanese-language programming is additionally transmitted on 621 kHz medium wave towards [[Japan]].<ref>{{Citation|author=James E. Hoare|year=2012|title=Historical Dictionary of Democratic People's Republic of Korea|publisher=Scarecrow Press|page=395}}</ref>
Voice of Korea primarily uses shortwave radio, allowing its broadcasts to be received over large distances without dependence upon foreign telecommunications infrastructure. Japanese-language programming is additionally transmitted on 621 kHz medium wave towards [[Japan]].<ref name=":1" />


Most international broadcasts originate from the Kujang shortwave transmitting station. The facility has five 200 kW transmitters and is situated approximately 25 km from Kujang. Additional transmitting facilities have operated at Kanggye, with five 200 kW transmitters, and Pyongyang, with ten 200 kW transmitters.<ref name="Kujang">{{Web citation|author=Martyn Williams|title=Kujang shortwave transmitter site|date=2011-04-29|url=http://www.northkoreatech.org/2011/04/29/kujang-shortwave-transmitter-site/|website=North Korea Tech|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025104939/http://www.northkoreatech.org/2011/04/29/kujang-shortwave-transmitter-site/|archive-date=2014-10-25}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=James Wood|year=2000|title=History of International Broadcasting|publisher=IET|page=158}}</ref>
Most international broadcasts originate from the Kujang shortwave transmitting station. The facility has five 200 kW transmitters and is situated approximately 25 km from Kujang. Additional transmitting facilities have operated at Kanggye, with five 200 kW transmitters, and Pyongyang, with ten 200 kW transmitters.<ref name="Kujang">{{Web citation|author=Martyn Williams|title=Kujang shortwave transmitter site|date=2011-04-29|url=http://www.northkoreatech.org/2011/04/29/kujang-shortwave-transmitter-site/|website=North Korea Tech|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025104939/http://www.northkoreatech.org/2011/04/29/kujang-shortwave-transmitter-site/|archive-date=2014-10-25}}</ref><ref name=":0" />


Voice of Korea uses multiple frequencies simultaneously in order to direct the same language service towards different regions. Broadcast targets have included Europe, North America, Central and South America, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Southern Africa, Russia, China and Japan.
Frequencies vary according to season. Summer frequencies are generally used from late March until late October, with winter frequencies used from late October until the end of March. The frequencies below reproduce the schedule published by Voice of Korea in July 2024.<ref name="VOKschedule">{{Web citation|title=VOK SW Broadcast Schedule and Frequencies: Requested by John Custin|date=2024-07-28|url=http://www.vok.rep.kp/index.php/detail_com/comde/iee240718019/96/en|website=Voice of Korea|retrieved=2024-08-03}}</ref>
 
Frequencies vary according to season. Summer frequencies are generally used from late March until late October, with winter frequencies used from late October until the end of March. The frequencies below reproduce the schedule published by Voice of Korea in July 2024.<ref name="VOKschedule">{{Web citation|title=VOK SW Broadcast Schedule and Frequencies: Requested by John Custin|date=2024-07-28|url=http://www.vok.rep.kp/index.php/detail_com/comde/iee240718019/96/en|website=Voice of Korea|retrieved=2024-08-03}}</ref> All times are in UTC. Frequencies marked "v" are variable and may drift slightly from the stated frequency.


=== English ===
=== English ===
All English-language shortwave broadcasts are transmitted from Kujang.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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=== Japanese ===
=== Japanese ===
Japanese-language broadcasting uses both shortwave and 621 kHz medium wave. Most transmissions originate from Kujang; the supplied schedule identifies 621 kHz as transmitted from Chongjin-Ranam and 6070 kHz from Kanggye.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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=== Korean ===
=== Korean ===
Voice of Korea's transmitting network also carries Korean-language international transmissions derived from the [[Korean Central Broadcasting Station]]. These use a somewhat different programme format from the foreign-language services.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 402: Line 386:
|Northeast Asia
|Northeast Asia
|}
|}
== Role ==
Voice of Korea serves as an international outlet for the DPRK, communicating directly with foreign listeners rather than relying upon foreign governments and media organizations to interpret the country's positions.
This role is particularly significant because information concerning the DPRK outside Korea is heavily shaped by the media institutions of states politically and militarily hostile to it. The United States also operates international broadcasting directed towards Korea, including Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, as instruments of its foreign policy. Voice of Korea provides an opposing perspective produced by the DPRK itself.


