North uses highways primarily for short hauls between rail nodes and villages or factories. The road network is concentrated in the forward area south of Pyongyang, and less than 20 percent is paved. Many roads are not trafficable during adverse weather. Graphics not available Figure 43. Rail Support for Most Long-Distance Traffic.
Railroads provide strategic connections with China and the Soviet Union.
North Korea has spent substantial effort upgrading the rail net, including electrifying of 75 percent of the lines, building new lines, double tracking, and constructing additional yards and stations.