Economy
Information related to the North Korea economic sector
How bribery became rooted in North Korea’s military and the challenges of reform
Bribes in the military can be used to avoid punishment or have disciplinary infractions overlooked.
North Korea-China trade continues to slip as imports fall for third month
July trade dropped to $229.4 million, even as DPRK exports rebounded following two months of decline
Growing Russia-North Korea trade may not yet transform DPRK’s economy
DPRK-Russia commercial ties are becoming more visible, but the data shows gains so far remain in heavy industries
North Korea is China’s biggest foreign wine market for fourth year in a row
DPRK sources wine through bulk imports at low cost, which likely makes its way to domestic bottlers and distributors
North Korea quietly mobilizes thousands to huge new Pyongyang construction site
State media silent on complex featuring large industrial buildings and dozens of apartment blocks in remote area
Russia-North Korea car bridge contractor faces $1.5M lawsuit ahead of opening
The obscure firm with suspected ties to Chechen elites was picked by Russia to lead the project in Feb. 2025
40 North Korean women offered for hire as kimbap roll cooks, laborers in Russia
Listing states the women should earn $6 per hour each and must stay together, refusing to split the group
How a fake crypto startup lured North Korean IT workers into a trap
The sting revealed fake identities, remote-access tools and AI use, along with surprisingly shaky technical skills
North Korea turns to crime networks, mules to launder stolen crypto: Report
Pyongyang has built a complex pipeline spanning blockchains, Chinese-language markets and traditional banks, RUSI says
Russian tourists shun North Korea in first half of 2026: data
A total of 3,623 Russians entered DPRK through June, down from 4,000 in 2025, as DPRK struggles to attract travelers
