Beyond the Surface: Unveiling North Korean Spatial Patterns through Satellite Imagery Analysis

Dr. Hyewon Shin (a Research Specialist at the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT))

About the lecture series:

Every semester, we have been organizing special lectures to feature the diverse research achievements of North Korean scholars.

Lecture abstract:

Understanding societies that are geographically or politically inaccessible, such as North Korea, presents significant challenges for empirical research. This lecture introduces satellite imagery analysis and remote sensing as a powerful methodological tool to go "Beyond the Surface" and gain unique insights into such regions. We will explore how techniques for analyzing high-resolution satellite images enable us to identify, map, and quantify spatial patterns related to human activity and development. Applying this satellite-based analytical framework unveils distinct spatial structures shaped by divergent policies in North and South Korea. This lecture underscores the immense potential of satellite imagery analysis to overcome traditional research barriers and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of North Korea's spatial realities.

About the lecturer

Dr. Hyewon Shin holds a Ph.D. from Seoul National University with expertise in Regional Information and advanced spatial analysis methods. Her academic and professional career has focused significantly on the spatial economy of North Korea, with a particular emphasis on quantitative techniques and remote sensing. She is a leading expert in applying satellite data to understand North Korean regional structures. Currently, she conducts policy-oriented research concerning inter-Korean cooperation and infrastructure development.

Online event!

Please register in advance: https://fu-berlin.webex.com/weblink/register/r4f815611b3b0d01ba780004c2941f89b