March 28, 2024
Analysis

North Korea’s new avenues for private trade

What do cars, boats and restaurants have in common? They’re how more Northerners are making money

Recent reports from North Korea indicate that private buses are increasingly prevalent not only on inter-city routes, but also locally as well. Taxi cabs are also increasingly common in North Korean cities, including in some urban centers outside of Pyongyang. These taxis might appear state-owned and state-managed, but many of them are, just like buses, operated privately. Indeed, the movement of people and produce between cities is the type of business where private capital reigns supreme nowadays.

There are also other kinds of activities in which one may suspect that private enterprise (often equipped with fake state registration) has long been dominant. It seems that the capitalist model has triumphed in the retail trade, the restaurant industry, fishing and, as stated, long-distance road transport. All these areas have been largely private since at least 2000.

Become a member for less than $4 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.