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 Korea, many of the future leaders fled to the Soviet Union. During World War II many if not close to all party leaders and Korean People's Army 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.
| 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 the Korean War and thereafter. 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". |
| 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 67 mm in length and 65 mm 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:
| ||
| Soldier's Medal of Honour 1st Class 전사영예훈장 제1급 Chŏnsa Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che il-gŭp | 1950-07-01 | 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 | 1950-07-01 | |||
| 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. | ||
| Order of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin 2nd Class 이순신장군훈장 제2급 I Sunsin Changgun Hunjang Che i-gŭp | ||||
| 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 자유독립훈장제2급 Sayu Tongnip Hunjang Che i-gŭp | ||||
| Order of Military Service Honour 1st Class 군사복무영예훈장 제1급 Kunsa Pongmu Yŏng'ye Hunjang Che il-gŭp | 1973-07-03 | Awarded for meritorious achievement and distinguished service to higher ranks of the armed forces. | ||
| 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 | Awarded to mine workers for long service or especial achievements in productivity. | ||
| 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 | 1986 | Awarded for merit recognition within the fishery sector. | ||
| 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 | 1988-10-6 | Awarded for merit and service recognition within the railway industry. | ||
| 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 | 1985-07-25[5] | Awarded to foreign Dignitaries, Specialists, and diplomats who performed distinguished service or meritorious achievements in strengthening their countries friendship with North Korea.Awarded only to non-nationals. Including;Antonio Inoki in 2010-09[6] | ||
| Order of Democratic People's Republic of Korea Friendship 2nd Class 조선민주주의인민공화국친선훈장 제2급 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'insŏn Hunjang Che i-gŭp | Awarded to foreign Dignitaries, Specialists, and diplomats who performed distinguished service or meritorious achievements in strengthening their countries friendship with North Korea.Awarded only to non-nationals. Including; Alejandro Cao de Benos  [7] Norbert Vollertsen  in 1999[8] Ellsworth Culver  on 2006-01-10[9] 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 | Awarded for distinguished service or achievement in the fields of ideology, technology and culture. | ||
| Order of Teacher's Honor 1st Class | 2008-04-10 | Awarded to teachers who have devotedly worked to implement Kim Il Sung's Theses on Socialist Education[10] | ||
| Order of Teacher's Honor 2nd Class | ||||
| Order of Teacher's Honor 3rd Class | ||||
| Order of Kunjari Working Class | 2016-04-07 | Awarded to munitions industry officials and workers who have distinguished themselves in the Kunjari Working Class mass campaign[11] |
| 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 | 1993-03-10 | Awarded to former combatants and high-ranking officials to mark the fortieth anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation war(Korean War). | ||
| Commemorative Order "5th March" 3월5일기념훈장 Sam-wŏl O-il Kinyŏm Hunjang | 1986-03-03 | Awarded to commemorate 40th anniversary of North Korean land reform on March 5, 1946, | ||
| Commemorative Order "30th Anniversary of the Agricultural Presentation" 농촌데제발표30돐년기념훈장 Nongch'onde Chebal P'yo Samsip-dolnyŏn Kinyŏm Hunjang | 1994 | Awarded to commemorate, and celebrate, the 30 years of agricultural success resulting from the reforms of Kim Il Sung. | ||
| Commemorative Order "60th Anniversary of the People's Army" 조선인민군창건60돐기념훈장 Chosŏn Inmin'gun Ch'anggŏn Yusip-dol Kinyŏm Hunjang | 1992-03-23 | Awarded to officers and generals of the Korean People's Army for long and distinguished service by the time of the 60th anniversary of the Korean People's Army. | ||
| Commemorative Order "Capital Construction" 수도건설기념훈장 Sudo Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Hunjang | 1992-06-24 | Awarded to senior military and civilians who had participated in the rebuilding and modernisation of Pyongyang. | ||
| 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 | 1998-05-24 | Awarded to those then working for the party or state for distinguished service to the state, party and armed forces. | ||
| Commemorative Order "60th Year Anniversary of the Fatherland Liberation War Victory" 조국해방전쟁승리60돐기념훈장 Choguk Haebang Chǒnjaeng Sŭngri Yusip-dol Kinyŏm Hunjang | 2013-04-24[12] | The newest state commemorative medal, issued to all Korean War veterans |
| Medal And Ribbon | Name (English/Korean/Transliteration) | Date created | Description | |
