Covid-19 in North Korea

A collection of analyses examining the human and systemic effects of Covid-19 in North Korea. 

This project brings together original data, research, and expert analysis on the impact of Covid-19 in North Korea. From the regime’s strict border closures beginning in 2020 to the pandemic’s effects on the economy and daily life, these analyses examine the immediate and long-term human, economic, and political costs of the crisis and the government’s response. Together, they offer a rare window into the lived experiences of North Koreans during one of the world’s most extreme lockdowns. 

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The Impossible State

Covid-19 Outbreak in North Korea

In this episode, Andrew Schwartz and Victor Cha are joined by J. Stephen Morrison to discuss the Covid-19 outbreak in North Korea.

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha, H. Andrew Schwartz, and J. Stephen Morrison — May 19, 2022

The Impossible State Podcast

North Korea’s Covid-19 Lockdown: Current Status and Road Ahead

A group of experts looked at the impact of Covid-19 on North Korea, including current situation, effects of the border lockdown, broader impact on society and markets, as well as path going forward, possibility of easing restrictions, and feasibility of humanitarian aid.

Report by Victor Cha, Katrin Fraser Katz, and J. Stephen Morrison — March 9, 2022

Imagery Analysis of Rail and Road Traffic Between Dandong and Sinuiju and the Effects of Covid-19

Satellite imagery supports open-source reporting that the North Korea-China border has likely been closed to trade since January 2020 due to the North Korean government’s precautions against the transmission of the Covid-19 virus. However, a recent increase in the volume of rail cars in the Dandong and Sinuiju Customs areas, as well as the removal of protective coverings at the Sinuiju rail terminal and freight yard (between March 31 and April 1), suggest preparations to resume exports to China that would provide North Korea with some hard currency.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — May 6, 2021

The Impossible State

Covid-19 in North Korea

Dr. Victor Cha and Andrew Schwartz are joined by Dr. J. Stephen Morrison of CSIS and Dr. Kee Park of Harvard Medical School to talk about Covid-19 in North Korea. 

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha, H. Andrew Schwartz, and J. Stephen Morrison — February 17, 2021

The Impossible State Podcast
The Impossible State

The Outlook for North Korea's Economy Post-Pandemic

In this episode, please hear the keynote address from Mr. Alex Wong at the Korea Chair's special discussion on the current state of North Korea's economy.

Podcast Episode — December 18, 2020

The Impossible State Podcast

Splendid Isolation: North Korea and COVID-19

CSIS created a unique dataset chronicling actions taken by North Korea in response to the last two major pandemics, Ebola (2014) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (2015). 

Newsletter by Victor Cha — April 30, 2020