＜Inside N. Korea＞ Kim Jong-un regime strengthens state-run food store network to sell food at prices cheaper than markets

2022.12.23

(FILE PHOTO) A man on a bicycle carries food purchased in a farming village on a bicycle into a city. Photographed in October 2010 in South Pyongan Province. North Korea currently heavily restricts people bringing food out of agricultural areas. (ASIAPRESS)

◆ In December, stores sell food at prices 2/3 of those found in markets

Over the past several years, the Kim Jong-un regime has implemented a policy aimed at having the state monopolize food distribution in the country. The policy has strongly suppressed the circulation of white rice and corn into local markets with a view to centralize food distribution in state-run food stores.

In mid-December, ASIAPRESS conducted investigations regarding these state-led efforts in North Pyongan Province, Yanggang Province, and North Hamgyung Province.

In all those areas, the price of white rice (6,000 won) and corn (3,000 won) in the markets was generally the same, but state-run food stores sold white rice (4,200 won) and corn (2,200 won) for less than at markets (prices are for one kilogram; 1,000 South Korean won equals around 6,400 North Korean won).

State-run food stores carry limited stocks, selling just a set amount per month to local households. A reporting partner in North Hamgyung Province said on December 20, “State-run stores sold 10-days’ worth of food per household in December. Meanwhile, laborers who work at factories or enterprises got 3-5 days’ worth of corn per person.

“People welcome (the state-run food stores) because they’re cheaper than markets, but they don’t have enough (stock on hand). The authorities are essentially telling people to make up for the shortfall themselves, but many people lack the cash to do so. Government officials say that the state will provide people with sufficient supplies of food starting in January, but nobody believes that.”

The Kim Jong-un regime began operating state-run food stores in 2019 with a view to monopolize the state’s control over food distribution. (ISHIMARU Jiro)

※ ASIAPRESS smuggles Chinese cell phones into North Korea to communicate with its reporting partners.