== See also ==
== See also ==


* [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]]
* [[Korean Central Broadcasting Station]]
* [[Workers' Party of Korea]]
* [[Kim Il Sung]]
* [[Kim Jong Il]]
* [[Kim Jong Un]]
* [[Korean Central News Agency]]
* [[Korean Central News Agency]]
* [[Korean Central Broadcasting Station]]
* [[Korean Central Television]]
* [[Imperialism]]


== External links ==
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 17:55, 20 September 2026

Voice of Korea
Founded14 October 1945
TypeInternational radio broadcaster
HeadquartersPyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Websitehttps://www.vok.rep.kp/

Voice of Korea (Korean: 조선의 소리, Chosŏn-ŭi Sori), formerly Radio Pyongyang, is the international radio broadcasting service of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). It broadcasts news, political commentary, music, cultural programming and other material concerning the DPRK to audiences abroad.

Radio Pyongyang began broadcasting in October 1945, shortly after the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule. Its international service began on 16 March 1947 with a Chinese-language broadcast. Japanese broadcasts began in 1950, English in 1951, French and Russian in 1963, Spanish in 1965, Arabic in 1970 and German in 1983.[1] The service adopted the name Voice of Korea in 2002.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

Radio broadcasting from Pyongyang began following the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial occupation in 1945. Radio Pyongyang was established in October and formally began programming on 14 October 1945, when it broadcast a speech delivered by Kim Il Sung following his return to Pyongyang.[2]

The first foreign-language transmission was made in Chinese on 16 March 1947. The international service subsequently expanded alongside the development of the DPRK's broadcasting infrastructure. Japanese-language programming began in 1950 and English-language broadcasting in 1951. French and Russian services followed in 1963, Spanish in 1965, Arabic in 1970 and German in 1983.[1]

Radio Pyongyang expanded considerably during the period of socialist construction. It transmitted 159 hours of programming per week by 1960, increasing to 330 hours in 1970 and 597 hours by 1980.[3]

The station was renamed Voice of Korea in 2002.[2]

Programming[edit | edit source]

A typical foreign-language transmission lasts approximately 57 minutes. Broadcasts begin on the hour with an interval signal consisting of the opening notes of the Song of General Kim Il Sung, followed by the announcement "This is Voice of Korea". The national anthem of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Song of General Kim Il Sung and Song of General Kim Jong Il are then played.[4]

News bulletins largely consist of reports also distributed by the Korean Central News Agency, adapted for radio. These are followed by music and feature programmes. Broadcasts have also included readings from Kim Il Sung's memoirs With the Century, historical programmes, political commentary and reports concerning Korean culture and socialist construction. A transmission normally concludes with an announcement of frequencies and a sign-off.[4]

Broadcasting[edit | edit source]

Voice of Korea primarily uses shortwave radio, allowing its broadcasts to be received over large distances without dependence upon foreign telecommunications infrastructure. Japanese-language programming is additionally transmitted on 621 kHz medium wave towards Japan.[2]

Most international broadcasts originate from the Kujang shortwave transmitting station. The facility has five 200 kW transmitters and is situated approximately 25 km from Kujang. Additional transmitting facilities have operated at Kanggye, with five 200 kW transmitters, and Pyongyang, with ten 200 kW transmitters.[5][1]

Frequencies vary according to season. Summer frequencies are generally used from late March until late October, with winter frequencies used from late October until the end of March. The frequencies below reproduce the schedule published by Voice of Korea in July 2024.[6]

English[edit | edit source]

Time (UTC) Frequencies (kHz) Target
04:00–04:57 11735, 13760.02, 15179.95 Central and South America
10:00–10:57 11709.96, 15180.24v
Winter: 6170.1, 9434.97 		Central and South America
13:00–13:57 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe
15:00–15:57 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe
18:00–18:57 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe
21:00–21:57 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe
16:00–16:57 9890.01, 11645 Middle East and North Africa
19:00–19:57 9875.01, 11635 Middle East and North Africa
13:00–13:57 9435, 11709.96 North America
15:00–15:57 9435, 11709.96 North America
04:00–04:57 7220, 9445.29v, 9730 Northeast Asia
06:00–06:57 7220, 9445.29v, 9730 Northeast Asia
19:00–19:57 7210, 11909.96 Southern Africa
05:00–05:57 13650.22, 15105.26v Southeast Asia
10:00–10:57 11735.01v, 13650
Winter: 6185, 9850 		Southeast Asia

Arabic[edit | edit source]

Time (UTC) Frequencies (kHz) Target
15:00–15:57 9890.01, 11645 Middle East and North Africa
17:00–17:57 9890.01, 11645 Middle East and North Africa

Chinese[edit | edit source]

Time (UTC) Frequencies (kHz) Target
21:00–21:57 9875.01, 11635 China
22:00–23:57 9875.01, 11635 China
05:00–05:57 7220, 9445.29v, 9730 Northeast Asia
08:00–08:57 7220, 9445.29v Northeast Asia
11:00–11:57 7220, 9445.29v Northeast Asia
21:00–21:57 7235, 9444.97 Northeast Asia
22:00–22:57 7235, 9444.97 Northeast Asia
13:00–13:57 11735.01v, 13650
Winter: 6185, 9850 		Southeast Asia
03:00–03:57 13650.22, 15105.26v Southeast Asia
06:00–06:57 13650.22, 15105.26v Southeast Asia

