About North Korea's Correctional System
North Korea's correctional system is managed by the No access - Swedish Embassy handles US interests. For inmate searches, use the official contacts listed below or contact the facility directly using the phone numbers on this page. Where available, the facility listings below include addresses, inmate capacity, and descriptive information.
For US citizens detained in North Korea, contact US Embassy North Korea at +82 2 397 4114 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US.
North Korea Resources & Legal Services
Key North Korea Prison Contacts
| Agency / Contact | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| No access - Swedish Embassy handles US interests | North Korea | See website | Visit Site |
| US Embassy North Korea | North Korea | +82 2 397 4114 | Visit Site |
| US State Dept Emergency (from US) | Washington DC | 1-888-407-4747 | Visit Site |
Showing 3 facilities in North Korea
Camp 22 (Hoeryong Political Prison Camp)
Facility
Closed
One of North Korea's largest and most brutal political prison camps. Located near Hoeryong in North Hamgyong Province. Reportedly houses around 50000 political prisoners including entire families of persons accused of political crimes. Documented by defectors and satellites for systematic forced labour starvation torture and executions. Now reportedly closed or consolidated.
Pyongyang Municipal Prison
Facility
Closed
Main criminal prison in North Korea's capital. Houses sentenced criminal offenders as opposed to the political camp system. Part of the Ministry of People's Security.
Camp 14 (Kaechon Internment Camp)
Facility
Closed
Large North Korean political prison camp near Kaechon. Houses political prisoners serving life sentences for perceived political offences. Shin Dong-hyuk the only person known to have been born in and escaped from a North Korean camp was held here. Documented for extreme brutality.
North Korea Prison FAQ
Browse the facility listings on this page to find the specific institution, then contact them directly using the phone number listed. For US citizens detained in North Korea, contact US Embassy North Korea at +82 2 397 4114 immediately.
Contact US Embassy North Korea at +82 2 397 4114 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US. Consular officers can visit detained Americans, provide lists of local attorneys, and notify family members.
Visitation rules vary significantly by facility and security level in North Korea. You will typically need to be on an approved visitor list, present valid government-issued photo ID, and comply with the facility's dress code. Contact the specific facility directly using the phone number listed on this page to confirm current visitation hours and requirements.
Contact No access - contact US Embassy Seoul for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys in North Korea. The US Embassy can also provide a list of local attorneys. You can also find a criminal lawyer through our directory.
Each North Korea facility has its own approved methods for receiving inmate funds. Contact the facility directly using the phone numbers listed on this page for current accepted payment methods, deposit limits, and procedures.