The satellite images showing a modern day dilemma facing North Koreans

Residents of North Korea’s capital, long accustomed to grappling with concerns ranging from famine to nuclear war, are now confronting a more mundane modern dilemma: securing a parking spot. Pyongyang is experiencing an unprecedented surge in passenger vehicles, leading to the city’s first instances of traffic congestion and necessitating the development of new parking facilities and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This shift has been confirmed by three recent visitors and satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters. The flourishing of a car culture in one of the world’s most heavily sanctioned and economically underdeveloped states is a striking development. Signs of this transformation are evident across the city. Car parks at several hotels are now routinely full, with vehicles often overflowing onto adjacent streets. Similarly, the areas surrounding the Gold Lane bowling alley and the suburban Rakrang Market, a key hub for groceries, are increasingly crowded with cars. Even North Korean leader Kim Jong Un acknowledged the trend in April, visiting an auto-service centre where he inspected various vehicles, their specific makes and models conspicuously concealed under silver cloths. Watch more on Independent TV: https://tinyurl.com/yc7ukx9n The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent Find us on social: TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@independent Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/the.independent/ X (Twitter) / https://twitter.com/Independent Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/TheIndependentOnline Download the iOS & Android app: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ts5dh Sign up to our newsletters: https://tinyurl.com/2bmw565x Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust: https://www.independent.co.uk/donations