Translation guide
The country name 'North Korea' is expressed in Japanese as 北朝鮮 (Kita Chōsen), which is the standard term used in Japan. The official name 朝鮮民主主義人民共和国 (Chōsen Minshu Shugi Jinmin Kyōwakoku) is used in formal contexts. Note that South Korea refers to it as 북한 (Bukhan) in Korean, but this is not used in Japanese.
Referring to the country North Korea in general contexts.
Standard Japanese term for North Korea. Used in news, conversation, and most contexts.
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang.
The term 北韓 (Kitakan) is the direct reading of the Korean word 북한 (Bukhan) used in South Korea, but it is not used in Japanese. Using it may cause confusion or be seen as unnatural. Stick to 北朝鮮 (Kita Chōsen).
Official full name: Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Used in formal or diplomatic contexts.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was founded in 1948.