[imText1]According to DailyNK’s research on prices in North Korea conducted in late September, the prices in Pyongyang are similar to the prices in other parts of the country. The finding shows that Jangmadang (markets) economy has been going through integration along with similar distribution processes across North Korea.
In the past, domestic commodities were sold cheaply, and foreign products were sold expensively in Pyongyang.
DailyNK has been conducting quarterly research on prices in the central areas of Pyongan and Hamkyung Provinces and of northern areas.
This time the results are showing that the price of rice in a Jangmadang in Pyongyang is 1,350 won/kg, which is similar to the price of rice in Sinuiju, listed at 1,400won/kg. In North Korea, the price of rice serves as a gauge for price trends.
In Pyongyang, the exchange rate is about 330 thousand won to 100 dollars, which is the same as the exchange rate in other areas of the country. The most popular imported cigarette, Cat (Craven A) is sold at the same cost of 1,500 won in Pyongyang as it is in other areas.
Subsidiary food is more expensive in Pyongyang. The price of cabbage is 400 won/kg, 50 won/kg higher than cabbage in Sinuiju. The price of pork ranges from 3,500 to 4,000/kg, 500~1,000 won/kg higher than the price of pork in other areas.
The prices of seafood, such as brown and green seaweed and dried Pollack, are cheaper in Pyongyang. Seafood harvested in Kangwon Province and its neighboring areas is transported to markets in Pyongyang in refrigerated vehicles. Since the demand is high, seafood is sold in great quantities, and the price remains relatively low.
Movie ticket prices range from 200 to 400 won. Telephone service is charged at five won per minute. Overall, the price range for each commodity is high, and many different kinds of goods are available in the Jangmadang.
Imported items from China such as socks, sports shoes and underwear are expensively being sold at a cost of 1,000 won in Pyongyang. That is because there are extra shipping rates and labor costs imposed on Chinese goods transported to Pyongyang. On the contrary, in Sinuiju, imported goods from China are directly circulated into the market.
Often, retail prices are higher in Pyongyang because of high levels of consumption among Pyongyang citizens. However, cigarettes or liquor produced in Pyongyang, or clothes from South Korea are circulated to other areas through Pyongyang and are sold cheaply in Pyongyang.
However, these days the differences in regional price levels have almost disappeared.
A defector from Pyongyang, Ahn Chul Min (a pseudonym) who came to South Korea in 2006 said, “Prior to 2002, there were individuals who traveled from place to place and made money off of price differences. But nowadays, the retail prices are almost uniform across the country because people just use a telephone to find out where to get items they want for the lowest price.”
“Since there is no big difference in retail prices, retailers are not doing well,” Ahn added, “Instead, individuals driving trucks and selling goods wholesale are making the good money.”
Ahn said, “Not everyone who lives in Pyongyang is well-to-do. Despite of their locations, whether in Pyongyang or Chongjin, all markets have goods from South Korea and China. Poor people, even if they live in Pyongyang, must buy cheap and low quality products from China. In contrast, those who live in Chongjin and have money can buy goods from South Korea anytime.”
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