As North Korea is known to have allowed private car ownership starting this year, a facility in the form of a modern car showroom has opened in Pyongyang.
Choson Sinbo on the 28th of last month featured the Amisan Automobile Technology Service Center in the third phase of the Pyongyang Hwasong District, which was completed in Apr. this year. The outlet said the center is a "comprehensive automobile technology service base where you can receive all services related to automobiles, including sales and repairs," adding that it is "a new type never seen before."
It was reported that this place sells not only passenger cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), but also buses, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, regular bicycles, and mountain bikes. Jo Chol-nam, a deputy member of the center, said, "Recently, demand among Pyongyang citizens for private cars is rising," adding, "Citizens are using private cars for commuting to and from work, ensuring business operations, visiting relatives, medical treatment, and traveling with family members and colleagues."
In particular, young people and those with larger builds are said to prefer SUVs, while women tend to choose cars with low bodies and pretty colors. Customers can choose a model by looking over the displayed vehicles in person or through a computer screen loaded with photos and technical specifications of the cars.
A service is also available that allows customers to take delivery immediately upon purchase and drive away. In addition to selling various auto parts and accessories, unmanned services such as car washing, tire replacement, and painting are provided.
North Korea has allowed ownership of private cars with "yellow license plates" since 2017, but vehicle registration was limited to the names of enterprises or institutions, effectively making them corporate cars. However, it is known that after revising the relevant law last year, registration of vehicles under personal names became possible.
Some analyses say the recent increase in cars in North Korea is because vehicles and parts are being brought in from China, taking advantage of gaps in sanctions. The direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of means of transportation to North Korea is prohibited by U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Jung Eun-i, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), said in a report analyzing satellite data that "compared to 2020, in 2024 an increase in vehicles was observed, centered on six cities including Pyongyang, Nampo, Chongjin, Wonsan, Sinuiju, Hyesan, and Rason, in roadways and open spaces near buildings."