North Korea men's national ice hockey team
National men's ice hockey team of North Korea.
The North Korea men's national ice hockey team (조선민주주의인민공화국 아이스하키 국가대표팀), referred to as DPR Korea by the IIHF, represents the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in international competition. The team has a history of inconsistent participation, having withdrawn from several IIHF tournaments due to financial constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, and has frequently moved between Division II and Division III of the World Championships. As of the latest rankings, the team sits 54th in the IIHF World Rankings and 21st in the AIH Rankings of Asian national teams.
Ice hockey gained popularity in North Korea during the 1950s, when Soviet and Chinese workers introduced the game and its rules in the capital, Pyongyang. The Ice Hockey Association of the DPR Korea was founded in 1955, and the country joined the IIHF on 8 August 1964. The first national championship took place in 1956, won by Amnokgang Pyongyang. The national team made its debut in 1974, competing in the C pool of the World Championships. It lost its first game 11–2 to Italy on 8 March 1974, but rebounded with a surprising victory over China.
The team withdrew from the 2007 World Championships, leading to automatic relegation to Division III for the 2008 edition, where it finished first and earned promotion. In 2009, it played in Division II but finished last, dropping back to Division III for 2010. North Korea also withdrew from the 2011 Division II tournament, citing financial reasons, and the men’s team was scheduled to compete in Melbourne, Australia, for that event. Further withdrawals occurred in 2022 and 2023 from Division III A tournaments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the team inactive until 2024.
The team’s World Championship results include a 22nd-place finish in 1974 (8th in Pool C), a 41st-place finish in 2008 (1st in Division III), and a 39th-place finish in 2009 (6th in Division II, Group A). More recent finishes include 42nd place in 2012, 2013, and 2014 (all 2nd in Division III), and 41st place in 2015 (1st in Division III, promoted to Division II B). In 2019, the team placed 40th (6th in Division II, Group B) and was relegated to Division III A. After the pandemic-related cancellations and withdrawals, the team returned in 2024, finishing 48th (2nd in Division III B), and repeated that result in 2025 and 2026.
Quick Facts
- Association
- Ice Hockey Association of the DPR Korea
- General Manager
- Ri Un-chol
- Coach
- Ri Pong-il
- Asst Coach
- Jong Song-il / Pak Il
- Captain
- Kim Chung-hyok
- Most Games
- Kim Kwang-ho (63)
- Top Scorer
- Hong Chun-rim (51)
- Most Points
- Hong Chun-rim (89)
- Iihf Code
- PRK
- Iihf Max
- 36
- Iihf Max Date
- 2005–06
- Iihf Min
- 56
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The game of ice hockey in North Korea became popular during the 1950s when Soviet and Chinese workers taught the game and its rules in the capital city of Pyongyang. The Ice Hockey Association of the DPR Korea was founded in 1955. North Korea became a member of the IIHF on 8 August 1964. The team's first national championship was held in 1956 and was won by Amnokgang Pyongyang. The national team did not make its debut until 1974, when it competed in the C pool of the World Championships. The team lost its first game to Italy 11–2 on 8 March 1974, but rebounded for a surprising victory over China.
North Korea withdrew from the 2007 World Championships, and therefore were automatically relegated to Division III in the 2008 edition, where they finished first. They then played in Division II during the 2009 edition, and finished last bringing them back down to Division III for 2010. The team also withdrew from the 2011 Division II tournament due to financial reasons. The men's team withdrew from Division III A tournaments in 2022 and 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore was not active until 2024.
Reader's Guide
The North Korea men's national ice hockey team has a long but intermittent history in IIHF competition, marked by periods of activity and withdrawal. The team debuted in 1974 in the C pool of the World Championships, and over the decades has competed primarily in Division II and Division III. Its most notable achievements include winning Division III in 2008 and 2010, and winning Division III in 2015 to earn promotion to Division II B. The team has also participated in the Asian Winter Games, placing 4th in 1986 and 1990, and 5th in 2007. However, the team has frequently withdrawn from tournaments: in 2007 (leading to automatic relegation), in 2011 (financial reasons), and in 2022 and 2023 (COVID-19 pandemic). As of the latest data, the team is ranked 54th in the IIHF World Rankings and 21st in the AIH Rankings of Asian national teams. The team's legacy is one of resilience amid financial and logistical challenges, with a pattern of promotion and relegation that reflects its fluctuating competitiveness on the international stage.
Did You Know?
- The team lost its first international game to Italy 11–2 on 8 March 1974.
- North Korea withdrew from the 2007 World Championships and was automatically relegated to Division III.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the North Korea men's national ice hockey team and what is it called in official IIHF records?
It is the national men's ice hockey squad that represents the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in international play. The IIHF lists the team under the designation 'DPR Korea,' and it has held IIHF membership since 8 August 1964.
When did North Korea first play an international ice hockey match and what happened?
The team's debut on the world stage came on 8 March 1974, when they faced Italy. The result was a heavy 11–2 loss, marking the beginning of a long and still-developing international record.
What division does the North Korea men's team currently compete in at the IIHF World Championships?
The squad has oscillated between Division II and Division III over the years, reflecting its relatively limited competitive depth. As of the most recent IIHF World Rankings, it sits 54th globally and 21st among Asian national teams.
Why does North Korea frequently withdraw from IIHF tournaments?
Financial limitations have repeatedly forced the team to pull out of scheduled World Championship events. The global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of difficulty, compounding the already inconsistent participation pattern.
How did ice hockey first take root in North Korea?
Domestic competition dates back to 1956, when Amnokgang Pyongyang won the inaugural national championship. That early domestic foundation eventually led to the team's 1964 IIHF admission and its first competitive outing against Italy a decade later.
More in International and Olympic Ice Hockey, Part 2 1-24
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