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 Korean, many of the future leaders fled to the Soviet Union. During WWII 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 where 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 by 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
	ko 공화국영웅 Konghwaguk Yeongung	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".
	ko 로력영웅 Roryeok Yeongung	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 Il-Sung Hunchang	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 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.^[1]
	Order of Kim Jong-il 김정일 훈장 Kim Jong-il Hunchang	2012-02-03	With the issuance of Decree 2150 by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly on February 3, 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 center of golden ear 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 made distinguished services for the DPRK. The order ribbon is similar to the Order of Kim Il Sung in the color and the star at the center but its design is different.
	Order of the National Flag 1st Class 국기훈장 제1급 Kukki Hunchang Ge Il Geup	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 as the Soviet Order of the Badge of Honor. Awards, were present to those that exemplified themselves in the fields of Science, Economics, and teachings of Socialist Ideologies.^{[citation needed]}
	Order of the National Flag 2nd Class 국기훈장 제2급 Kukki Hunchang Ge I Geup	1948-10-02	Order ribbon has 2 gold stripes indicating 2nd Class.
	Order of the National Flag 3rd Class 국기훈장 제3급 Kukki Hunchang Ge Sam Geup	1948-10-02	Order ribbon has 3 small gold stripes indicating 3rd Class.
	Order of Korean Labour 조선로력훈장 Choseon Roryeok Hunchang	1951-07-17	For efficient and meritorious professional labour.
	Order of Soldier's Honour 1st Class 전사영예훈장 제1급 Cheonsa Yeongye Hunchang Ge Il Geup	1950-06-25	For acts of individual gallantry in combat
	Order of Soldier's Honour 2nd Class 전사영예훈장 제2급 Cheonsa Yeongye Hunchang Ge I Geup	1950-06-25	For acts of individual gallantry in combat
	nl [Order of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin] 1st Class 이순신장군훈장 제1급 Yi Sun-Shin Changgun Hunchang Ge Il Geup	1950-07-13	Conferred to flag officers and navy commanders for outstanding leadership.
	Order of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin 2nd Class 이순신장군훈장 제2급 Yi Sun-Shin Changgun Hunchang Ge I Geup	1950-07-13	Conferred to flag officers and navy commanders for outstanding leadership.
	Order of Freedom and Independence 1st Class 자유독립훈장 제1급 Sayu Dokryb Hunchang Ge Il Geup	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 and given for more political reasons then battle.
	Order of Freedom And Independence 2nd Class 자유독립훈장 제2급 Sayu Dokryb Hunchang Ge I Geup	1951-07-17	Awarded to Regiment or lower formation commanders for skill in battle. Much like the 1st Class version it was awarded for actions during the Korean War to both Chinese and Korean soldiers. Current, it has since been changed to a necktie version and has lost its battlefield prestige.
	Order of Military Service Honour 1st Class 군사복무영예훈장 제1급 Gunsa Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge Il Geup	1973-07-03
	Order of Military Service Honour 2nd Class 군사복무영예훈장 제2급 Gunsa Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge I Geup	1973-07-03
	Order of Military Service Honour 3rd Class 군사복무영예훈장 제3급 Gunsa Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge Sam Geup	1973-07-03
	Order of Colliery Service Honour 1st Class 석탄광업복무영예훈장 제1급 Seoktan Gwangeop Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge Il Geup	1973-09-03
	Order of Colliery Service Honour 2nd Class 석탄광업복무영예훈장 제2급 Seoktan Gwangeop Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge I Geup	1973-09-03
	Order of Colliery Service Honour 3rd Class 석탄광업복무영예훈장 제3급 Seoktan Gwangeop Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge Sam Geup	1973-09-03
	Order of Military Engineering Service Honour 10 Years 군수공복무영예훈장 10 Gunsugong Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang 10
	Order of Military Engineering Service Honour 20 Years 군수공복무영예훈장 20 Gunsugong Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang 20
	Order of Military Engineering Service Honour 30 Years 군수공복무영예훈장 30 Gunsugong Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang 30		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 Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge Il Geup
	Order of Fishery Service Honour 2nd Class 수산복무영예훈장 제2급 Susan Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge I Geup
	Order of Railway Service Honour 1st Class 철도복무영예훈장 제1급 Cheoldo Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge Il Geup
	Order of Railway Service Honour 2nd Class 철도복무영예훈장 제2급 Cheoldo Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge I Geup
	Order of Railway Service Honour 3rd Class 철도복무영예훈장 제3급 Cheoldo Bongmu Yeongye Hunchang Ge Sam Geup
	Order of Democratic People's Republic of Korea Friendship 1st Class 조선민주주의인민공화국친선훈장 제1급 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Chinseon Hunchang Ge Il Geup	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 Chinseon Hunchang Ge I Geup	1985	Awarded only to Non-Nationals. Including; Alejandro Cao de Benos ,^[2] Norbert Vollertsen in 1999^[3] Ellsworth Culver on 2006-01-10^[4] Liu Xiaoming on 2010-02-03.^[5]
	Order of the Red Banner Of Three Great Revolutions 3대혁명붉은기훈장 3 Dae Hyeongmyeong Bulgeun Ki Hunchang	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 Changgeon Ginyeom Hunchang	1968-01-25	This ordered 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 Changgeon 20 Chunyeon Ginyeom Hunchang	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 Changgeon Ginyeom Hunchang	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 Seungni 40 Dol Ginyeom Hunchang	1993
	Commemorative Order "5th March" 3월5일기념훈장 3 Wol 5 Il Ginyeom Hunchang	1986-03-03
	Commemorative Order "30th Anniversary of the Agricultural Presentation" 농촌데제발표30돐년기념훈장 Nong Chonde Chebal Pyo 30 Dolnyeon Ginyeom Hunchang	1990
	Commemorative Order "60th Anniversary of the People's Army" 조선인민군창건60돐기념훈장 Chosŏn Inmin'gun Changgeon 60 Dol Ginyeom Hunchang	1992
	Commemorative Order "Capital Construction" 수도건설기녕훈장 Sudo Geonseol Ginyeong Hunchang	1992
	Commemorative Order "50th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Democratic People's Republic Of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건50돐년기념훈장 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Changgeon 50 Chunyeon Ginyeom Hunchang	1998
	Commemorative Order "60th Year Anniversary Of the Fatherland Liberation War Victory" 조국해방전쟁승리60돐기념훈장 Choguk Haebang Chǒnjaeng Seungni 60 Dol Ginyeom Hunchang	2013	The newest state commemorative medal, issued to all Korean War veterans

