Book Reviews

Book review: “North Korea’s Cities”

Book review of "North Korea’s Cities", written by Rainer Dormels and published byJimoondang Publishing Company in 2014.

Instytut Boyma 07.09.2018

When communism took power in North Korea, it remade cities in its own image, transforming everyday life and creating a new model of cities. Investigating the mechanism of urbanization in an authoritarian regime. That was the mission of the author of this monograph fully dedicated to North Korean cities. These entities expand rapidly after the introduction of a market inspired economy since the mid-2000s and liberalization of land management since 2010. This study reflects on the transformations of North Korean cities over the last half century. In North Korea’s cities, Rainer Dormels provides an accessible and engaging overview of North Korea’s urban story for expert and non-expert readers. His concisely-written book addresses four key themes: the urbanization of the country, the industrialization of urban zones, and a typology of the 27th most important cities of North Korea. In the conclusion, he provides some pointers to emergent problems as well as early signs of spaces for social change in North Korea. As the author informed us in his introduction, tt’s not often that one finds a scientific book published in a western language dedicated to North Korea’s Cities (p. 3-4). Nevertheless, the author enumerates a long list of Korean language publication devoted to this topic, including the Encyclopedia of North Korean geography (p. 5) published in 2003.

The author of this monograph is Rainer Dormels. Born in 1957, he studied Geography and Theology in Cologne and Korean Linguistics at the Seoul National University. He holds a Ph.D. in Korean Studies from the University of Hamburg, and his habilitation thesis (habilitationsschrift) on the political culture and recruitment of ministers in South Korea was successfully submitted at Bochum s Ruhr University Bochum. In 2003 he was appointed Professor of Korean Studies at the Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies at the University of Vienna. Regarding any field experience in North Korea, the author visited twice the country: Once in 2006 on the occasion of an art exhibition by the Italian artist Luca Faccio in Pyongyang, and most recently in 2011 on the occasion of Kim Il-Sung’s 100th birthday. Furthermore, he has authored numerous publications and studies on Korea. The book was also prepared by a long list of assistants to prof. Rainer Dormels whose names are provided in the introduction.

First of all, Dormels account of the North Korean urbanization process fills in an obvious gap in western literature. Based on a comparative perspective using data from different Korean organizations (both North and South), the author unveiled a long-ignored perspective between ideology, industrialization, and development of North Korean cities. The book has then a double perspective, based on analytical data and using political goals of the Kim dynasty. The end product of the extensive research work is the monograph “North Korea’s Cities”, which summarizes its results on around 500 pages. In his research, Rainer Dormels focused on the 27 cities of North Korea – from the 116,000-inhabitant city of Kusong to the three-million metropolis Pyongyang. Typographically, he devotes a section to each of these cities, dealing with industry distribution, inter-regional interactions, growth, and urbanization processes. The image of a North Korean city has become increasingly difficult to describe taking in account the North Korean reality.

More importantly, Dormels’s book is an inspiring attempt explaining the spatial interpretation of economic affairs.  The author realizes that having a close look to the geography of urbanization and ruralization is the key to understand the development of the North Korean economy. The author noticed that the size of urban population is fastly growing, in spite of economic and physical difficulties to settle all over the country.

Excluding the preface, the conclusion and additional elements (considered as chapters by the author), the book is clearly structured into three chapters, with a separate preface and conclusion. Chapter 1 entitled “North Korean cities” provides the contextual introduction: firstly, the location of North Korean cities, their distances to the capital, and the history of the development of the modern Korean city network. Chapter 2 zoom into industrial companies in the cities. The chapter cover information about companies established in North Korea, according to different South Korean sources of information (IPA, KCNA, KIET, KOFC, MOU). The short conclusions at the end of chapter 2 are also useful features. These provide excellent summaries of ideas discussed in the sub-chapters. The bulk of the book is the chapter 3, which consists of a set of profiles of the 27 most important cities of North Korea.

On a global scale, the author provided information about the structures of cities according to the four-stage administrative system, which functioned until December 1952, and the new reform which was applied later, and segmented North Korea in provinces (do), cities (si), counties (kun). Cities were divided in districts (dong), rural units (ri). Counties consist of an administrative center (up), rural units (ri) and working-class districts (rodongjagu).

On a local scale, we find information about building types ranging from historic urban sites (for instance, Haeju as a touristic and cultural center, p. 281), merchant houses; to the evolution of urban structures including streets (for instance regarding the city of Nampho pp. 239-43), signboards, sidewalks and bridges, and industries. Drawing examples from across the whole country, this chapter offers comparisons between different cities providing for each of them basic data such as the population, the area, the population density, and the administrative units, but also climate values (for instance for Pyongyang, p. 193). There are also major allusions to the history of North Korea which justified the name of cities, such as Kanggye (world of rivers) and its spirit (p. 100), which is a reminder to Kim Jong-il’s evocation of the spirit of defending Socialism.

