DPRK/North Korean Awards

[VasOnARitz]

I recently found this interesting award from the DPRK, which is of the Order of Korean Labour. I can’t find so much information about the award, and about its type, when awarded, etc.




Because this is seemingly a grey area in medal collecting, it’s hard to research much about it. Even translating the words in the reverse is not working. I am also unsure if this is the correct forum to post this.

From what I could find, some of the awards were made in Soviet mints, until the Sino-Soviet split. For this type, where there is some texture under the enamel, I can’t find pictures. I’m also unsure of its value, if it is a cheap or expensive, or if it’s common or rare.

[Leaftree]

There seems to be 5 types with variations. Yours looks to be a Type 5, variation 2.

'The Korean Labour Order (조선로력훈장) was founded on 17th July 1951 (The same day as the Hero Of Labour) and the first 3 types had a rather Soviet design featuring a male and female worker underneath a red banner inscribed "Labour" and within a cogwheel and wreath of wheat. These earlier types were numbered. The later types have a more Korean styling and were probably changed in design at the same time as or just after the 1972 constitution. Types 1 and 2 are screwback.'

Source:
Korean Labour Order. - The Soviet Military Awards Page Forum

[VasOnARitz]

That is great, thank you for the information, and this great website! I shall have a look through, and hopefully I can learn more about Korean items.