Ryanggang: Inside the North Korean Prison State

We are pleased to announce the release of our latest visual investigation, Ryanggang: Inside the North Korean Prison State. This groundbreaking project, made possible by the generous support of the Netherlands Embassy in Seoul, reveals  pervasive sexual and gender-based violence within the infamous Ryanggang Provincial Ministry of State Security Holding Centre. By integrating survivor testimonies, sophisticated 3D modelling, and satellite imagery, we are shedding light on hidden atrocities occurring in North Korea’s prisons for the very first time.

Visual investigations play a pivotal role in human rights work, particularly in North Korea, where access to information is heavily restricted. We are pioneering new investigative techniques that can visualise and document environments that are otherwise inaccessible to journalists and human rights investigators. This approach not only deepens our collective understanding but also supports efforts to hold North Korea's human rights violators accountable.

A handcuffed detainee is led to an interrogation

Male and female detainees are lined up for body cavity searches

Ryanggang Province, located in northern North Korea and bordering China, is a critical area for human rights. Many North Koreans attempting to flee the country cross from this province into China. Large numbers are often apprehended and forcibly repatriated back to North Korea. Ryanggang Provincial Ministry of State Security Holding Centre is known for detaining many of these repatriated escapees who face harsh punishments, including torture, imprisonment, and even execution. This makes Ryanggang Province a significant focus for international human rights advocacy and documentation efforts, as it underscores the ongoing and widespread abuses in the country.

An internal view of the ground floor of the facility.

An internal view of the first floor of the facility.

A prison cell

Our previous visual investigations are available below.