North Korea competed as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. It was the first time that the nation had competed at the Summer Olympic Games. 37 competitors, 23 men and 14 women, took part in 23 events in 10 sports. North Korea won the first Olympic gold medal from either Korea.
Three male shooters represented North Korea in 1972. Ri Ho-jun won gold in the 50 m rifle, prone event.