How strict are gun laws in North Korea?
Highly restrictive / banned
Civilians cannot obtain handguns.
North Korea is one of 51 countries classified “Highly restrictive / banned” for civilian gun ownership — 25% of the 202 with data. (Also searched as firearm laws.)
Source
- Last checked
- 17 September 2026
- How it was classified
- Read directly from the source’s own table, without interpretation.
Nearby countries
- South Korea
- Highly restrictive / banned Civilians cannot obtain handguns.
- Japan
- Highly restrictive / banned Civilian firearm ownership is almost entirely prohibited; only shotguns and air rifles are possible after a strict licensing process.
- Taiwan
- Restrictive Handguns are licensed only at the authorities' discretion, or only to club members or existing owners.
- China
- Highly restrictive / banned Civilians cannot obtain handguns.
- Mongolia
- Restrictive Mongolia requires may-issue permits for all firearm types, including those for personal protection.
- Hong Kong
- Restrictive Handguns are restricted and issued only under license, with self-defense not being a sufficient standalone reason.
Other laws in North Korea
- Death Penalty
- Retained / in use
- Military Conscription
- Active conscription
Every law in North Korea → · How strict are gun laws around the world? →
A visual reference compiled from Wikipedia’s law-by-country articles, not legal advice. Laws change and summaries simplify — check a primary source before relying on anything here.