Reports of frostbite are emerging from the northern alpine regions of North Korea, as a sustained cold front keeps temperatures below freezing. The authorities continue to exacerbate the situation by forcing residents to participate in uncompensated outdoor work on state projects.
“There are frequent cases of frostbite reported by residents who have been forced to work in the freezing cold,” said a Ryanggang Province source during a telephone call with Daily NK on January 19. “We often hear about Shock Troops [pseudo-military recruits mobilized for state construction projects] suffering from frostbite on their ears, hands, and feet.”
“Despite the bone-chilling weather, people have been mobilized to wake up at daybreak and deploy to work sites. Some have discovered frostbite on their extremities without even noticing.”
The recent reports underline just how dangerous the working conditions are for those ordered to work on these projects. The authorities do not provide sufficient protective gear, leaving many exposed to the hazards of labor in the freezing cold. Some residents feel they have no choice but to buy protective equipment using their own money.
Asked to explain the market popping up to address this need, the source said, “Every time a story emerges about someone contracting frostbite on their ears or hands, people start to purchase knitted hats and thick gloves. In particular, most of the merchants in the markets have started to wear the knitted hats since last year – a sign of their popularity.”
According to a separate source in Ryanggang Province, these knitted hats are one of the most popular products in the region’s markets during winter. The hats, while relatively cheap, are easy to use and there are now a wide variety of styles available.
“The residents like these hats because there are different styles available – one to suit every preference. The prices range from about 10 yuan ($1.50) to 30 yuan (US $4.70) in the Hyesan City market,” she explained.
The government’s commerce management office is also responding to the trend, having established a local production room in the markets to generate income.
“The commerce management office is producing hand-knitted hats in the production room. The management office guarantees the finished products at cheap prices, and then sells them in the markets,” the second source said.
