Children's Union Foundation Day in 2025

When is Children's Union Foundation Day?

Children's Union Foundation Day is a national holiday in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea observed on June 6th each year.

This holiday marks the foundation of the union on this day in 1946.

History of Children's Union Foundation Day

The Korean Children's Union was founded on June 6th 1946 by Kim Il-sung.

Between the ages of 7 and 13, all North Korean children join the Children’s Union. The admission is usually done in three stages. First, the best pupils in the class are admitted, then the average ones and then the rest. 

The organisation operates chapters in elementary and secondary schools nationwide. It teaches children about the Juche ideals and Songun, the ideologies behind the North Korean system.

Each child reads an oath of allegiance during an admission ceremony:

I join the ranks of the Korean Children’s Union, founded by the Great Leader Generalissimo Kim Il-sung and shined upon by the Great Guide Commander Kim Jong-il, do hereby swear to always and everywhere think and act according to the teaching of the Generalissimo Kim Il-sung and Commander Kim Jong-il and to become a good reservist of the brilliant cause of constriction of Communism, which is carried along from generation to generation by the great revolutionary deed of Juche.

The Children’s Union members all wear red neckties, a custom that comes from the USSR.

To mark the day, special sports days are held at schools across North Korea.