Judicial Assistance Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

DISCLAIMER:  This circular is informational only; it is not an opinion on any aspect of United States , North Korean, or international law.  The U.S. Department of State does not intend by the contents of this circular to take a position on any aspect of any pending litigation.

The United States and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) do not have any treaty relationships that provide for judicial assistance. 

The DPRK is not party to either the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra-Judicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters, or the Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters. Moreover, the United States does not maintain diplomatic relations with the DPRK and does not have U.S. representatives there.  Therefore, the U.S. Government cannot provide normal consular services in the DPRK, including the transmission of judicial documents via the diplomatic channel.  Nor does the United States have in place a protecting power or other arrangement that would permit another sovereign to transmit letters rogatory requesting service of process or the taking of evidence, or to effect service of process upon the government of the DPRK on behalf of U.S. litigants as provided for in the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.

Links U.S.

Government Links:

Law Library, Library of Congress Guide to Law On Line DPRK

Department of State Background Notes – North Korea World Fact Book – North Korea

Country Specific Information – DPRK U.S. Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control – North Korea

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