25 Best Internet Providers in North Korea, List of Leading ISP Firms

There are a limited number of internet providers in North Korea, considering that telecommunications infrastructure is directly under state oversight. An exclusive feature of the leading ISPs is provided alongside coverage areas and installation requirements.

While North Korea relies on foreign fiber-optic connections for international traffic, local communication is strictly routed through localized systems with strong firewalls against foreign sanctions and cyber disruptions.

25 Best internet providers in North Korea

North Korea has only one primary commercial internet service provider for global internet access. Even so, there are more state-owned telecommunication providers offering 3G and 4G LTE services heavily tailored for domestic data networks.

Which is the fastest ISP in North Korea?

1. Korea Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC)

KPTC runs the state’s telecom infrastructure and controls every external internet link.

The company routes international traffic through its network, and it works with partners to deliver access to approved users only.

2. Star Joint Venture Co. (Star JV)

Star JV serves as the main gateway that connects North Korea to the global internet.

Foreign residents, diplomats, and a limited number of officials rely on this link, while ordinary citizens do not receive access.

3. Koryolink Network

Koryolink operates the country’s best-known 3G mobile network.

Subscribers get calls and messaging, and the network also connects users to the domestic intranet instead of the open web.

4. Kwangmyong Intranet

Kwangmyong is a closed national intranet that most citizens use in place of the global internet.

The network hosts government-approved news, email, and educational material, and it never links to outside servers.

5. Naenara Web Portal

Naenara acts as the official government portal and a browser gateway for state-approved content.

The portal publishes official news and links, and visitors outside the country often find it unreachable.

Full list of Top 25 ISPs in North Korea

1. Byol Telecom
2. Cenbong International Holdings
3. CHEO Technology Joint Venture
4. China Unicom
5. China–DPRK Internet connection
6. DPRK international Internet gateway
7. DPRK national fiber network
8. Global Telecom Holding
9. Kangsong NET
10. Korea Computer Center Network
11. Korea Post and Telecommunications Corporation
12. Koryolink
13. Kwangmyong Intranet
14. Kwangmyong Network
15. Loxley Pacific
16. Mirae Scientists Network
17. Naenara Network
18. Orascom Telecom
19. Pyongyang Information Center Network
20. Pyongyang Mobile Communication Management Bureau
21. Ryugyong-dong Network
22. Star Joint Venture Co. Ltd.
23. STAR-KP
24. Sunnet Networks
25. TransTelecom

Rather than providing standard global web connectivity to the general public of about 27 million citizens, the state operates a multi-tiered network structure designed to strictly manage the flow of information.

Even so, unrestricted global internet is reserved exclusively for high-ranking government officials, state media personnel, select academics, cyber warfare units, and foreign diplomats.

Internet coverage across provinces in North Korea

NO	Provinces+	Capital	Pop
1	South Pyongan	Pyongsong	4m
2	Pyongyang	Chikhalsi	3.3m
3	South Hamgyong	Hamhung	3m
4	North Pyongan	Sinuiju	2.7m
5	North Hamgyong	Chongjin	2.3m
6	South Hwanghae	Haeju	2.3m
7	North Hwanghae	Sariwon	2.1m
8	Kangwon	Wonsan	1.5m
9	Chagang	Kanggye	1.3m
10	Ryanggang	Hyesan	720k
11	Military Camps	NPC	700k
	Totals		24m

In conclusion, internet access in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is among the most heavily controlled and isolated in the world. Locals and multinationals in search of connectivity are therefore expected to follow issued guidelines in the distribution and use of the world wide web.