The purpose of this study is to offer basic data necessary for promoting the understanding of documentaries in North Korea by grasping difference between North Korean documentaries and Western documentaries and by examining characteristics of genre system in North Korean documentaries. To achieve this research objective, it explores theoretical consideration on the definition and compares the production objective between North Korean documentaries and Western documentaries and inquires into genre-oriented characteristics of North Korean documentaries. The Western documentaries have a characteristic called reappearance of fact. On the other hand, the North Korean documentaries are utilized as an important tool of propaganda & agitation along with reappearance of fact, thereby having great difference from the Western documentaries. As for genre-oriented characteristics in North Korean documentary, first, it has actuality. Second, it has strong reasonable-argument appeal and implication. Third, it is historical document that records revolutionary history of the great leader and the political party. Fourth, it has both propaganda and artistry. The North Korean documentary in this way is being actively produced while receiving material support of the authorities even now.