Crime and Pollution in Pyongyang

Crime Data in Pyongyang

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Pyongyang presents a complex picture regarding crime and safety. While general concerns about crime remain toned down, issues related to corruption are exceptionally high.

Residents generally report a balance between feeling safe during the day and having mild apprehensions at night.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes, including home break-ins and theft, are reported at lower levels, suggesting that these are not pressing concerns for residents at this time.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related offenses appear to have minimal impact on the overall safety perception, with only a slight presence detected in public opinion.
• Violent Crimes - There is a minimal perception of violent crimes among the population. This lower concern indicates a relative feeling of safety against physical or violent threats.
• Public Safety - Public safety in Pyongyang varies with time of day; residents feel safer during daylight but express some hesitation when traveling alone at night.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - There are concerns about the rise of crime overall, but these fears are tempered by the central focus on corruption and bribery, which dominate public safety discussions.
• Specific Fears - While fears around theft and personal attack remain limited, there is significant concern about corruption and bribery, which overshadow other crime categories.

Summary of Crime in Pyongyang

Efforts to maintain low crime rates are evident, but the overwhelming concern about corruption needs addressing to improve general public safety and trust in governance.

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Pyongyang battles notable pollution levels, with air quality showing mid-range readings and concerns about its long-term health impacts.

Though particulate matter levels like PM2.5 and PM10 are reported as negligible, pollution remains a significant urban challenge.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - Despite showing currently negligible levels, PM2.5 still poses a latent risk due to potential spikes caused by urban activities and environmental changes.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 levels are similarly negligible, yet this stability could be disrupted by changes in industrial output or policy shifts.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Waste management is a point of dissatisfaction, with residents citing issues with garbage disposal and the management of public spaces.

Noise and light pollution are noted to be significant irritants, affecting quality of life predominantly in more densely populated or industrial areas.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Garbage disposal experiences negative sentiment, with many areas suffering from inadequate management and collection practices.
• Noise and Light Pollution - The negative impact of noise and light pollution is pronounced, showing a need for structural policies to mitigate these environmental stressors.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Green spaces in Pyongyang are perceived less positively, affecting residents' access and enjoyment of natural environments.

Water quality poses a major concern, with dissatisfaction surrounding both accessibility and purity of drinking water.

• Green and Parks Quality - The quality of green areas is rated poor, contributing to a limited outdoor recreational experience for city dwellers.
• Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water quality receives criticism, with issues of accessibility and cleanliness being major points of concern.