The last chapter called conclusion provide an evaluation of quantitative studies of industrial companies and of internal structures of the North Korean cities. Each chapter is complemented by informative graphs, maps, and tables, and is beautifully designed.  An appendix (in Korean) lists all the relevant names of the North Korean industrial entities / companies. The book doesn’t lack photographs, which usefully illustrating the different urban landscapes of the country. It worth to be mentioned that the book is also available on a shorten version at the following link: https://koreanologie.univie.ac.at/200413/introduction/

In case of any reeditions of the book, and in spite of the excellent quality of this monograph, I would like to point out some issues. The section called “Publications in Asian language” (pp. 402-408) is compound of only Korean language publications, in spite of the title of the section. Therefore, the author didn’t use any Chinese sources or Japanese one in order to compete his analysis, which are sometimes more efficient than the South Korean ones. Secondly, I consider, that the bibliography shall be reviewed, modified, splitting research articles from sources taken in websites. Thirdly, the bibliography is sometimes incomplete and need a careful revision. For instance, the position in the bibliography entitled Russian auto plant Kamaz in DPRK in only indicating the website it comes from, but we don’t have the date of access of the website. A few lines later, a source indicate the acronym NKEW, without providing any meaning for that (p. 411). Nevertheless, two lines later, we do have the entire name for North Korea Economy Watch. In a nutshell, in spite of its length (pp. 401-413), t denotes that the bibliography needs to be reviewed. Another weakness of the book is the lack of fieldwork interviews with government officials, scholars, or individuals from North Korea. It’s a real pity, because it would be the occasion to obtain views of the population on their living areas. It’s surely not a language problem, as the author is a excellent Korean language speaker, but that may be probably due to the limited number of trips to North Korea done by the author, and to the secretive nature of the North Korean state. I also noticed that the sources used by the author provided different values for the same pattern. For instance, on page 172 may provide results which are fully different between themselves. For instance, concerning the city of Kaechon (p. 172), the total number of companies is in a range from 8 to 14, according to the sources used, and this may lead to biased conclusions. Nevertheless, these different counting results are probably due to limited availability of NK statistics. Therefore, in order to count companies, foreign agencies rely on the mention of North Korean firms in the North Korean available press.

In spite of the previously mentioned remarks, I definitely consider that this book is a wonderful addition to the growing field of North Korean studies, I would suggest the author make a second edition by not only updating data (which is crucial taking in account latest economic reforms which impacted the North Korean urbanization and expanded urban areas), but also enlarging the scope of data by providing some information related to smaller cities. I would also suggest to the researcher to incorporate a chapter related to the notion of North Korean districts abroad, such as in Pekin or Shanghai. As the author is a specialist of the Korean Peninsula, why not preparing a book focused on South Korean cities? The conclusion may also provide some information on how urban transformation proceed similarly, or differently in the context of comparable Asian countries, such as China, or Laos.

Finally, there is no doubt that this is a highly valuable and recommendable volume I do consider that this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in obtaining a complete overview of North Korea’s urban transition. In order to supplement their information on that issue, I would like to invite interested readers to read the following publications. First, a book entitled Environment, Politics, and Ideology in North Korea: Landscape as Political Project authored by Robert Winstanley-Chesters, currently affiliated to The Australian National University. Secondly an article co-authored by César Ducruet, and Jo Jin-cheol entitiled Coastal cities, port activities and logistic constraints in a socialist developing country: the case of North Korea. published in 2008 in Transport Reviews (volume 28, issue 1, pp. 35-59). I do also suggest the lecture of the Korean language article published in 2005 and authored by Jang Sae-hu, entitled 북한 도시 주민의 사회적 관계망 변화 (Change of social network of North Korean city residents), published in 한국사회학 (volume 39, issue 2, pp. 100-134).

Rainer Dormels. North Korea’s Cities, Seoul: Jimoondang Publishing Company, 2014, 544 pages. ISBN: 9788962971675

Nicolas Levi

Analyst on North and South Korea. He is an assistant professor at the Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Author of 7 books, more than 20 academic articles, and over 50 analytical reports on the Korean Peninsula, Poland, and related issues. He conducts lectures at top universities in Poland and abroad.

czytaj więcej

Book review: “GDR International Development Policy Involvement. Doctrine and Strategies between Illusions and Reality 1960-1990, The example (South) Africa”

Book review of "GDR International Development Policy Involvement. Doctrine and Strategies between Illusions and Reality 1960-1990, The example (South) Africa", written by Ulrich van der Heyden and published by Lit Verlag in 2013.

Time for a new normal – enhancing Europe’s military profile in the Indo-Pacific in 2025

2024 witnessed a notable stepping up of Europe’s military profile in the Indo-Pacific. Building on these developments, 2025 should be a year of continuation, bringing even more defence engagement of European states with their Indo-Pacific partners. 

Searching for Japan’s Role in the World Amid the Russia-Ukraine War

The G7 Hiroshima Summit concluded on May 21 with a communiqué reiterating continued support for Ukraine in face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression. Although Japan was perceived at the onset of the war as reluctant to go beyond condemning Russia at the expense of its own interests, it has since become one of the leading countries taking action during the war.

