The Evolution of Typography in North Korea's Literature and Art Magazine: 1946-1968

(1) Definition and functional importance of north korean magazines

In North Korea, magazines are defined as "periodical publications issued and distributed at regular intervals, encompassing a range of topics and content, including articles, photographs, and illustrations, all under a specific fixed title." The primary purpose of these magazines is to serve as revolutionary publications.⁸ In terms of their functional importance, magazines are integral to the dissemination of ideology, culture, education, scientific knowledge, and general information, operating alongside newspapers, communications, broadcasting, and books. First, magazines serve as a crucial medium for transmitting ideology, culture, and educational content. Second, they play a significant role in disseminating scientific knowledge and general information. Third, magazines contribute to the development of individuals into well-rounded citizens with a high level of cultural literacy. Finally, they provide a vital platform for presenting research achievements and creative works by scientists, experts, and artists. This underscores their unique purpose in contrast to magazines found in capitalist societies.

(2) Characteristics of north korean magazines

North Korean magazines are periodic publications centered around specific themes or interests, catering to a diverse readership. Their primary characteristics include a wide range of topics, the importance of visual elements, a regular publication schedule, and opportunities for reader engagement. Unlike newspapers, North Korean magazines tend to emphasize propaganda rather than agitation, reflecting the nature of their content. These publications predominantly focus on political theory and target specific demographics such as women, students, and workers, in addition to academic and professional audiences. The magazines include both general publications intended for the broader public and specialized journals aimed at particular groups, with a limitation of one type that only magazine is published within each category.

(3) Types of north korean magazines

North Korean magazines can be categorized into various types, with classification criteria that vary by theme, publication frequency, and target audience.⁹ Generally, North Korean magazines are classified as follows: 1. Political magazines focus on North Korea's political ideology and policies, primarily serving as a medium to communicate the official stance of the ruling party. An example of such a publication is the Workers' magazine, “Geulroja.” 2. Economic magazines focus on North Korea's economic development, with the Economic Research magazine “Gyongjeyongu” serving is a representative example, covering subjects such as industry, agriculture, and trade. 3. Cultural and artistic magazines provide insights into North Korean culture and the arts, exploring relevant theories and practices.

The cultural arts magazine “Munhwayesul,” exemplifies this category. 4. Science and technology magazines serve as platforms for sharing advancements and research achievements in these fields, with the science and technology magazine, “Gwahakkisul,” being a notable example. 5. Social and lifestyle magazines, such as “Urisaenghwal(Our Life)”, focus on the daily lives and social issues faced by North Korean residents.

(4) Categorization of magazines in north korea

Magazines can be systematically categorized by distribution scope, including domestic, foreign, and mixed domestic-international. Additionally, they can be classified by format as print, film, digital, or electronic magazines. Furthermore, they can be classified by format into print magazines, film magazines, digital magazines, and electronic magazines. Size distinctions are also relevant, with common formats including B5, B4, A5, and A4. Furthermore, there are pictorial magazines that prioritize visual content, as well as comic magazines.

Given the variety of types and formats, it is common for a single magazine to fall into multiple classifications. Regarding publication frequency, magazines are typically released at regular intervals, with monthly issues being the standard; however, this frequency may vary depending on the subject matter, editorial resources, and distribution logistics. The specific characteristics of each magazine influence the identification of the target audience and the determination of publication frequency. These classification frameworks are essential for understanding the methods of information dissemination employed in North Korea, as well as the societal demands that shape these practices.¹⁰

(1) "Josonmunhak"

The first literary magazine in North Korea, “Munhwajonson,” was established on July 25, 1946 [Fig. 1], and is considered the predecessor of the current monthly magazine “Josonmunhak.” In January 1948, “Munhwajonson” was renamed “Munhakyesul” and starting with its 10th issue in 1953, it adopted the title “Josonmunhak.” The first issue of “Munhwajonson” served as the official publication of the General Federation of the Arts of North Korea, while issues 2 to 5 served as the official organ of the General Federation of Literature and Arts of North Korea until 1948. That year, it was restructured into "Munhakyesul" [Fig. 2] which highlighted the achievements of various artistic fields, including literature. It was published as the official organ of the North Korean Federation of Literature and Arts from April 1951 to September 1953. On October 25, following the reorganization of the North Korean Literary Alliance into the Korean Writers' Alliance, “Josonmunhak” was founded, introducing the socialist literary theory of “ OqepK,¹¹” a narrative form reflecting the realities of Korea and laying the foundation for North Korean realistic literature.¹² The North Korean Writers' Organization was officially established in March 1961, leading to the current organizational framework.

