page_title: Australia–North Korea relations
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Australia–North Korea relations / History
context_page_description: Australia–North Korea relations are the current and historical bilateral relations between Australia and North Korea.
  The two countries nominally have diplomatic relations, though as of 2013 neither Australia nor North Korea has an official diplomatic presence in the other country. Instead, diplomatic relations between the two are handled by non-resident embassies. The Australian embassy in Seoul manages relations with North Korea, while the DPRK embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, is responsible for relations with Australia. Additionally, the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang provides limited assistance to Australians.
  Generally the relations are stressed, due to Australia being a close ally of the United States in the Korean War and modern disputes such as over the North Korean nuclear program.
  According to a 2013 BBC World Service Poll, only 7% of Australians view North Korea's influence positively, with 85% expressing a negative view.
context_section_description: In 2003, in an event called Pong Su incident, the North Korean ship Pong Su was discovered in Australian waters while its crew members were smuggling heroin. The ship attempted an escape and was taken over by the Australian commandos after four days chase.
  In January 2008, North Korea closed its embassy in Canberra. In January 2013, North Korea requested permission to reopen its Canberra embassy, despite Australia supporting increased international sanctions against the country due to its continued nuclear regime. Australia rejected the request in June 2013.
  The Australian Ambassador to South Korea William Paterson took an official four-day trip in June 2016 to North Korea, which included meetings with government officials in Pyongyang as well as travelling outside the capital to inspect Australian aid-funded projects.
caption: Monthly value of North Korean merchandise exports to Australia (A$ millions) since 1988