군공메달 Kun'gong Medal | 1949-06-13 | Awarded for 10 years exemplary conduct or for distinguished service in combat.Awarded to more than 500,000 Koreans and more than 400,000 Chinese during the Korean War. | ||
공로메달 Kongro Medal | 1949-06-13 | Awarded for meritorious labour service,achievement in developing the economy, culture and the arts. | ||
| Medal of Military Service Honour 군사복무영예메달 Kunsa Pongmu Yŏng'ye Medal | 1973-07-03 | Awarded for meritorious achievement and distinguished service to lower ranks of the armed forces. | ||
| Medal For Agricultural Merits 농업공로메달 Nong'ŏp Kongro Medal | 1974-12-24 | Awarded for meritorious achievement, innovation and outstanding productivity in agriculture. | ||
| Medal of Friendship of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea 조선민주주의인민공화국친선메달 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'insŏn Medal | 1985-7-25 | Awarded to foreign diplomatic personnel, relevant officials, technicians and experts who work hard to strengthen friendship and unity with other countries. |
| Medal And Ribbon | Name (English/Korean/Transliteration) | Date created | Description | |
| Medal for the Liberation of Korea 조선 1945.8.15 Chosŏn 1945.8.15 [13] | 1948-10-16[14] | Awarded for participation in the Korean independence armies. 10,000 awarded by 1949. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 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. | ||
| Commemorative Medal "Fatherland Liberation" 조국해방기념메달 Choguk Haebang Kinyŏm Medal | 1985-7-25 | Awarded to all active and reserve enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, officers, generals and admirals of the KPA who participated in the Korean War. | ||
| Commemorative Medal "The Foundation of the People's Republic of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건기념메달 Chosŏn Inmin'gun Ch'anggŏn Kinyŏm Medal | 1983-8-19 | Awarded for outstanding achievement and distinguished service to the country. | ||
| Commemorative Medal "20th Anniversary Of The Chongryon Foundation" ''.Ginyeommedal "chonglyeonjaedan 20junyeon" | 1975-05-20 | Awarded to Chongryon members in good standing during the organization's 20th Anniversary since its founding in 1955. | ||
| Commemorative Medal "Cheonggang Power Plant Dam Construction" 정강산발전소건설기념메달 Chŏnggang Sanbaljŏnso Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal | 1990s | Awarded to individuals that practicipated in the construction of the dam. | ||
| Commemorative Medal "Capital Construction" 수도건설기념메달 Sudo Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal | 1992-6-24 | Awarded to military and civilians who had participated in the rebuilding and modernisation of Pyongyang. | ||
| Commemorative Medal "Mt. Kumgang Power Plant Construction"" | 1996-9-11 | Awarded to individuals that practicipated in the construction of the Kumgang Power plant. | ||
| Commemorative Medal "Pyongyang-Nampho Highway Construction" 평양-남포고속도로건설기념메달 P'yŏngyang-Namp'o Kosoktoro Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal | 2000-9-13 | Awarded to individuals that practicipated in the construction of the Pyongyang-Nampho Highway. | ||
| Commemorative Medal "Military Parade" 열병식기념메달 Yŏlbyŏngsik Kinyŏm Medal | 1997-03-26 | 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 | Awarded to civilians and military for taking part in the construction of the Huicheon Power Plant. | ||
| Commemorative Medal "Paektusan Youth Power Station Construction"백두산청년발전소건설기념메달Paektusan Chongnyon Paljŏnso Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal | 2016 | Awarded to individuals that practicipated in the construction of the Paektusan Youth Power Station Construction. |
| Medal And Ribbon | Name (English/Korean/Transliteration) | Date created | Description | |
| Kim Il Sung Prize | [15] | |||
| Kim Jong Il Prize | 2012-02-03 | Awarded to people who have made contributions to science, education, public health, literature and arts, media and sports[16] | ||
| International Kim Il-sung Prize | 1993-04-13 | [17] | ||
| International Kim Jong-il Prize | 2012-12-24 | |||
| 1972-01-08 | ||||
| Kim Il Sung Children Honor Prize | 2012-02-03 | [18] | ||
| Kim Jong Il Youth Honor Prize | 2012-02-03 | [19] | ||
| Kim Jong Il Children Honor Prize | [20] | |||
| National Reunification Prize | 1990 | Awarded to people and martyrs who have contributed toward Korean reunification[21] | ||
| People's Prize | 1958-09-08 | |||
| February 16 Science and Technology Prize | 2021 | [22] | ||
| Technical Innovation Torch Prize | [23] | |||
| April 18 Best Player Prize | 2006 | [24] | ||
| Prize of Honor for Model Machine No. 26 | ||||
| Prize of Honor for Twice Model Machine No. 26 | 2006-10-25 | [25] |
| 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 | 1968-05-11 | Awarded to factories and work teams that performed distinguished service or meritorious achievement in economic production or defence construction. |
Honorary titles include: