Are you fascinated by the enigmatic and secretive nation of North Korea? Delve into the complex and mysterious world of this isolated country with our list of the 20 best books about North Korea. Whether you’re interested in its history, politics, or society, there’s a book on North Korea for every curious reader. Explore first-hand accounts, in-depth analyses, and gripping narratives that offer unique insights into this intriguing nation. From memoirs to investigative journalism, these North Korea books will captivate and educate you about one of the most captivating and secretive places on earth.
Contents
- 1 20 Best North Korea Books
- 2 The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un
- 3 Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
- 4 The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag
- 5 Dear Leader: My Escape from North Korea
- 6 The Accusation: Forbidden Stories from Inside North Korea
- 7 A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator’s Rise to Power
- 8 The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why It Matters
- 9 Escape from Camp 14: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West
- 10 The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story
- 11 The Orphan Master’s Son
- 12 Without You, There Is No Us: My Time with the Sons of North Korea’s Elite
- 13 The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future
- 14 The Invitation-Only Zone: The True Story of North Korea’s Abduction Project
- 15 North Korea: State of Paranoia
- 16 The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History
- 17 North Korea: Another Country
- 18 Nothing to Envy: Real Lives in North Korea
- 19 Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty
- 20 North Korea Confidential: Private Markets, Fashion Trends, Prison Camps, Dissenters and Defectors
- 21 The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia
- 22 Final Thoughts on Best North Korea Books
- 23
20 Best North Korea Books
The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un
by Anna Fifield
The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un by Anna Fifield is a captivating book about North Korea that delves into the enigmatic and mysterious world of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. Anna Fifield, a renowned journalist and expert on East Asia, provides a gripping and insightful portrait of the man who has been hailed as the “Great Successor” in the secretive and authoritarian regime of the Hermit Kingdom.
Fifield’s book on North Korea offers a rare glimpse into the life, upbringing, and rise to power of Kim Jong Un, shedding light on his family background, education, and the brutal power struggles within the ruling elite. Through extensive research and interviews with defectors, diplomats, and experts, Fifield paints a vivid and compelling picture of the young leader and the inner workings of the regime.
With its compelling narrative and meticulous attention to detail, The Great Successor is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of North Korea and the enigmatic figure at its helm.
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
by Barbara Demick
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick is a riveting book about the secretive and repressive regime of North Korea. The author, a journalist, brings to life the stories of six individuals who defected from North Korea, shedding light on the harsh realities of life under the totalitarian rule of Kim Jong-il. Through their personal accounts, readers gain insight into the everyday struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of the North Korean people.
Demick’s masterful storytelling and meticulous research provide a vivid portrayal of the country’s socio-political landscape, economic hardships, and propaganda-driven society. The book offers a rare glimpse into the lives of ordinary citizens, their aspirations, and the challenges they face in a closed-off society. It also highlights the stark contrast between the government’s propaganda and the grim truth of life in North Korea.
Nothing to Envy is a compelling and eye-opening read, offering a unique perspective on the human experience in a totalitarian state. It is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of North Korea and the resilience of its people.
The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag
by Kang Chol-Hwan
The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag is a gripping memoir by Kang Chol-Hwan, providing a harrowing account of life in North Korea’s labor camps. This powerful book on North Korea offers a firsthand glimpse into the author’s experience of enduring ten years in the notorious Yodok concentration camp. Kang Chol-Hwan vividly recounts his struggles, the harsh conditions, and the oppressive regime that he and his family faced.
The narrative is both heartbreaking and eye-opening, shedding light on the atrocities and human rights abuses in North Korea. Kang Chol-Hwan’s courageous storytelling and his determination to survive against all odds make this a compelling and essential read for anyone interested in understanding the realities of life in the secretive nation. The Aquariums of Pyongyang is a poignant and timely book about North Korea that serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Dear Leader: My Escape from North Korea
by Jang Jin-sung
Dear Leader: My Escape from North Korea is a gripping and harrowing memoir by Jang Jin-sung, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the secretive and oppressive regime of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This book on North Korea delves into Jin-sung’s experiences as a high-ranking poet and propagandist for Kim Jong-il’s regime, providing an insider’s perspective on the brutal realities of life in the totalitarian state.
