South Korean cosmetics produced in China are being sold in North Korean markets masked as products from Southeast Asia, the Daily NK has learned. According to a local source, this is because residents commonly believe Chinese cosmetics are inferior in quality and South Korean products are illegal, leading to such cover-up methods.

“In fall, a lot of women buy skin-care products, and there are also a lot of weddings, so many buy cosmetics to include in ceremonial gift exchanges,” a source based in North Hamgyung Province told the Daily NK on October 30th. “There are a lot of different types in the marketplace, but products from Southeast Asia are the most popular.”

“Most people know that Southeast Asian cosmetics actually means the products are from South Korea,” she added. “The name of the product is written in English, but inside, there are instructions written in Korean, so a lot of people know to look for Southeast Asian cosmetics.”

According to the source, when going through customs, the Korean instructions are not included, but rather added in when they go on sale at the market. Selling South Korean products is strictly banned, so merchants have been using these methods as attempts to evade the crackdowns.

“The distributors are basically smuggling in semi-packed goods from China to get by surveillance,” the source said. “Consumers have now come to realize cosmetics from Southeast Asia are actually South Korean, seeing that the instructions are written in Korean, so stalls that sell cosmetics are bustling with people.”

“South Korean cosmetic sets, unlike Chinese goods, have up to 15 different products ranging from essence [moisture infusion to prep skin for other products], skin toner, hair mousse, shampoo, and conditioner,” the source explained. In time for wedding season in the North, the "Southeast Asian cosmetics" have become essential goods for ceremonial gift exchanges, pushing prices up to 1,000 RMB from 700 RMB.

“These cosmetics from 'Southeast Asia' not only have great whitening effects, there is no surveillance on them in the marketplace, which is why they sell well,” the source said. “Many women now say it’s more important to save money on food and use good cosmetics, which is why it’s likely sales for these good will climb.”

Meanwhile, Eunhasu [milky way], manufactured in Pyongyang’s cosmetics factories, and Bomhyanggi [scent of spring],produced in factories in Sinuiju, are both made with natural ingredients, receiving good reviews locally. However, the source asserted that as most are exported overseas, few North Korean women have the opportunity to use them.