Satellite images from Google Earth have captured North Korean authorities continuing to operate South Korean buses throughout Kaesong and the Kaesong Industrial Complex, despite the complex being shut down in February 2016. The South Korean buses are being used not only for transporting workers along the 7 kilometer route between the industrial complex and Kaesong, but also as public transportation serving various locations throughout the city including the Kaesong train station, government offices, and sports stadiums.
While the unauthorized use of South Korean buses within the Kaesong area is now documented, there is no confirmation yet whether these buses have been transported to or are operating in other regions of North Korea.
Meanwhile, the satellite imagery reveals that parts of the Kaesong Industrial Complex facilities have been damaged, with holes in roofs and walls and some structural collapse. North Korea seems to be selectively dismantling interior fixtures and materials for repurposing elsewhere.
South Korean bus operations between Kaesong Industrial Complex and city
North Korea has continued unauthorized operation of South Korean buses along the 7 kilometer route between Kaesong and the industrial complex since its closure. Following North Korea’s successive nuclear tests and missile launches in February 2016, the Kaesong Industrial Complex completely halted operations and was eventually shut down. Despite this, high-resolution satellite images show North Korea has been using South Korean buses for commuting to the complex and as a main mode of transportation throughout Kaesong. Recent satellite images from March 8 clearly identify several South Korean buses traveling on streets within the complex.
The South Korean buses are predominantly light blue in color, making them easily distinguishable in satellite imagery as they travel throughout Kaesong. The buses measure 2.3 meters in width and 10.3 meters in length. A large gathering area for South Korean buses has been identified within the spacious Kaesong Industrial Complex (40,000 square meters), and two open areas in Kaesong appear to be serving as dedicated parking lots for these buses.
Two bus parking areas in Kaesong
North Korea has repurposed two large open areas in central Kaesong as dedicated parking lots for South Korean buses. Satellite imagery shows that in one parking area (5,700 square meters), the number of light blue South Korean buses increased from 21 on Sept. 18, 2020, to 60 on Feb. 1, 2024, before decreasing to 30 on March 8. In the other parking area, the number of buses increased from 2 on April 21, 2023, to 12 on Feb. 10, 2024, and then to 13 on March 8. These observations suggest that the South Korean buses are being used as dedicated transportation throughout Kaesong.
South Korean bus operations in Kaesong
The distinctive light blue South Korean buses have been spotted driving and parked throughout neighborhoods and streets in Kaesong, indicating their use as a primary mode of public transportation. Recent satellite images show South Korean buses parked in narrow alleyways and open spaces near the Kaesong train station and the Kaesong People’s Committee, as well as traveling around Kaesong Youth Stadium. Small dark dots identified as people can be seen gathering around the buses and on streets.
No evidence has yet been found showing South Korean buses operating outside the Kaesong region or being diverted to other provinces in North Korea.
South Korean bus operations within the Kaesong Industrial Complex
North Korea’s unauthorized use of South Korean buses continues to be detected within the Kaesong Industrial Complex. Satellite images from March 8 show two South Korean buses stationed in an open area outside the northern entrance to the complex, with approximately 20 people visible, likely boarding or disembarking. This suggests North Korea is using these buses to transport workers along the 7 kilometer route between the complex and the city. Two additional buses were identified operating on streets within the complex.
To the right of the Technical Education Center building on the Dongwon F&B site stands a blue-green building that was newly constructed by North Korea after the complex closure.
Meanwhile, a ginseng cultivation field (4,000 square meters) for the famous Kaesong ginseng is visible in front of the Technical Education Center. Unlike South Korean ginseng fields that use black plastic for shade, North Korean fields use light brown shading materials. While South Koreans create low roofs with black vinyl to provide shade, North Koreans use woven rice straw as shading material due to the scarcity and high cost of vinyl.
Damage to inter-Korean liaison office support building
Some facilities within the Kaesong Industrial Complex have been damaged, with holes in roofs and collapsed walls. While the 15-story Kaesong Industrial Complex Support Center remains intact since North Korea unilaterally demolished the Inter-Korean Liaison Office in June 2020, recent satellite images show that the roof and walls of the adjacent support building have been stripped away. Rather than complete demolition, it appears that North Korea, which suffers from chronic material shortages, is removing interior materials for repurposing elsewhere. The building is expected to eventually be reduced to just its structural frame. The four-story Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Consultation Office was demolished after the 2020 explosion, with only some debris remaining as evidence of its former existence.
April 30, 2025 at 01:04PM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)