North Korea has announced the launch of a credit card system which can already be used in certain department stores, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported today.

Dubbed the “Sangyon,” the new system can reportedly be used 24 hours a day and was developed by North Korea’s Institute of Commercial Science.

“The system makes it possible to ensure business through local network with credit card issued by the Central Bank. This 24-hour service system has already been introduced to the West Pyongyang Department Store and many other commercial units, winning popularity among its users,” the KCNA article reads.

North