When most people think of North Korea, they likely think of vast Stalinist combines pumping out steel and heavy machine tools, and collective farms that produce grain under the watchful control of the state. They do not think of merchants, markets, and workers in private firms making a steady income from doing an honest day’s work.
This will not come as news to many a North Korea watcher, but it bears repeating: much of the country’s economy is now marketized. So what does that mean in the case of the fishing industry - recently targeted for the first time by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2371?
When most people think of North Korea, they likely think of vast Stalinist combines pumping out steel and heavy machine tools, and collective farms that produce grain under the watchful control of the state. They do not think of merchants, markets, and workers in private firms making a steady income from doing an honest day’s work.
This will not come as news to many a North Korea watcher, but it bears repeating: much of the country’s economy is now marketized. So what does that mean in the case of the fishing industry - recently targeted for the first time by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2371?
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.