The Jangmadang is Sino-NK’s marketplace for fresh ideas. In keeping with the tradition established by its eponymous counterpart in North Korea, our Jangmadang, managed by Sino-NK staff, provides short, snappy, but vital information on the latest documentary research and news. Unlike most English-language outlets, you will find that a majority of the sources are in Chinese or Korean, with cameo appearances from places like France, Germany and Japan. Jangmadang articles are a quick read, too. No introductions, just reliable translations and timely analysis.

No “Light Out”: Ukraine Draws Upon South Korea’s Electrical Energy Expertise

By | March 16, 2023

Ukraine studies South Korea’s experience in keeping electrical energy infrastructure safe from attacks by a hostile neighbor.

Measuring South Korea’s Contribution to Ukraine’s Energy Sector

By | March 06, 2023

ROK aids Ukraine’s war-damaged energy sector, perhaps a noteworthy act in a region where energy has become a de facto weapon of war.

UK-Japan Relations, Taiwan Troubles, and the Truss Tokyo Speech

By | February 22, 2023

A speech by failed Prime Minister Liz Truss has received ample news coverage. But what does it tell us about the UK’s friends and entanglements in East Asia?

Neither Repeats nor Rhymes: The Limits of “Korean War” Parallels in Ukraine 

By | February 12, 2023

After Ukrainian presidential adviser speaks of the possibility of a “Korea scenario” in Ukraine, a Ukrainian scholar responds based on Korea’s past and present.

One Year On: A South Korean Perspective On The Post-2022 International Order

By | February 08, 2023

Five challenges that South Korea faces post-2022, with little room for maneuverability and no room for error.

(Un)diplomatic Revenge: China, South Korea and Reciprocal Border Restrictions

By | February 07, 2023

A deeper dive behind the diplomatic spat between China and South Korea over PCR testing rules.

The Hand of Friendship, a Word of Caution: Koreans Settling in Vietnam

By | February 05, 2023

One observer on why Koreans should approach the reality of their increasing influence in Vietnam with both hope and caution.

A Land They Never Knew Properly: South Korea’s Need To Understand Africa

By | December 14, 2022

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo recently traveled to Ghana. Here, one South Korean academic urges better understanding of Africa, first and foremost by not thinking of “Africa” as a single unit.

Short- and Long-Term Security Implications of China-DPRK Rapprochement: A View from Seoul

By | November 22, 2022

ROK state-affiliated scholar: Seoul must seek to leverage Chinese wariness of North Korea pushing the envelope to far.