In 2026, North Korea's internet penetration remains extremely low at around 2.5%, reflecting the country's strict control over digital access and infrastructure development. Most online searches occur within government-controlled networks, with users conducting about 15 searches daily on average. The dominant search engines are local, with Naver holding approximately 60% of the market share, while the government portal accounts for the remaining 40%. Limited options exist, with only three search engines operating in the country.
The transparency index of search results continues to be low, at around 25 out of 100, signifying heavy censorship and information control by authorities. Despite technological advancements, North Korea's digital environment remains highly restricted and monitored. Efforts to expand internet access or improve search transparency are minimal, emphasizing the country's focus on maintaining strict control over online content and user activity. These factors collectively shape North Korea's unique digital search landscape in 2026.