Staff movement and duty of careSevere
Foreign governments warn against all travel, the highest level of warning.
Country risk assessment ยท Asia
North Korea political and security risk assessment
North Korea carries an elevated level of political and security risk for business. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 3 of 5), unchanged on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
53of 100
Elevated
Band 3 of 5
▬ Unchanged on last week
Asia
North Korea
What is the political and security risk in North Korea right now?
North Korea carries an elevated level of political and security risk for business. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 3 of 5), unchanged on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks.
Week on week the picture is steady. The main standing risks are foreign government warnings.
What are the main risks of operating in North Korea?
Armed conflict and political violenceHigh
Frequent armed violence is reported in parts of the country.
Protest and civil unrestElevated
Protests are persistent but usually manageable with planning.
Sanctions and complianceElevated
New or active sanctions designations touch this country, raising compliance screening needs.
What has changed recently in North Korea?
North Korea moved unchanged this week and fell 3 points over the last 12 weeks, from 56 to 53.
- New sanctions designations announced
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess there is a realistic possibility that North Korea stays in the Elevated band through the end of December. It sits 2 points from the High band.
40 to 55%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Screen counterparties, vessels and cargo against current sanctions lists before transacting.
Operations continue but need active security planning in affected areas.
Key facts
Population26.6 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the North Korea threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in North Korea for business?
North Korea carries an elevated level of political and security risk for business. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 3 of 5), unchanged on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in North Korea?
The main risk drivers are staff movement and duty of care (severe); armed conflict and political violence (high); protest and civil unrest (elevated); sanctions and compliance (elevated). Foreign governments warn against all travel, the highest level of warning.
What is the outlook for North Korea?
We assess there is a realistic possibility (40 to 55%) that North Korea stays in the Elevated band through the end of December. It sits 2 points from the High band.
How often is the North Korea risk assessment updated?
The North Korea threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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