Marketplaces in parts of North Korea continue operating only in the afternoon, months after the official reason for shorter hours has ended.
While some view this as an attempt to drive customers to state-run stores, others acknowledge that selling goods all day in sweltering summer heat would be nearly impossible.
Multiple sources in North Korea told Daily NK recently that markets in cities including Sinuiju in North Pyongan province and Sariwon in North Hwanghae province still only open from 3 to 5 p.m.
Market hours were shortened to afternoons during a national mobilization campaign to help farmers with rice transplanting in May and June. But even after the campaign ended, the regime has kept afternoon hours without returning to full-day schedules.
Unusual persistence of shortened hours
While the state sometimes reduces market hours for national campaigns or major political events, normal schedules are typically restored afterward. This year, however, afternoon-only hours have remained in place for an unusually long time.
The shortened hours have prompted complaints from some vendors. “They must be crippling the marketplaces to boost business at state-run stores,” one suspicious vendor reportedly said.
But other vendors take a more practical view. “In this heat wave, it would be impossible to work our stalls all day,” one noted.
Market buildings generally lack air conditioning and have tin roofs that create oven-like conditions in summer. Vendors acknowledge it would be suffocating to stay at markets throughout the day, sources report.
Shift toward home-based sales and delivery
Some vendors think market hours matter less given rapid changes in how they do business.
“Skipping the market entirely and selling goods from home is gradually becoming standard practice. Deliveries are also more common, depending on price and volume,” said a source in North Pyongan province.
“Delivery is emerging as a new sales method. Businesses are handling deliveries for customers near and far and using different transportation including trains, private buses, trucks, and motorcycles,” a source in North Hwanghae province explained.
While delivery existed before, it has become much more accepted as legitimate business practice, sources say.
The regime maintains tight control over the country’s informal marketplaces. Sources say homemade products have nearly disappeared from market stalls after harsh crackdowns, and only “natural foods” without preservatives are allowed on a limited basis, further reducing market activity.
“Market vendors are struggling, but home-based businesses and delivery services are thriving,” commented a source in North Pyongan province.
“Vendors need to quickly adapt to changing conditions. People complaining about market hours can expect tougher times ahead.”
