North Korean dispatched workers at a construction site in Vladivostok, Russia

North Korea curbs cheap overseas labor dispatch

North Korean authorities have moved to revoke authorization for state agencies and trading companies to send workers abroad, and are also re-evaluating the profitability...
Three-panel satellite sequence showing Dudan Island in the Daedong River disappearing, 2012 to 2026

Satellite images show N. Korea dredging rivers on a massive scale

North Korea is carrying out large-scale sand and gravel extraction along its major rivers in 2026. Crews are deploying large dredgers and heavy equipment...
business loans

Markets, not wages, feed North Korean households

"The official salary from my workplace is about 30,000 North Korean won a month. But feeding our family of four takes more than 800,000...

North Korea apartment nearly collapses weeks after passing inspection

North Korean authorities carried out an emergency evacuation in South Pyongan province this month after a newly built apartment building showed signs of imminent...
North Korean soldier at guard post on China-North Korea border in 2012.

N. Korea border guard duty loses its appeal as bribes dry up

Attitudes inside North Korea toward serving in the border guard have shifted completely. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, soldiers could collect bribes for turning a...
North Korean traffic police officer directing traffic on wide street in Pyongyang with police car, buses, and vehicles. driving

New drivers fuel rise in North Korea traffic accidents

North Korean authorities are struggling to manage a surge in traffic accidents as private car ownership expands, with more than 30 accidents reported in...
Workers in white lab coats inspect food products on display at the Amnok River General Food Factory in North Korea.

Rumors of Chinese investment fuel Hyesan factory’s reputation

Residents of Hyesan, Ryanggang province, tend to be unimpressed with food products made in North Korean factories — but they're making an exception for...
A photo of Hyesan's downtown area.

Hyesan school shifts cooking exam costs to students

A technical senior middle school* in Hyesan, Ryanggang province, is drawing parent complaints over a new requirement. Students in its hotel cuisine class had...

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North Korea Market Trends

Updated 26-07-19
Exchange Rate 1 USD → KPW
Pyongyang
65,000
Sinuiju
65,100
Hyesan
65,150
Full Exchange Rate Data →
Rice Prices KPW per kg
Pyongyang
40,000
Sinuiju
40,200
Hyesan
40,600
Full Rice Price Data →

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