According to Kozlov, the Russian language is considered one of the three most popular foreign languages in the DPRK. Currently, approximately 600 students across the country are studying this language. In Russia, more than 3,000 students have chosen Korean as a second or third foreign language.
Cooperation in the field of education is developing in several directions. Last academic year, 96 citizens of North Korea were admitted to Russian higher education institutions. At the same time, 300 Russian students are studying the Korean language — it is taught at three pedagogical universities in the country.
Joint programs are also being implemented in the field of vocational education. This year, 29 North Korean geologists completed training in Russia — they learned about exploration work, laboratory analysis, cartography, and working with databases. Furthermore, similar courses have been organized for specialists in the banking, energy, and medical fields.
Next year, an open education center in the Russian language is expected to open in Pyongyang. It will operate on the basis of the Kim Chol Ju Pedagogical University; a separate building is currently under construction for the center.
