38 North

38 North is an online platform that focuses on providing insights and analysis regarding North Korea. Its name is derived from the 38th parallel north, a line that runs through the Korean peninsula and historically separated North and South Korea before the Korean War. Originally part of the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, the site is now operated by the Stimson Center. It is overseen by Joel S. Wit, a former official from the U.S. Department of State, along with Managing Editor Jenny Town. The platform features contributions from several notable experts, including nuclear scientist Sigfried Hecker, Jean H. Lee, who was the former Associated Press Bureau Chief in Pyongyang, cybersecurity specialist James Andrew Lewis, and Martyn Williams, the founder of North Korea Tech.

International

English

Online/Digital

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#308668

United States

#206566

News and Media

#6640

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Preparatory Work on Road to New Russia-North Korea Bridge Underway

4 days ago | 38north.org | Martyn Williams |Peter Makowsky

Commercial satellite imagery indicates work on the first road bridge between North Korea and Russia is rapidly progressing. On the North Korean side of the crossing, preparations for the abutments, the road sections immediately on either side of a bridge, are underway. So far, seven footings for the west-side abutment have been installed. Similar work has not yet started on the Russian side abutments, but work to grade the road leading to the bridge crossing point has started.
North Korea Revised its Space Law to Permit Military Use

4 days ago | 38north.org | Martyn Williams

North Korea revised its Space Development Law (우주개발법) in 2022 to allow for use of space for national defense purposes. Specifically, it removed sentences that previously committed to only peaceful uses of space and opposed the militarization of space and now threatens countermeasures on countries that attempt “unfriendly acts” on its space program. It expands the scope of international cooperation and codifies that space scientists receive preferential treatment for housing.
Quick Take: Final Touches at Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort Before Opening

2 weeks ago | 38north.org | Martyn Williams |Iliana Ragnone

Satellite Imagery Commercial satellite imagery indicates final preparations appear to be underway at the Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort ahead of an anticipated opening event that will likely be attended by Kim Jong Un. Construction has ceased ahead of the end of May deadline set by Kim in July last year and seating areas are being set up on the beach.
Quick Take: Second New Naval Vessel Close to Launch

3 weeks ago | 38north.org | Martyn Williams |Peter Makowsky

Satellite Imagery North Korea is preparing to launch its second new naval destroyer, nearly three weeks after the Choe Hyon Class destroyer was launched at Nampho Shipyard in late April. Commercial satellite imagery of the Chongjin Shipyard indicates the vessel, appearing to also be a Choe Hyon Class destroyer, began to be moved along the quay from a construction position on May 14, and parked in a launching position on May 15.
Quick Take: New Construction at Chongjin Port

3 weeks ago | 38north.org | Martyn Williams |Peter Makowsky

New construction is underway at Chongjin Port that looks to refresh a large part of the shipyard. Chongjin has traditionally been associated with fishing, but site improvements and a recent visit by Kim Jong Un to inspect a new warship, indicate the port could be taking on a more important role in military warship production.
Quick Take: Progress on New Rail Spur at Sohae Satellite Launching Station

1 month ago | 38north.org | Martyn Williams

Commercial satellite imagery of North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Station shows construction of the new railway spur is advancing while nearby, workers chip away at a large hillside near the east tunnel entrance. The railway spur will allow trains, presumably carrying rocket stages, to enter the site and head towards a new assembly building that has been under construction. Soil is being added to the rail bed for support.
Quick Take: Buildings Take Shape at New Chinese Crossing

1 month ago | 38north.org | Martyn Williams

A large construction project, expected to be the centerpiece of a new international trade crossing with China, is beginning to take shape. Commercial satellite imagery shows the footprints of several buildings have appeared at the site, which is at the eastern end of a large, as-yet unused bridge that connects the two countries. The site is expected to be a customs and immigration center to handle freight and passengers crossing the New Yalu River Bridge.
Coal Exports from Rason at Highest Levels in Years

1 month ago | 38north.org | Martyn Williams

Exports of coal from North Korea’s major coal ports are at levels not seen in several years. Commercial satellite imagery shows large amounts of coal at the international port in Rason, centered around one pier operated by Russia’s Rason Transnational Container Transportation JVC (RasonConTrans). However, it is unclear if the coal is of North Korean origin or is being transshipped from Russia.
The 20x10 Initiative Brings Factories at the Cost of Agricultural Land

1 month ago | 38north.org | Martyn Williams |Iliana Ragnone

The regional industry push under the banner of the 20×10 regional development plan seeks to foster sustainable manufacturing by building new light industrial hubs in 20 cities and counties every year for ten years. The plan began in 2024 and that year, installed factories for food, clothing and daily goods in 20 communities across the country. While the project is nationally driven from Pyongyang, it appears the state has not gone for a one-size-fits-all approach.
Quick Take: After the Party

1 month ago | 38north.org | Martyn Williams

North Korea’s new naval destroyer was dedicated by Kim Jong Un last week, but it appears more work is necessary before it can truly take to the seas. Commercial satellite imagery shows the ship being nudged back towards the drydock just days after the ceremony. The use of tugboats to move the ship into place and back again could indicate the lack of a functioning propulsion system. Construction on the vessel began in May 2024 and has moved at a fast pace.