Satellite image of the Yongbyon Nuclear Facility (taken in 2013). EPA=Yonhap News

North Korea's main nuclear facility, the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center, has been steadily modernizing and expanding its facilities throughout the year, according to 38 North, a US-based website specializing in North Korea.

According to 38 North on the 23rd, a comparison of commercial satellite imagery taken in October-November with previous images confirmed that extensive facility improvement work is underway at various locations within the Yongbyon Nuclear Complex.

In particular, 38 North analyzed that the area around the suspected new uranium enrichment facility building northeast of the Radiochemical Laboratory (RCL) has seen the most active facility improvements this year.

This building was first spotted in satellite imagery taken in June. It is a large building, at least two stories high, measuring 120m x 47m, and is suspected to be a new uranium enrichment facility being constructed by North Korea.

Satellite images of the area taken recently, such as on October 22nd and November 13th, show that the annex buildings, which were incomplete in June, have now been completed.

Additions such as garages and enclosed walkways connecting buildings were observed, as well as concrete paving around the buildings.

Six pieces of equipment that appear to be heat exchangers have also been installed inside the building. Heat exchangers are used to cool the centrifuges essential for uranium enrichment and to maintain a stable temperature inside the building.

38 North analyzed that the fact that other equipment is visible from outside the building suggests that internal construction is still ongoing.

Earlier this year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a weapons-related research institute and stated his intention to "exceed the plan for producing weapons-grade fissile material," designating this year as a crucial year for strengthening nuclear capabilities.

38 North explained that satellite imagery of the Yongbyon Nuclear Complex captured the continuous operation of the 5-megawatt (MW) reactor and tests in the semi-operational phase for the light water research reactor, stating that these activities align with Kim Jong Un's demand for nuclear power enhancement.

Meanwhile, NK News, a US-based website specializing in North Korea, reported that based on an analysis of data from China's General Administration of Customs, North Korea imported approximately $2.1 million worth of medical equipment, including X-ray and CT scanners, from China in October.

NK News suggested that the medical equipment may have been supplied to the recently opened Kangdong County Hospital and Pyongyang General Hospital.

NK News added that during the same period, North Korea exported about $150,000 worth of sanctioned items, such as iron and fishery products, to China.

Yonhap News