Through vivid and compelling storytelling, Jin-sung recounts his daring escape from North Korea, shedding light on the extreme risks and challenges faced by defectors. His account paints a vivid picture of the oppressive atmosphere, the pervasive surveillance, and the constant fear that permeate every aspect of life in North Korea.
Dear Leader is a powerful and eye-opening book about North Korea that exposes the atrocities and human rights abuses endured by its people, while also celebrating the resilience and courage of those who dare to seek freedom. This gripping narrative is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of North Korea and the human spirit’s unyielding quest for liberty.
The Accusation: Forbidden Stories from Inside North Korea
by Bandi
The Accusation is a groundbreaking book about life inside the secretive and oppressive regime of North Korea, written by a pseudonymous author named Bandi. This collection of short stories provides a rare and harrowing glimpse into the everyday struggles, fears, and hopes of the North Korean people. Bandi’s powerful and poignant writing offers a stark portrayal of the harsh realities faced by individuals living under the repressive regime, exploring themes of censorship, surveillance, and the human spirit’s enduring resilience amid adversity.
These forbidden stories, smuggled out of North Korea and published for the first time, offer a rare and valuable insight into a society shrouded in mystery and isolation. The Accusation is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human experience in one of the world’s most closed-off and enigmatic nations. Through Bandi’s compelling storytelling, readers are transported into the heart of North Korea, where they bear witness to the strength, courage, and unwavering determination of its people.
A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator’s Rise to Power
by Paul Fischer
A Kim Jong-Il Production is a captivating book about North Korea that tells the extraordinary true story of a kidnapped filmmaker, his star actress, and a young dictator’s rise to power. Author Paul Fischer takes readers on a gripping journey into the secretive and fascinating world of North Korea, providing a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the regime and its propaganda machine.
The book follows the incredible tale of how Kim Jong-Il, the notorious leader of North Korea, orchestrated the abduction of South Korean filmmaker Shin Sang-ok and his actress wife Choi Eun-hee in order to bolster the country’s film industry. Through meticulous research and interviews, Fischer paints a vivid portrait of the couple’s harrowing experience, their eventual collaboration with the dictator, and the political intrigue that surrounded them.
A Kim Jong-Il Production is a spellbinding and meticulously researched book on North Korea that offers a unique perspective on the country’s history and culture, making it a must-read for anyone interested in international politics, cinema, or North Korea books.
The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why It Matters
by B.R. Myers
The Cleanest Race by B.R. Myers is a fascinating and thought-provoking book on North Korea that delves into the ideology and self-perception of the country and its people. Myers, a renowned expert on North Korean propaganda, provides an insightful analysis of how North Koreans view themselves and the world around them, shedding light on the motivations behind their actions and policies. Through meticulous research and a deep understanding of North Korean culture, Myers presents a compelling argument that challenges common Western perceptions of the country.
This book about North Korea is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the enigmatic nation and its people. Myers’ exploration of North Korean propaganda and its impact on the collective psyche offers valuable insights into the country’s self-image and its implications for international relations. The Cleanest Race is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of North Korea and its place in the global community.
Escape from Camp 14: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West
by Blaine Harden
Escape from Camp 14 is a gripping book about North Korea that tells the remarkable true story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only known person to have been born and raised in a North Korean labor camp and successfully escaped to the West. Blaine Harden’s powerful narrative takes readers on a harrowing journey through Shin’s brutal upbringing in Camp 14, where he witnessed unimaginable atrocities and lived in constant fear of punishment.
