HISTORICAL RESEARCH VIEW — NON-OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS
All imagery shown is archival only. Minimum 30-day delay applied. This platform does not support real-time tracking, operational targeting, or live surveillance of any kind.
Site Description
Sinpo South Shipyard is the principal facility for North Korea's submarine construction and ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) programme. The facility is located on the east coast of North Korea and has been under sustained observation by 38 North, CSIS, and US government open-source analysts. Construction of the Hero Kim Kun Ok — North Korea's first purpose-built SSBN displacing approximately 8,000 tonnes — was completed at this facility. Kim Jong Un inaugurated the vessel on September 8, 2023. The shipyard infrastructure includes covered assembly halls, launch ramps, pier facilities for submarine maintenance, and support for ballistic missile canister integration. Archival imagery records the progressive construction timeline from 2021 to launch.