North Korean authorities distributed fish and other products from newly opened factories in Kujang County, North Pyongan Province, to local residents as gifts celebrating Kim Jong Il’s birthday on Feb. 16, Daily NK has learned.
According to a source in the province, select Kujang County residents received holiday presents on Feb. 15 that included alcohol, beverages, and noodles produced by the recently established local factories. The facilities were inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 24 as part of North Korea’s “20×10 regional development policy” – an initiative aimed at building modern factories in 20 cities and counties annually to improve living standards over the next decade.
“There was a festive atmosphere surrounding the ribbon-cutting preparations and aftermath, with officials particularly focused on distributing holiday gifts,” the source said. However, recipients’ reactions were reportedly lukewarm, with many questioning whether the gifts were truly free.
“Everyone understands these holiday gifts are meant to promote the county’s new factories. Some people resent having to work so hard just to receive occasional handouts,” the source explained.
The gift packages notably included a special item: rainbow trout and cherry salmon from the Kujang Fish Farm. The facility, which underwent major expansion in the 2000s to serve then-leader Kim Jong Il, is known for its rainbow trout raised in pristine streams flowing from Mt. Myohyang. Its production typically goes to the central government.
“Recipients were pleased to taste rainbow trout, which they rarely see despite living near the farm,” the source said. “While the holiday gifts clearly serve state purposes, some view the inclusion of fish as a positive change.”
According to the source, the main beneficiaries were families living in areas where the new factories were built, while households in nearby mining districts received smaller packages with fewer items.
