위성사진을 활용한 북한 나진항의 인프라 및 항만 활동 변화 분석

초록

Due to data limitations in North Korea, satellite imagery has become a tool for objectively tracking changes in the country’s physical infrastructure without on-site access. This study examines Rajin Port as a case for applying satellite-based analysis. By using satellite imagery from Google Earth Pro and high-resolution scenes from ESRI World Imagery Wayback (2011–2024), together with QGIS software, this study (i) extracts the port’s hinterland road and rail networks, (ii) performs multi-temporal visual change detection of pier infrastructure, and (iii) counts objects including cranes and stockpiled cargo to assess Rajin Port activity. This study shows that Rajin’s three piers are operated separately by China, North Korea, and Russia. And the pier-level of Rajin Port observation indicates that shifting cargo profiles and the accumulation of Russia-origin coal at the Russian-operated pier, patterns sensitive to international sanctions and North Korea–Russia cooperation. The findings indicate that satellite imagery can function as a near-unique means of independently monitoring North Korea’s external trade and trilateral logistics.

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