North Korea Faces Parking Shortage as Private Cars Expected to Surpass 20,000 Next Year

Chinese Cars Fill the Streets of Pyongyang
Sharp Increase After Law Amendment Allowing Private Ownership

Reuters reported on May 12 (local time) that for the first time, Pyongyang is experiencing traffic congestion and a shortage of parking spaces due to a rapid increase in the number of passenger cars in North Korea.

According to the report, North Korea is believed to have allowed private ownership of passenger cars following amendments to the law in 2024. Since then, "yellow license plates," which are designated only for privately owned vehicles, have been spotted throughout Pyongyang, replacing the blue and black license plates that previously indicated state or military ownership.

Aram Pan, a Singaporean photographer who runs a North Korea-related Instagram account, said he was surprised by the traffic congestion during his 20th visit to Pyongyang last October. He noted, "I saw more than 100 vehicles with yellow license plates, most of which were Chinese-made cars."

A diplomat testified that electric taxi charging stations have begun to appear in Pyongyang. However, as there is a shortage of underground parking facilities, securing parking spaces remains difficult.

The variety of car models has also increased. Reuters reported that, in addition to Chinese brands such as Changan and Chery, European cars like BMW and Audi are now seen driving on the streets as well.

Lee Jungeun, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, commented, "In the past, it was possible to identify a particular brand as the most popular in North Korea, but recently the range of options has become so diverse that it's hard to single out any one brand as especially popular."

Jung Changhyun, director of the Korea Peace Economy Institute, forecast that the number of private vehicles in North Korea could surpass 20,000 next year.