Figure 1. Cover of “Munhwajonson” (Inaugural issue 1946) (Source: Library of Yanbian University, China).

Figure 2. Cover of “Munhakyesul” (Inaugural issue 1948) (Source: http://nks.ac.kr/accessed on July 10, 2024).

1) Characteristics of Typesetting

The inaugural issue of “Munhwajonson” in 1946 outlined specific plans regarding its editorial direction and content, as directed by Kim Il-sung. The typesetting employed a mixed vertical writing style combining Korean and Chinese characters, using a B6 format (4×6 inches, 188×128 mm), and the issue comprised 30 pages. The inaugural issue of “Josonmunhak”, published in October 1953, featured vertical Korean writing in a B6 format [Fig. 3]. It contained 110 pages of horizontal typesetting, unlike other magazines. Beginning with issue 2 in 1957, “Josonmunhak” adopted horizontal Korean writing, maintained the B6 format, and consisted of 75 pages. Currently, the magazine continues to use horizontal Korean script in B6 format, is published monthly by the Literature and Arts Publishing House, and has an 80-page volume.

Figure 3. Cover of “Josonmunhak” (Inaugural 1953) (Source: Kim Seong-su's collection).

2) Characteristics of Typeface

The title design of the inaugural issue of “Munhwajonson”, published in 1946, featured a Chinese Gothic style. When it was restructured as “Munhakyesul” in 1948, the design was changed to a Ming-style. The cover of “Josonmunhak” reveals four distinct evolutions in its title design. The inaugural issue in 1953 employed a Korean Ming style, while the 10th issue in 1954 showcased a brush script in regular style [Fig. 4]. The 6th issue in 1955 [Fig. 5] and the 2nd issue in 1957 adopted a brush script cursive style [Fig. 6], which has persisted to the present. The main text typeface of “Josonmunhak” is Korean Ming type No. 5 (3.16 mm, American 9 point), and the main text title uses type No. 2 (7.43 mm).

Figure 4. Cover of “Josonmunhak” (Issue 10 1954) (Source: Kim Seong-su's collection).

Figure 5. Cover of “Josonmunhak” (Issue 6 1955) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 6. Cover of “Josonmunhak” (Issue 2 1957) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

(2) “Josonomun”

The first language magazine in North Korea “Josonoyongu,” was founded on March 1, 1949 [Fig. 7], it has been confirmed as the predecessor of the current monthly language magazine “Josonomun.” In the founding statement of “Josonoyongu”, Lee Geuk-ro (1893–1978), the chairman of the Korean Language Research Association, wrote, “There is a need for a magazine that plays a leading role in our language and writing, and it is essential for Korean language educators to read specialized materials on Hangeul.”

Figure 7. Cover and text of “Josonoyeongu” (Inaugural issue 1946) (Source: Library of Yanbian University, China).

1) Characteristics of Typesetting

“Josonoyeongu” features a mixed typesetting system that combines Korean and Chinese characters, using both vertical and horizontal writing styles. The format is B6 (4×6 inches, 188×128 mm), with 15,000 copies published across 139 pages. Beginning with the inaugural issue of “Josonomun” in 1960, the Korean language was reformatted to a horizontal typesetting style, the size changed to B5 (188×257 mm), and the page count reduced to 42 before publication ceased after the sixth issue [Fig. 8]. From 1961, the publication was divided into “Josonohak” [Fig. 9] and “Munhakyeongu” [Fig. 10], both using the same typesetting format as “Josonomun,” with a total of 35 pages. Currently, the publications have been consolidated back into “Josonomun,” which is published in the same typesetting format and totals 43 pages.

Figure 8. Cover and table of contents of “Josonomun” (Inaugural issue 1960) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 9. Cover of “Josonohak” (Inaugural issue 1961) (Source: Library of Yanbian University, China).

Figure 10. Cover of “Munhakyeongu” (Inaugural issue 1961) (Source: Library of Yanbian University, China).

2) Characteristics of Typeface

The title on the cover of “Josonoyongu” (1956) is rendered in the Korean Ming style. It was later revised to “Josonomun” (1960) and has since been produced in a brush-calligraphy style that is still used today.

In the main text of "Josonoyongu," Chinese Ming typeface No. 5 (3.61 mm) and Korean Ming typeface No. 5 (3.16 mm, American 9-point) were used, while the title employed Korean Ming typeface No. 2 (7.43 mm). The Korean Ming typeface No. 5 still retains traces of brush calligraphy. Even after the transition to horizontal typesetting, vertical typefaces continued to be used, resulting in a disjointed letter flow and an uneven printing surface. Subsequently, with the revision of “Josonomun” in 1960, both the Korean Ming typeface and Gothic type were refined for horizontal writing, significantly improving the quality of printed materials.

It was published monthly in Korean, formatted with 2 horizontal columns, B5 size, and consisting of 23 pages. It continues to be published in the same typesetting style and now includes color photographs, for a total of 40 pages.

(3) “Josonnyosong”

It was the first and only political magazine for women in North Korea, founded by the Korean Democratic Women's Alliance on September 6, 1946. The magazine continues to be published as an ideological tool designed to cultivate, enlighten, and empower working women in North Korea.

1) Characteristics of Typesetting

The inaugural issue of “Josonnyosong” was published on September 6, 1946, using a mixed Korean and Chinese character typesetting method arranged in two vertical columns. The format was B5 (188 × 257 mm) and comprised 49 pages. On October 1, 1949 [Fig. 11], it was published entirely in Korean, maintaining the two-column vertical typesetting and B5 size, with the page count increasing to 53. Beginning February 1, 1950 [Fig. 12], typesetting and B5 size, with the page count increasing to 53. 2, 3, and 4 vertical columns in Korean. Starting January 1, 1956, The publication transitioned to 2- and 3-column layouts in Korean. From 1965 until issue 6 in 1982, It was published monthly in Korean, formatted with 2 horizontal columns, B5 size, and consisting of 23 pages. It continues to be published in the same typesetting style and now includes color photographs, for a total of 40 pages.

Figure 11. Text of “Josonnyosong” (Issue 10, 1946) (Source: Yanbian University Library, China).

Figure 12. Cover and text of “Josonnyosong” (Issue 1, 1950) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

2) Characteristics of Typefaces

The cover's background design features illustrations from 1946 to 1955 [Fig. 13], photographs up to 1964 [Fig. 14], and illustrations again until October 1965 [Fig. 15]. Since June 1965, the cover has incorporated both photographs and illustrations. The cover title was presented in a Korean Gothic style from 1945 until March 1962, after which it was updated twice to a Korean brush script style, beginning in April of the same year. The table of contents showcases a variety of fonts, including Ming, Gothic (Cheonlima style), New Ming style, and lettering styles, all of which remain in use today. In the main text of the magazine published on October 1, 1949, the font was set in Korean with vertical two-column typesetting, using Ming style No. 5 (3.2 mm) for the body text and No. 2 (7.4 mm) for the title. From 1956 onward, all fonts in the main text, including Ming and Gothic styles, were updated to horizontal writing.

Figure 13. Cover and text of “Josonnyosong” (Issue 8, 1955) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 14. Cover of “Josonnyosong” (Issue 11, 1962) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 15. Cover of “Josonnyosong” (Issue 9, 1964) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

(4) “Josonyesul”

The Joseon art magazine “Josonyesul” was established on September 15, 1956 [Fig. 16], with a focus on theater and dance. Its mission evolved over time, initially covering the history of Joseon art, then broadening in August 1957 to encompass a wider scope of Joseon art history, and further expanding in April 1958. By November 1961, it became the official publication of the General Association of Korean Literature and Arts. Beginning with the fourth issue in 1968, the magazine was associated with “Josonmisul” (Joseon art magazine), “Josonumak” (Joseon music magazine), and ‘Josonyonghwa’ (Joseon film magazine). Following significant qualitative changes in the film sector after the release of Kim Jong-il's “Theory of the Art of Film” in 1973, *Josonyonghwa* was separated in April 1984. However, it was reintegrated into “Josonyesul” starting with the first issue in 1998. The magazine continues to be published monthly as an art publication.

Figure 16. Cover of the inaugural issue of “Josonyesul” (Issue9, 1956) (Source: Library of Yanbian University, China).

1) Characteristics of Typesetting

The inaugural issue (Issue 9, 1956) was published in Korean using a horizontal two-column typesetting format. The magazine measured 4 × 6 inches and comprised 35 pages as a monthly publication [Fig. 16]. Beginning with the fourth issue of 1968, the magazines were merged and then published monthly in both horizontal two-column and four-column typesetting formats. In the fourth issue of 1984, they were separated again; however, starting with the 1998 issue, they were reintegrated. The magazine is currently published in B5 size (188 × 257 mm) and consists of 80 pages.

