Satellite imagery reveals extensive upgrades at North Korean prison camps



Investigations Satellite imagery reveals extensive upgrades at North Korean prison camps NK Pro analysis reveals two facilities rebuilt and a third expanded, likely to improve security and handle more inmates Colin Zwirko \| Ifang Bremer January 28, 2025 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON The newly rebuilt Sinuiju kyohwaso (left) and North Koreans working construction (right) \| Images: Airbus via Google Earth (Sept. 13, 2024), Eric Lafforgue (April 2010) North Korean authorities have demolished and completely rebuilt at least two prisons and expanded a third, new high-resolution satellite imagery reveals, providing evidence that the DPRK is increasing its capacity to detain citizens. The reconstruction of detention facilities in Sinuiju, Sariwon and Chonnae since late 2023 is the latest in ongoing efforts by the DPRK regime to upgrade and expand its prisons and concentration camps. NK Pro was first to report on the upgrades at the three “kyohwaso” facilities last June based on low-resolution imagery, detailing simultaneous new construction in Sinuiju on the Chinese border in Read More © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. LATEST ANALYSIS 01Trump’s first-week overtures on North Korea are unlikely to entice Kim Jong Un 02In changing world, North Korea has little to gain from pro-regime sympathizers 03Why North Korea’s top military official may have been quietly demoted once again 04Where North Korea ranks in Trump’s foreign policy priorities for term two 05Why guidance systems are the Achilles’ heel of North Korea’s missile arsenal 06Why North Korea’s United Front Department likely survived anti-unification push 07How North Korea compels citizens to spy on each other with new surveillance law 08Forecast 2025: Why Kim Jong Un’s market crackdowns will spark social unrest

Investigations

Satellite imagery reveals extensive upgrades at North Korean prison camps

NK Pro analysis reveals two facilities rebuilt and a third expanded, likely to improve security and handle more inmates

Colin Zwirko | Ifang Bremer January 28, 2025

Satellite imagery reveals extensive upgrades at North Korean prison camps

The newly rebuilt Sinuiju kyohwaso (left) and North Koreans working construction (right) | Images: Airbus via Google Earth (Sept. 13, 2024), Eric Lafforgue (April 2010)

North Korean authorities have demolished and completely rebuilt at least two prisons and expanded a third, new high-resolution satellite imagery reveals, providing evidence that the DPRK is increasing its capacity to detain citizens.

The reconstruction of detention facilities in Sinuiju, Sariwon and Chonnae since late 2023 is the latest in ongoing efforts by the DPRK regime to upgrade and expand its prisons and concentration camps.

NK Pro was first to report on the upgrades at the three “kyohwaso” facilities last June based on low-resolution imagery, detailing simultaneous new construction in Sinuiju on the Chinese border in

Satellite imagery reveals extensive upgrades at North Korean prison camps

LATEST ANALYSIS

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Colin Zwirko

Ifang Bremer