Expensive spring fashions have been selling rapidly in North Korea’s major cities. While many North Koreans face food shortages with the onset of the spring lean period, wealthy citizens are spending more on fashion, intensifying consumption disparities across society.
According to a Daily NK source in South Pyongan province recently, North Korean factories have recently mass-produced spring clothing modeled after ready-made fashion imported from China. These items are now available in markets throughout major cities including Pyongsong, Kaechon, and Nampo.
The spring fashions vary in price, but the source noted that expensive designs are selling better than more affordable options.
Popular women’s jackets typically cost between 300 and 500 Chinese yuan. Spring clothing priced over 1,000 yuan is also readily available in the markets.
“One hundred yuan is a substantial sum that can purchase 30 kilograms of rice in the market, yet many people are buying outerwear just for spring wear at 300 to 500 yuan,” the source said. “The reality in North Korea is that many people are starving while others pour money into clothing.”
As the spring lean season begins, many North Koreans struggle with food scarcity, yet simultaneously, affluent citizens freely spend on high-end fashion.
Wealthy North Koreans have increasingly displayed their affluence and social status through visible indicators such as clothing, bags, and shoes. In particular, they deliberately seek expensive clothing, believing higher prices correlate with better quality.
“Clothing manufacturers have recently increased prices since expensive items sell better,” the source explained.
“The gap between rich and poor has become so extreme that some people skip meals or reduce their food intake due to lack of resources, while others spend fortunes on clothing,” the source said. “I believe struggling people will face even greater hardships while those doing well will continue to prosper going forward.”
April 07, 2025 at 12:04PM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)