Medals

Medal And Ribbon	Name (English/Korean/Transliteration)	Date Created	Description
	ko 군공메달 Gungong Medal	1949-07-13	Awarded for military merit achievement.
	Medal For Merits 공로메달 Gongno Medal	1949-07-13	Awarded for meritorious labour service.
	Medal Of Military Service Honour 군사복무영예메달 Gunsa Bongmu Yeongye Medal	1973-07-03
	Medal For Agricultural Merits 농업공로메달 Nongeop Gongno Medal	1974-12-24
	Medal Of Democratic People's Republic Of Korea Friendship 조선민주주의인민공화국친선메달 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Chinseon Medal	1985
	National Reunification Prize	1990

Commemorative Medals

Medal And Ribbon	Name (English/Korean/Transliteration)	Date Created	Description
	ru 조선 1945.8.15 Choseon 1945.8.15 ^[6]	1948-10-16	Awarded for participation in the Korean independence armies.
	Commemorative Medal "Great Fatherland Liberation War 1950–1953" 위대한조국해방전쟁을기념메달 1950–1953 Widaehan Chogu Kaebang Chǒnjaeng Eul Ginyeom 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 Chogu Kaebang Chǒnjaeng Chamjeon Ginyeom 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" 조국해방기녕메달 Chogu Kaebang Ginyeom Medal
	Commemorative Medal "The Foundation of the People's Republic Of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건기녕메달 Chosŏn Inmin'gun Changgeon Ginyeom Medal
	Commemorative Medal "20th Anniversary Of Chongryon (General Association Of Korean Residents In Japan)" 20총련기녕메달 20 Chongryon Changgeon Ginyeom Medal	1975-05-20
	Commemorative Medal "Cheonggang Power Plant Dam Construction" 정강산발전소건설기녕메달 Cheonggang Sanbal Cheonso Geonseol Ginyeom Medal	1990
	Commemorative Medal "Capital Construction" 수도건설기녕메달 Sudo Geonseol Ginyeong Medal	1992
	Commemorative Medal "Pyongyang-Nampho Highway Construction" 평양-남포고속도로건설기녕메달 Pyongyang-Nampho Gosokttoro Geonseol Ginyeong Medal
	Commemorative Medal "Military Parade" 열병식기녕메달 Yeolbyeongsik Ginyeong Medal		Awarded to military units taking part in the various military parades in commemoration of state holidays.

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 Changgeon 20 Chunyeon Ginyeom Hwichang	1968-02-08
	Cholima Honour Badge 전리마 영예 휘장 Cholima Yeongye Hwichang	1968

Prizes

Honorary titles

References

^ Yonhap News Agency (27 December 2002). North Korea Handbook. Seoul: M.E. Sharpe. p. 132. ISBN 978-0-7656-3523-5.
^ "Democratic People's Republic of Korea_Juche Korea". korea-dpr.com. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
^ "Past news". kcna.co.jp. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
^ "Ellsworth Culver honored by North Korea for life's work | Mercy Corps". mercycorps.org. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
^ "DPRK awards friendship medal to Chinese ambassador CCTV-International". english.cctv.com. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
^ ru:Медаль «За освобождение Кореи»^{[unreliable source?]}
^ ^a ^b ^c 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.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Asian Football Business Review: North Korea's winnning 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.
^ ^a ^b ^c 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.
^ ^a ^b 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.
^ "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. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

External links

Weiser, Martin (8 January 2016). "Chests Full of Brass: A DPRK Political History in Orders, Medals, Prizes, and Titles". Sino-NK.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Soviet Military Awards Page Forum

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

[Korea-DprAbout-2] "Democratic People's Republic of Korea_Juche Korea". korea-dpr.com. Retrieved 17 January 2014.

[kcna-3] "Past news". kcna.co.jp. Retrieved 17 January 2014.

[mercycorps-4] "Ellsworth Culver honored by North Korea for life's work | Mercy Corps". mercycorps.org. Retrieved 17 January 2014.

[cctv-5] "DPRK awards friendship medal to Chinese ambassador CCTV-International". english.cctv.com. Retrieved 17 January 2014.

[6] ru:Медаль «За освобождение Кореи»^{[unreliable source?]}

[Breen2012-7] 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-8] Kim Da Seul (22 June 2012). "Kim Il Sung's Image on Medals Changed". dailynk.com. Retrieved 8 October 2015.

[asia_Asia-9] "Asian Football Business Review: North Korea's winnning U-20 women receive awards". asianfootballbusiness.com. Retrieved 2015-08-27.

[Hoare2012-10] 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.

[ChaiHyon1980-11] 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.

[GelézeauCeuster2013-12] 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.

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

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