Pyongyang Time: The History and Evolution of North Korea's Time Zone
Timekeeping in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is officially known as Pyongyang Time (PYT). While it is also referred to as the Standard Time of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, it has functioned in alignment with South Korea's time zone since May 2018. Understanding the shifts in North Korea's clocks requires a look at a complex history involving scientific advancement, colonial influence, and political shifts.
Currently, Pyongyang Time is set to UTC+09:00, meaning it is nine hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Unlike some other nations, North Korea does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), a practice where clocks are advanced during warmer months to extend evening daylight.
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Key Facts
- Current Offset: UTC+09:00
- Official Name: Pyongyang Time (PYT)
- Daylight Saving Time: Not observed
- Governing Body: State Commission for Science and Technology
- IANA Database Name: Asia/Pyongyang
The Evolution of Timekeeping in Korea
Before the advent of modern mechanical clocks, time in Korea was measured using natural and traditional methods. During the day, citizens relied on sundials, while water clocks were utilized to track time throughout the night.
A significant milestone in Korean chronometry occurred in 1434 when the scientist and astronomer Chang Yŏngsil, alongside other experts, developed the Angbu Ilgu. This was Korea's first sundial and served as the standard timekeeper for the kingdom. At that time, the standard time at Hanyang (modern-day Seoul) was calculated to be UTC+08:27:52. By 1442, the Chiljeongsan—an advanced astronomical calendar system created during the reign of King Sejong—was implemented, using Hanyang local time as its standard.
As the 20th century approached, the Korean Empire adopted a standard time of UTC+08:30. However, the geopolitical landscape changed in 1912 when the Governor-General of Korea shifted the time zone to UTC+09:00 to align with Japan Standard Time.
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Political Shifts and Time Zone Changes
The history of North Korea's time zone is deeply intertwined with its political identity. On August 5, 2015, the North Korean government announced a move back to UTC+08:30, effective August 15, 2015. This change, which established the name "Pyongyang Time," was framed as a break from imperialism and coincided with the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation.
This shift caused concerns regarding inter-Korean cooperation, particularly regarding the logistics of the Kaesong Industrial Region and the growing lifestyle differences between the North and South. To address these discrepancies, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced a return to UTC+09:00 on April 29, 2018. This decision, formalized by a decree from the Supreme People's Assembly, aimed to unify the two Koreas by eliminating the 30-minute time difference. The change was officially applied on May 4, 2018.
Summary of Time Zone Transitions
| Period/Event | Time Zone Offset | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Joseon Era (1434) | UTC+08:27:52 | Introduction of Angbu Ilgu sundial |
| Early 20th Century | UTC+08:30 | Korean Empire standard |
| 1912 | UTC+09:00 | Alignment with Japan Standard Time |
| 2015 – 2018 | UTC+08:30 | Establishment of Pyongyang Time (PYT) |
| 2018 – Present | UTC+09:00 | Realignment with South Korea |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current time offset for North Korea?
North Korea currently operates on Pyongyang Time (PYT), which is UTC+09:00.
Does North Korea use Daylight Saving Time?
No, North Korea does not currently observe Daylight Saving Time.
Why did North Korea change its time zone in 2015?
The government moved to UTC+08:30 in 2015 as a symbolic break from imperialism, marking the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Korea.
Why did North Korea return to UTC+09:00 in 2018?
The change was made to realign North Korea's clocks with South Korea, serving as a step toward unifying the two nations and eliminating lifestyle differences caused by the time gap.
Who manages timekeeping in North Korea?
Timekeeping in the country is under the authority of the State Commission for Science and Technology.