Why We Need Women in Politics, or the Scandal Solved Successfully in Uzbekistan with a Polish Woman in the Leading Role

Polish women do not often become the heroines of media reports in Central Asia. In February 2020, however, it was different. The story of Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska, a journalist, "heated up" the headlines of local news portals. More importantly, "between the lines" she talked a lot about contemporary Uzbekistan and the role of women in politics.

China – USA in the South China Sea

The trade war is just one of the problems of confrontation between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Many aspects of this competition coincide in the South China Sea.

Globalization of business, education and China: interview with prof. Chiwen Jevons Lee

Interview of Ewelina Horoszkiewicz with prof. Chiwen Jevons Lee on China on globalization of Chinese business education and his thoughts of China’s role in the global marketplace.

Beyond Grey Hulls: Europe’s Role in “Crowdsourcing” Maritime Domain Awareness in the South China Sea

If developments observed in the South China Sea over the recent months are of any indication, it simply means that the situation has worsened. China’s continued aggression towards its neighbors – the Philippines and Vietnam in particular, has continued unabated.

San Zhong Zhanfa or Three Warfares. Chinese Hybrid Warfare

Cognitive operations are becoming an increasingly significant and common element of non-kinetic military operations. States and other political players deliberately manipulate the way their actions, those of their allies and those of their adversaries are perceived by the governments and societies of other international players.

The Global Waste Trade: Unveiling Waste Colonialism in Southeast Asia

Although 19th-century colonialism may seem like a relic of the past, the global community continues to grapple with its modern counterparts, often referred to as neo-colonialism.

The link between EU Aid and Good Governance in Central Asia

Nowadays all the CA states continue transitioning into the human-centered model of governance where the comprehensive needs of societies must be satisfied, nevertheless, the achievements are to a greater extent ambiguous.

The Boym Institute message to Indian policymakers and analysts

India’s current position towards the Russian invasion on Ukraine may damage its reputation as a major force of peace in the world

Foreign Direct Investment in Vietnam

Thanks to continuous economic development, Vietnam attracts a record number of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The catalyst for such a strong growth of FDI in Vietnam is not only the ongoing trade war between the US and China, but also new international agreements.

China’s Social Credit System – How will it affect Polish enterprises in China?

The Social Credit System currently being rolled out in China may pose significant organisational and legal challenges for both foreign and Polish entities operating in China. We invite you to read our report, prepared in cooperation between the Boym Institute and Kochanski & Partners.

Patrycja Pendrakowska and Paweł Behrendt on navigating Sino-Polish relations

We are proud to annouce, that Patrycja Pendrakowska and Paweł Behrendt made a contribution to the latest project of the Baltic Security Foundation, The Jamestown Foundation and the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation.

An “Asian NATO”: Chances and perspectives

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has reinvigorated NATO. Can the Chinese pressure on its neighbours, especially Taiwan, create an Asian equivalent of NATO?

Voices from Asia – introduction

We would like to cordially invites all to the new series "Voices from Asia" that is devoted to the Asian perspectives on the conflict in Ukraine. In this series, we publish analysis by experts based in Asia or working on Asian affairs who present their positions on this matter.

Patrycja Pendrakowska as a participant of Women Economic Forum (WEF) in India

The interactive discussion covers recent projects and collaborations which have contributed to a greener economy in India

Navigating tomorrow – the significance of Australia’s navy build-up

Australia has recently announced a plan to build the largest fleet since World War II. This move constitutes another step in Canberra's shift of defence strategy and commitment to adapt to the changing security environment.

Dr. Nicolas Levi with a lecture in Seoul

On May 24 Dr. Nicolas Levi gave a lecture on Balcerowicz's plan in the context of North Korea. The speech took place as part of the seminar "Analyzing the Possibility of Reform and its Impact on Human Rights in North Korea". The seminar took place on May 24 at the prestigious Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.

#WomeninBoym Initiative

At the Boym Institute we are coming out with new initiative: #WomeninBoym, which aims to show the activity of this – often less visible – half of society. We will write about what women think, say and do. We will also publicise what women are researching and writing.

The dying Mekong and political impasse – an environmental disaster with hydropolitics in the background

The countries of the Indochinese Peninsula are struggling with the problem of the deteriorating state of the Mekong River, which scientists and publicists are increasingly boldly describing as an ecological disaster. Alongside climate change, existing hydropower plants and those under construction in China and Laos are among the greatest threats. These ventures deepen the regional dispute over a river crucial to communities of tens of millions of people.

Lessons for China and Taiwan from the war in Ukraine

The situation of Taiwan and Ukraine is often compared. The logic is simple: a democracy is threatened by a repressive, authoritarian regime making territorial claims and denying it the right to exist.

How to deal with gender-based segregation?

Interview on the project Supporting the Economic Empowerment of Afghan Women through Education and Training in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Magdalena Sobańska-Cwalina and Krzysztof M. Zalewski (The Boym Institute) in discussion with: Yakup Beris, Johannes Stenbaek Madsen, Maria Dotsenko, Gulnar Smailova,

Book review: “North Korean Defectors in a New and Competitive Society”

Book review of "North Korean Defectors in a New and Competitive Society", written by Lee Ahlam - assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Human Resource Development at Xavier University Cincinnati, Ohio.