North Korea’s markets — known as jangmadang (장마당) — emerged from the famine of the 1990s and have since become the backbone of the country’s informal economy. Daily NK tracks grain and rice prices, foreign currency exchange rates, government crackdowns on market activity, the rise of the donju merchant class, and the broader marketization of North Korean society. Our network of in-country sources provides some of the most detailed and timely reporting on North Korea’s markets available in English.
Tag: markets
Luxury bags slip by UN sanctions, adding to economic disparities
North Korea’s economy is stagnating, but the country’s elite continue to flamboyantly display their wealth and merchants selling luxury items to the elite are ceaselessly targeting...
North Korea Market Prices Update: September 30, 2019
All prices shown in KPW and current as of September 30, 2019.
Data: Daily NK
Lucrative salaries for North Korea’s delivery drivers
Delivery service companies funded with capital from North Korea’s nouveau riche are thriving in the country’s major cities, Daily NK has learned.
“More and more...
North Koreans still in the dark about ASF
As more signs continue to appear that the entire swine population in North Korea has become infected with African Swine Fever (ASF), North Korean...
Sinuiju’s premium apartments see major price spike
The prices of premium apartments being built in Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, are skyrocketing as they approach completion at the end of this year...
North Korea loosens rules on motorcycle ownership registration
The Ministry of People’s Safety (MPS) recently began permitting North Koreans to register ownership of motorcycles under their own names, Daily NK has learned.
While...
Plant and fruit-based alcohol gain popularity
North Korean food and beverage factories have ramped up production of alcoholic beverages using medicinal plants and fruits, Daily NK has learned.
“There’s a wider...
South Korean medical devices favored over the competition
North Koreans are increasingly purchasing South Korean-made household medical devices, despite the fact they can cost up to 10 times more than Chinese-made devices,...
North Korea orders “simple” Chuseok celebrations
North Koreans are celebrating Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) modestly this year due to continued economic difficulties and an order by the authorities to “celebrate the...
New gas stations putting private sellers out of business
At least four state-owned gas stations are operating in the Ryanggang Province city of Hyesan and two additional stations are set to open soon,...
