North Korea has unveiled a new weather forecasting system that fully integrates artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This development comes in the wake of last summer’s devastating floods, spurring the regime to prioritize comprehensive preparedness through cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements.
The Korean Central News Agency reported on Monday that the country’s meteorological agency, equivalent to the U.S. National Weather Service, has created an integrated weather forecasting system.
The report described the system as a major technological step forward, noting that it improves accuracy and significantly reduces forecast time by applying AI across all stages of weather prediction. It also said that the system was selected as one of the country’s top 10 information technology innovations of the year.
The regime emphasized that this advancement provides a scientific and technological foundation for stabilizing the national economy and responding quickly to natural disaster crises, including severe flooding.
Last July, North Korea experienced a catastrophic flood when the Yalu River overflowed its banks, inundating over 400 homes and roads in North Pyongan and Jagang provinces. The disaster resulted in numerous casualties and was described as a record-breaking calamity.
In response, authorities have since implemented various disaster prevention initiatives and established a new cabinet-level organization focused on disaster prevention, demonstrating their commitment to addressing these challenges. Officials emphasized that accurate data and rigorous scientific research must underpin effective responses, underscoring the critical role of science and technology in disaster preparedness.
North Korea has consistently shown interest in AI research, establishing an AI research institute under the cabinet in 2013 and creating a Ministry of Information Technology during the 8th Party Congress in 2021.
Recently, the regime has drawn attention by reportedly utilizing ChatGPT, the conversational AI service developed by OpenAI. The AI Technology Research Institute at Kim Il Sung University ambitiously stated that it aims to replace human cognitive labor using GPT technology and is conducting various research projects to achieve this goal.