North Korea’s Empty Roads Filling With Cars After Decades of Restrictions

North Korea is reportedly experiencing a rapid increase in the number of private vehicles after authorities relaxed decades-old restrictions on personal car ownership. For years, the country remained known for its nearly empty roads. Some estimates suggested that North Korea had only around 30,000 vehicles nationwide — roughly one car for every 800 residents. Reports now indicate that licensed drivers can purchase one vehicle per household through state-authorized dealerships, fueling a noticeable rise in traffic congestion and parking shortages.