North Korea
Pukchung Machine Complex
About
The Pukchung Machine Complex is one of North Korea’s major machine manufacturing facilities. The complex could have provided parts or components used in the manufacturing of TELs and MELs, as well as machines used at missile production plants. National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il visited the complex in May 2000 and December 2001 to provide “on-the-spot guidance.” Kim was accompanied by a high-ranking military delegation during the December 2001 visit, which suggests the facility could be tasked with military-related production. “Computerized production processes” have recently been introduced, which indicates North Korea might be achieving greater precision in the production of machine tools and components.
Sources
[1] Korean Central Broadcasting Station (Pyongyang), 16 December 2001, in “DPRK Leader Gives ‘On-The-Spot’ Guidance to North P’yongan Province—Graphics Attached,” FBIS Document ID KPP20011217000027.
[2] “Important Tasks Set for Industrial Development in N. Phyongan Prov.,” Pyongyang Times, 22 December 2001, www.times.dprkorea.com.
[3] Korean Central Broadcasting Station (Pyongyang), 17 May 2000, in “DPRK Leader Visits Machine Complex,” FBIS Document ID KPP20000518000008.
[4] Kang T’ae Ho, “58 Nyŏn Hwamulch’a Ch’ŏt Choripsaengsan/Chadongch’asan’ŏp (Pukhan’gyŏngje),” Hankyoreh Shinmun, 16 November 1993, p. 8, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.
[5] Lee Jae Sŭng, “Pukhan’ŭi 6 Kae Kwŏn’yŏkpyŏl Kong’ŏppaech’i Hyŏnhwang,” Segye Ilbo, 22 July 1992, p. 12, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.
[6] Lee Jae Sŭng, “Chosŏn/Oehwabŏr’I Ilhwan Oe’guksŏnbak Suri Ch’ijung (Pukhan’ŭi Ssan’ŏp),” Segye Ilbo, 17 June 1992, p. 12, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.
[7] “North Korea Special Weapons Guide,” Federation of American Scientists, www.fas.org.