Using North Korean material following the opening of Rodong Sinmun to general readers
Since 30 December last year the Ministry of Unification has reclassified the North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun from "special material" to "general material", so that members of the public may read it. Material that could previously be consulted only at approved institutions can now be read at major libraries around the country.
What has changed
- Rodong Sinmun is classified as general material and can be read without separate approval.
- If you visit an institution that handles special material, such as the Ministry of Unification’s North Korean Materials Center or the National Library of Korea, you can read it without an identity check or an application procedure. Holdings differ from one institution to another, so please check before you visit.
If you are preparing exchange and cooperation work
- It can serve as a primary source for recent developments at a counterpart institution or in a particular region, and for the direction of policy in your field. You may find it useful for the background section of a project plan or when preparing for a consultation.
- What it carries is the North Korean side’s own position, so the facts need to be cross-checked against government announcements and reporting at home and abroad.
- Reading such material and reporting contact are separate matters. If you plan to contact or meet people on the North Korean side directly, a Report of Contact with North Korean Residents is required.
Source: Newsis, "Rodong Sinmun becomes general material from today" (30 December 2025) https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20251230_0003459452