The Ghost Highway: Pyongyang–Kaesong Motorway
The Pyongyang–Kaesong Motorway (The Reunification Highway) is a 170 km multi-lane highway connecting the North Korean capital to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and is part of the Asian Highway 1 (AH1). It is arguably the most recognizable road in the country due to its military-grade construction and ghostly lack of traffic.
Where is the Pyongyang–Kaesong Motorway?
This major expressway links the capital city of Pyongyang in the north to the historical city of Kaesong in the south. Its ultimate southern terminus is near the Joint Security Area (JSA) at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), historically making it a symbolic path toward a potential future reunification with South Korea, hence its nickname, the "Reunification Highway."
What is spectacular about the Pyongyang–Kaesong Motorway?
The spectacular and unique aspect of this road is its extreme width and near-total lack of traffic. It is a massive, multi-lane, controlled-access highway that tourists often describe as being almost devoid of civilian vehicles, a feature that has earned it the nickname, the "Ghost Highway." The width and deliberate construction (often concrete) strongly suggest it was built for strategic and military purposes, widely speculated to allow sections to be used as emergency airstrips for aircraft—a truly spectacular, and dangerous, application of road engineering.
What is the quality of the road surface?
While it is the highest class of road in North Korea (a motorway/expressway), its quality is inconsistent and often poor. It is primarily a concrete road, which can lead to a bumpy, juddery ride even when in good condition. Lack of consistent maintenance means that many sections, despite their impressive width, are marred by potholes, cracks, and general disrepair, making high-speed travel impractical and hazardous.
How long is the Pyongyang–Kaesong Motorway?
The motorway is approximately 170 km (106 mi) long, connecting the outskirts of Pyongyang to the entrance of the DMZ near Kaesong.
Pic: Chris Wachowicz