2) Characteristics of Typeface

The changes in title design on the covers can be summarized as follows: "Josonyesul" (Issue 9, 1956) began with a brush calligraphy style. From the first to the third issues in 1959 [Fig. 17], a Ming typeface was employed before reverting to the brush calligraphy style, which continues to this day. "Josonmisul" was initially launched as "Misul" (Issue 1, 1956) [Fig. 18] and maintained this design from the first to the third issues in 1959 [Fig. 19]. "Josonumak" (February 1955) [Fig. 20] underwent two transitions, shifting from the brush calligraphy style up the twelfth issue in 1959[Fig. 21]. "Josonyonghwa" (Issue 8, 1957) [Fig. 22] featured a Gothic typeface, which changed to another typeface in the second issue of 1959[Fig. 23] and then to a different typeface in the first issue of 1960. Starting from the second issue of 1961[Fig. 24], it adopted a creative brush calligraphy style, and from the third issue of 1963 [Fig. 25], it reverted to the traditional brush calligraphy style, reflecting the evolving expectations surrounding title changes.

Figure 17. Cover of “Josonyesul” (Issue1,1959) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 18. Cover of “Misul” (Issue1, 1956) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 19. Cover of “Josonmisul” (Issue4, 1959) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 20. Cover of “Josonumak” (Issue2, 1955) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 21. Cover of “Josonumak” (Issue12,1959) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 22. Cover of “Josonyonghwa” (Issue 8, 1957) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 23. Cover of “Josonyonghwa” (Issue 2, 1959) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 24. Cover of “Josonyonghwa” (Issue 2, 1961) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 25. Cover of “Josonyonghwa” (Issue 3, 1963) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

The table of contents design in the inaugural issue (September 1956) reflects the typographic conventions of its time, featuring four distinct typefaces, each set at No. 4 (4.71 mm) and tailored to the content. The main text used Ming type No. 5 (3.61 mm), while the title used Ming type No. 2 (7.43 mm). Beginning with (January 1959), the main text transitioned to a new Ming type No. 5, and the title adopted a Gothic typeface No. 2. Furthermore, in (January 1960), the main text continued with a Ming type No. 5 (3.61 mm), while the title retained the Gothic type No. 2 (7.43 mm) [Fig. 26]. This evolution highlights an intriguing trend: alongside changes in the cover title design, the typesetting and typeface of the main text were also restructured.

Figure 26. Cover of the integrated edition of “Josonyesul” (April 1968, Issue 4) (Source: National Gugak Center, Republic of Korea).

Figure 27. Cover and text of “Chollima” (Issue12,1959) (Source: Yanbian University Library, China).

Figure 28. Cover of “Chollima” (Issue9, 1962) (Source: Library of Congress, USA).

Figure 29. Cover and table of contents of “Chollima” (Issue10, 1963) (Source: Yanbian University Library, China).

(5) "Chollima"

“Chollima” is a mythical horse symbolizing exceptional individuals and the rewards of perseverance and hard work. It first gained public attention on January 22, 1959, when the National Art Publishing House used it to promote the ‘Chollima Movement’. It is currently published monthly by the Chollima Editorial Committee of the Literary Publishing House.

1) Characteristics of Typesetting

The inaugural edition was produced in a horizontal layout with two columns and B5 dimensions (188 × 257 mm). This edition comprised 80 pages and showcased a high level of expertise in editing, typesetting, and printing technologies, reflecting various design styles typical of North Korean magazines. From the first issue onward, the publication featured colorful photographs and illustrations for promotional purposes.

The typesetting is notable for incorporating vertical text centered within the horizontal layout. Over the years, the content has been thematically organized to include topics such as praise of the regime, issues of unification, and general knowledge, as well as various compositions, including poetry, serialized novels, and cartoons. By 1998, the magazine had reached issue 467, maintaining the B5 size format with an expanded page count of 90 pages and special topics totaling 130 pages.

2) Characteristics of the Typeface

The title on the cover of “Chollima” (Issue 12, 1959) changed from brush-style calligraphy to a cursive brush style beginning with Issue 9 in 1962, a style that has continued to the present day. Starting with Issue 10 in 1963, the table of contents was laid out horizontally across three full pages. The body text employs type sizes No. 6, 5, 4, and No. 3 to maximize visual impact, while the titles are rendered in various creative brush calligraphy styles. In the body text of Issue 1, 1966, the Shin Ming typeface (3.1 Monthly type) in size 5 was used, and the Gothic typeface No. 2 was applied to the titles, resulting in an overall uniform appearance. Currently, the body text is set in Ming type, and the titles are presented in various typefaces such as Gothic and New Ming, establishing a distinctive North Korean style tailored to the content. Additionally, other magazines now fundamentally adopt the editorial design established in the 1960s by "Chollima" as a model. This represents a new perspective in design.