The book details Shin’s daring escape and his struggles to adapt to life outside the camp, providing a rare glimpse into the oppressive regime of North Korea and the resilience of the human spirit. Harden’s storytelling is both heart-wrenching and eye-opening, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in the secretive nation.
Escape from Camp 14 offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of survival, freedom, and the indomitable will to overcome adversity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of North Korea and the human cost of its oppressive regime.
The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story
by Hyeonseo Lee
The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story by Hyeonseo Lee is a gripping memoir that takes readers on a harrowing journey through the secretive and oppressive regime of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This compelling book on North Korea follows Lee’s incredible story of escape from her homeland, where she lived under the constant threat of imprisonment, torture, and even execution.
Lee’s account is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for freedom. Through her seven different identities, she navigates the treacherous landscape of North Korea, China, and eventually South Korea, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by defectors and the lengths they must go to in order to survive and seek a better life.
This book about North Korea offers a rare glimpse into the oppressive regime and the struggles faced by its citizens, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the plight of North Koreans and the complexities of life in the isolated nation.
The Orphan Master’s Son
by Adam Johnson
The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson is a gripping and haunting book about life in the enigmatic and oppressive nation of North Korea. The novel follows the life of Pak Jun Do, a young man who grows up in an orphanage and is eventually trained as an intelligence operative for the government. Through Jun Do’s journey, readers are given a rare and chilling glimpse into the harsh realities of life in North Korea, where propaganda, surveillance, and fear are constant forces shaping people’s lives.
As Jun Do navigates through the complex and treacherous world of North Korean politics, the novel delves into themes of identity, love, and the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming oppression. Johnson’s writing is both lyrical and unflinching, and the novel’s intricate plot and richly drawn characters make it a captivating and thought-provoking read. The Orphan Master’s Son is an unforgettable and powerful book about North Korea that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.
Without You, There Is No Us: My Time with the Sons of North Korea’s Elite
by Suki Kim
Without You, There Is No Us: My Time with the Sons of North Korea’s Elite by Suki Kim is a captivating book about North Korea that offers a rare glimpse into the secretive and enigmatic country. Suki Kim, a Korean-American journalist, goes undercover as an English teacher at an elite university in Pyongyang, where she gains unprecedented access to the sons of North Korea’s ruling class. As she immerses herself in the lives of these young men, she uncovers the stark contrast between their privileged existence and the harsh realities faced by the majority of North Koreans.
Through her compelling narrative, Kim provides a poignant and intimate portrayal of the daily lives and inner thoughts of her students, offering valuable insights into the mindset of the North Korean elite. Her book on North Korea is a thought-provoking exploration of a society shrouded in mystery, offering a rare firsthand account of life within the isolated nation. Without You, There Is No Us is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of North Korea.
The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future
by Victor Cha
The Impossible State by Victor Cha is a compelling book about North Korea that delves into the enigmatic and isolated nation, offering a comprehensive analysis of its past and a thought-provoking look into its future. Cha, a renowned expert on North Korean affairs, provides a detailed account of the country’s history, politics, and society, shedding light on the complex factors that have shaped its trajectory.
From the leadership of the Kim dynasty to the challenges of international diplomacy, Cha explores the internal dynamics and external influences that have defined North Korea’s evolution. Drawing on extensive research and firsthand experiences, he offers valuable insights into the motivations and strategies of the North Korean regime, as well as the implications for regional and global security.
With its engaging narrative and expert analysis, The Impossible State is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this book on North Korea, offering a nuanced perspective on one of the most intriguing and elusive nations in the world.
