From Empty Lot to U-Shaped Building: Satellite Images Reveal North Korea's Rapid Prison Expansion

Mainichi Shimbun Cites Satellite Images
"Possibility of Intensified Crackdown on Ideological Offenders"

A Japanese media outlet has reported that since 2023, the construction and expansion of prisons (known as kyohwaso) in North Korea appears to have increased rapidly.

On July 19, the Mainichi Shimbun cited satellite image analysis by Colin Zwirko, a reporter for the U.S.-based North Korea-focused outlet NK News, to report that a new prison has been built in Hwangju, North Hwanghae Province, since around March 2023. Satellite images taken of this area in April this year show a rectangular fence with six structures presumed to be watchtowers, and inside the fence, a building shaped like the Korean letter "ㄷ" (similar to a U-shape).

On the 24th of last month, North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jongun and his daughter Ju Ae attended the completion ceremony of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area. Photo by Yonhap News Agency via Korean Central TV

The Mainichi explained, "In photos taken of the same location in 2022, it was an empty lot," and added, "The overall structure of the building is analyzed to be very similar to the prison in Chonnae, Kangwon Province." The report also noted that, starting from the end of 2023, renovation and expansion work has been underway at four prisons: Chonnae, Sinuiju in North Pyongan Province, Sariwon in North Hwanghae Province, and Hamhung in South Hamgyong Province. The outlet stated, "All of the prisons currently being rebuilt are facilities called 'kyohwaso,'" clarifying, "These house individuals convicted of ordinary crimes such as theft, not political or ideological offenders."

Andrei Lankov, a professor at Kookmin University, told the Mainichi, "There is information that crime has increased significantly in North Korea," and added, "It has also been confirmed that ideological control is intensifying."

It is also notable that the newly constructed Hwangju prison is located close to a military base. On this point, reporter Zwirko commented, "There is a possibility that political and ideological prisoners are being held there," and emphasized, "What is clear is that North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jongun is focusing on controlling the entire population." In connection with this, the Mainichi pointed out, "This is the first time that the construction of new prisons in North Korea has been identified through satellite imagery," and noted that this could serve as evidence that the North Korean authorities have intensified their crackdown on ideological offenders.