French[edit | edit source]

Time (UTC) Frequencies (kHz) Target
06:00–06:57 11735, 13760.02v, 15179.95 Central and South America
11:00–11:57 11709.96, 15180.24
Winter: 6170.1, 9435 		Central and South America
14:00–14:57 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe
16:00–16:57 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe
20:00–20:57 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe
14:00–14:57 9435, 11709.96 North America
16:00–16:57 9435, 11709.96 North America
04:00–04:57 13650.22, 15105.26v Southeast Asia
11:00–11:57 11735.01v, 13650
Winter: 6185, 9850.01 		Southeast Asia
18:00–18:57 7210, 11909.96 Southern Africa
18:00–18:57 9875.01, 11635 Middle East and North Africa

German[edit | edit source]

Time (UTC) Frequencies (kHz) Target
16:00–16:57 9425, 12015.21
Winter: 6170.1, 9425 		Europe
18:00–18:57 9425, 12015.21
Winter: 6170.1, 9425 		Europe
19:00–19:57 9425, 12015.21
Winter: 6170.1, 9425 		Europe

Japanese[edit | edit source]

Time (UTC) Frequencies (kHz) Target
07:00–07:57 621, 9650, 11865.21v
Winter: 621, 7580, 9650 		Japan
08:00–08:50 621, 9650, 11865.21v
Winter: 621, 7580, 9650 		Japan
09:00–09:57 621, 6070, 9650, 11865.21v
Winter: 621, 6070, 7580, 9650 		Japan
10:00–10:50 621, 6070, 9650, 11865.21v
Winter: 621, 6070, 7580, 9650 		Japan
11:00–11:57 621, 6070, 9650, 11865.21v
Winter: 621, 6070, 7580, 9650 		Japan
12:00–12:50 621, 6070, 9650, 11865.21v
Winter: 621, 6070, 7580, 9650 		Japan
21:00–21:50 621, 9650, 11865.21v
Winter: 621, 7580.13, 9650 		Japan
22:00–22:57 621, 9650, 11865.21v
Winter: 621, 7580.13, 9650 		Japan
23:00–23:50 621, 9650, 11865.21v
Winter: 621, 7580.13, 9650 		Japan

Russian[edit | edit source]

Time (UTC) Frequencies (kHz) Target
07:00–07:57 9875, 11735.01v (Far East), 15245.25 (European) Russia
08:00–08:57 9875, 11735.01v (Far East), 15245.25 (European) Russia
14:00–14:57 9425, 12015.21
Winter: 6170.1, 9425 		European Russia
15:00–15:57 9425, 12015.21
Winter: 6170.1, 9425 		European Russia
17:00–17:57 9425, 12015.21
Winter: 6170.1, 9425 		European Russia

Spanish[edit | edit source]

Time (UTC) Frequencies (kHz) Target
03:00–03:57 11735, 13760.02v, 15179.95 Central and South America
05:00–05:57 11735, 13760.02v, 15179.95 Central and South America
19:00–19:57 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe
22:00–22:57 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe

Korean[edit | edit source]

Time (UTC) Frequencies (kHz) Target
09:00–09:50 7220, 9445.29v Northeast Asia
12:00–12:50 11709.96, 15180.24v
Winter: 6170.1, 9434.97 		Central and South America
12:00–12:50 11735.01v, 13650
Winter: 6185, 9850 		Southeast Asia
14:00–14:50 11735.01v, 13650
Winter: 6185, 9850 		Southeast Asia
17:00–17:50 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe
17:00–17:50 9435, 11709.96 North America
20:00–20:50 9425, 12015.21
Winter: 6170.1, 9425 		Europe
20:00–20:50 7210, 11909.96 Southern Africa
20:00–20:50 9875.01, 11635 Middle East and North Africa
23:00–23:50 13760.41v, 15245.25
Winter: 7570.24v, 12015.21 		Europe
23:00–23:50 7235, 9444.97, 9875.01, 11635 Northeast Asia

See also[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 James Wood (2000). History of International Broadcasting (p. 158). IET.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 James E. Hoare (2012). Historical Dictionary of Democratic People's Republic of Korea (p. 395). Scarecrow Press.
  3. ↑ James Wood (2000). History of International Broadcasting (pp. 20, 158). IET.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Martyn Williams (2014-03-27). "Voice of Korea mid-2014 schedule" North Korea Tech. Archived from the original on 2014-10-25.
  5. ↑ Martyn Williams (2011-04-29). "Kujang shortwave transmitter site" North Korea Tech. Archived from the original on 2014-10-25.
  6. ↑ "VOK SW Broadcast Schedule and Frequencies: Requested by John Custin" (2024-07-28). Voice of Korea. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
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