The Invitation-Only Zone: The True Story of North Korea’s Abduction Project
by Robert S. Boynton
The Invitation-Only Zone: The True Story of North Korea’s Abduction Project by Robert S. Boynton is a gripping book about North Korea that delves into the secretive and chilling world of the authoritarian regime. Boynton unravels the shocking and true story of North Korea’s abduction project, where innocent citizens from Japan and South Korea were kidnapped and forced to work for the North Korean government. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Boynton sheds light on the harrowing experiences of the abductees and the political motivations behind these heinous acts. The North Korea book also explores the international implications of these abductions and the complex relationship between North Korea and its neighboring countries. With its detailed accounts and immersive narrative, The Invitation-Only Zone offers readers a rare and eye-opening glimpse into the dark and enigmatic world of North Korea’s abduction project.
North Korea: State of Paranoia
by Paul French
North Korea: State of Paranoia by Paul French is a compelling and insightful book about the enigmatic and secretive country of North Korea. French delves into the history, politics, and society of this isolated nation, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s most mysterious regimes.
The book provides a comprehensive examination of North Korea’s ideology, propaganda, and the cult of personality surrounding its leaders. French also explores the country’s nuclear ambitions, human rights abuses, and the impact of international sanctions on its people.
Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, French paints a vivid and disturbing picture of life in North Korea, revealing the extent of the regime’s control and the hardships faced by its citizens. North Korea: State of Paranoia is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of this isolated nation and the challenges it poses to the international community.
The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History
by Don Oberdorfer
The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History by Don Oberdorfer is a comprehensive book about North Korea and its relationship with South Korea. Oberdorfer delves into the complex history, politics, and culture of the Korean peninsula, providing a detailed account of the events that have shaped the two countries. The book offers a balanced perspective, exploring the dynamics of the North-South divide and the impact of external influences on the Korean peninsula.
Oberdorfer’s engaging narrative style and in-depth analysis make this book on North Korea an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the enigmatic nation and its interactions with the global community. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a political science student, or simply curious about the intricacies of international relations, The Two Koreas offers a compelling and enlightening exploration of one of the world’s most intriguing geopolitical hotspots.
North Korea: Another Country
by Bruce Cumings
North Korea: Another Country by Bruce Cumings is a compelling and insightful book about the enigmatic nation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Cumings provides a deep dive into the complex history and politics of this secretive country, offering a comprehensive look at its society, culture, and the impact of its isolation on the Korean people.
The book delves into North Korea’s ideology, its leadership, and the challenges it faces on the world stage. Cumings’s meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of North Korea and its place in the global community.
With a keen focus on the country’s unique identity and the impact of historical events, North Korea: Another Country offers a fresh perspective on a nation often shrouded in mystery. Whether you’re a scholar, a history buff, or simply curious about this fascinating country, this book about North Korea is sure to captivate and inform.
Nothing to Envy: Real Lives in North Korea
by Barbara Demick
Nothing to Envy: Real Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick is a gripping and eye-opening book about life inside the secretive and repressive country of North Korea. Through the personal stories of six defectors, Demick provides a rare and intimate look into the harsh realities of daily life in North Korea, including the struggles with poverty, hunger, and the constant fear of the regime’s surveillance and control.
By weaving together these personal narratives, Demick paints a vivid and disturbing picture of a society where propaganda, censorship, and indoctrination are pervasive, and where the government’s grip on its citizens is absolute. The book on North Korea also sheds light on the experiences of North Korean defectors as they escape and adapt to life outside of the country, offering a glimpse of hope and resilience amidst the despair.
Nothing to Envy is a powerful and compelling North Korea book that offers an important and timely perspective on one of the world’s most secretive and mysterious nations.
Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty
by Bradley K. Martin
Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty by Bradley K. Martin is a captivating and comprehensive book on North Korea, offering a gripping exploration of the enigmatic Kim dynasty. Martin delves into the history and inner workings of the secretive nation, providing a detailed account of the rise and reign of the Kim family, and the impact of their totalitarian regime on the people of North Korea.
Through meticulous research and firsthand interviews, the author paints a vivid picture of the country’s political landscape, propaganda machine, and the cult of personality surrounding the Kims. From the devastating famine of the 1990s to the nuclear ambitions of the regime, Martin provides a compelling analysis of North Korea’s tumultuous journey on the world stage.
Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complex and often perplexing dynamics of this isolated nation. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a political junkie, or simply intrigued by world affairs, this book about North Korea will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
North Korea Confidential: Private Markets, Fashion Trends, Prison Camps, Dissenters and Defectors
by Daniel Tudor and James Pearson
North Korea Confidential is a remarkable book on North Korea that offers a rare glimpse into the secretive and enigmatic country. Authors Daniel Tudor and James Pearson provide an insider’s perspective on the private markets, fashion trends, prison camps, dissenters, and defectors within the closed-off society of North Korea.
The book delves into the hidden world of North Korea, shedding light on the everyday lives of its citizens and the underground economy that sustains them. Through extensive research and interviews with defectors, the authors paint a vivid and compelling picture of a society that is both oppressive and resilient.
Readers will be captivated by the compelling narratives and eye-opening revelations in this gripping North Korea book. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a political science student, or simply curious about life in the reclusive nation, North Korea Confidential is a must-read that will challenge your perceptions and expand your understanding of this fascinating country.
The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia
by Andrei Lankov
The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia by Andrei Lankov is a captivating and insightful book about North Korea. Lankov, a renowned expert on North Korea, offers a comprehensive overview of the secretive nation, shedding light on its enigmatic political system and the everyday lives of its citizens. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Lankov delves into the history and ideology of the regime, providing a nuanced understanding of the country’s development and its place in the global arena.
Readers will be engrossed by Lankov’s exploration of the state’s propaganda machinery, the cult of personality surrounding its leaders, and the harsh realities faced by ordinary North Koreans. The book on North Korea also examines the country’s international relations, nuclear ambitions, and the challenges it poses to the global community.
With its compelling narrative and in-depth analysis, The Real North Korea is an essential read for anyone seeking to grasp the intricacies of this complex and often misunderstood nation.
Final Thoughts on Best North Korea Books
Exploring the fascinating and enigmatic world of North Korea through literature is an enriching experience. The 20 best books about North Korea provide valuable insights into the country’s history, politics, and society. Whether you’re interested in fiction, memoirs, or non-fiction, these books offer a diverse and captivating look at one of the most secretive nations on earth. From personal accounts to in-depth analyses, these books shed light on a complex and often misunderstood country, making them essential reads for anyone intrigued by North Korea.
Which book about North Korea is best?
The best book on North Korea can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
- The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un by Anna Fifield,
- Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick,
- The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag by Kang Chol-Hwan.
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about North Korea?
For those looking to learn about North Korea, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
- The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un by Anna Fifield,
- Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick,
- The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag by Kang Chol-Hwan,
- Dear Leader: My Escape from North Korea by Jang Jin-sung,
- The Accusation: Forbidden Stories from Inside North Korea by Bandi,
- A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator’s Rise to Power by Paul Fischer,
- The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why It Matters by B.R. Myers,
- Escape from Camp 14: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West by Blaine Harden,
- The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story by Hyeonseo Lee,
- The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson
These books offer a range of perspectives on North Korea, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.
What are the best books about North Korea?
The best books about North Korea are:
- The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un by Anna Fifield,
- Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick,
- Without You, There Is No Us: My Time with the Sons of North Korea’s Elite by Suki Kim,
- The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future by Victor Cha,
- Escape from Camp 14: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West by Blaine Harden,
- A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator’s Rise to Power by Paul Fischer.
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books about North Korea are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best North Korea books of all time?
Choosing the best North Korea books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but five titles that are often celebrated include
- The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un by Anna Fifield,
- Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick,
- The Accusation: Forbidden Stories from Inside North Korea by Bandi,
- Escape from Camp 14: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West by Blaine Harden,
- and Without You, There Is No Us: My Time with the Sons of North Korea’s Elite by Suki Kim.
Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of North Korea and continues to be influential today.