Flood recovery efforts in North Korea’s North Pyongan province have led to a surge in ticket scalping as labor brigades and construction personnel swarm into Sinuiju and Uiju, increasing demand for trains used in worker rotations and transporting injured personnel.
“Trains are still considered reasonably priced,” the source told The Daily NK recently. “People with little income naturally prefer cheap trains over taxis.”
Official state prices for adult train tickets from Sinuiju to Pyongyang range from 32,000 to 140,500 North Korean won, depending on the class. These prices are significant, given that a kilogram of rice costs between 6,000 and 6,500 won in North Korean markets.
Some station officials have exploited the increased demand, pilfering and scalping tickets. Scalped standard-class tickets from Sinuiju to Pyongyang cost at least 60,000 won, while first-class tickets start at 130,000 won.
“People buy these tickets, even at inflated prices, because taxis cost twice as much,” the source explained. Fights occasionally break out over scalped tickets, but the practice persists due to officials’ desire for profit.
Train schedules have become irregular. Trains from Sinuiju to Pyongyang, meant to depart thrice daily, often leave just once. The Sinuiju-Hoechon route, scheduled for daily departures, typically runs every three to five days.
“People prioritize saving money over time, even with irregular departures,” the source said. “North Koreans want to take trains whenever possible, despite delays and scalped tickets.”
The Daily NK works with a network of sources in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. For security reasons, their identities remain anonymous.
Please send any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
October 04, 2024 at 12:30PM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)