For some high inclination orbits (like if you want a polar orbit that covers the whole world) it might make sense to launch in a NNW or SSW direction. Even for

For some high inclination orbits (like if you want a polar orbit that covers the whole world) it might make sense to launch in a NNW or SSW direction. Even for lower inclinations, sometimes it's easier for geopolitical reasons. IIRC Israel always launches retrograde over the sea to avoid upsetting their neighbors, could be similar with NK