When we tell people about the work we do at Choson Exchange, there's often surprise, then curiosity, then excitement. Entrepreneurship! In North Korea! What a crazy adventure! But this isn't about thrill. Ultimately, the work we do is about people: supporting ambitious North Koreans who care about their families, follow their dreams, and try to be successful in an extremely difficult environment. If you see value in what we do, please consider donating to Choson Exchange. Donate 100 USD or more before the end of this year and we'll send you a post card from Pyongyang when we are back in the DPRK next time.

On the far eastern stretches of the Sino-Korean border, high speed rail travel is booming, with the Changchun to Hunchun line seeing over 1 million passengers in its first month of operation. That line links Changchun with Hunchun, on the Sino-Russo-Korean border, passing through Yanji and Tumen in the Yanbian Autonomous Korean Prefecture. Tumen, incidentally, hasn't even had traffic lights for a decade; Hunchun is only a city of 200,000 - a quiet hamlet by Chinese standards. At less than 200 RMB for the longest stretch, ticket prices are low enough that bus companies have already been struggling to attract customers.

Sorry, did I hear you say you wanted a DPRK-made car? You did, but you don't know what model to choose? Or even what models exist? Well, you are in luck, because we have digitized and compiled all the materials available as of this autumn, 2015.

Visitors to Pyongyang are often struck by how the only billboards not advertising a combination of the fatherland/party/military/leadership are advertisements for Pyonghwa Motors. Since last year, visitors have also been able to stop by an attractive showroom that has been set up on Gwangbok Street in Pyongyang. It is replete with test-driveable models on display, a spare-parts store and even a cafe. 

USKI at SAIS has just published and worthwhile report by Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein, titled Growth and Geography of Markets in North Korea New Evidence from Satellite Imagery. Silberstein's analysis is helpful in a few ways. It is clear - even though he admits that from above one cannot tell what's happening under the roofs - that markets have generally grown and despite ambivalent policies from above, permanent closures and removals of markets does not seem to have taken place.

CE recently took a group of North Koreans to Malaysia for a study trip. Malaysia is one of a handful of countries with reciprocal visa-free arrangements with the DPRK.

"The Boy General” and his friends from the Gogoryo era, come of age while together with their tigers and the iron will of the Korean people/army, constantly thwart the machinations of wicked, invasive foreigners. 

Have you wondered what meats you can get in cans in the DPRK?

Upon a recent foray into the wonders of Pyongyang's retail world, one of our workshop leaders made a purchase that has worked out well. In her own description: Daesong delivers a stylish autumn number with this charming burnt-orange jacket. A quality Lonsdale lining and a nifty, adjustable hood will keep you dry throughout the rainy season. Classic beige cuffs and deep, practical pockets make it a timeless piece from this "old and well-respected brand", as described by one North Korean.

A Few Years Ago, Pyongyang Started Talking about light industry and producing more consumer products. Now, we're seeing them. Somewhat surprisingly, the very first major event held in Pyongyang post-Kim Jong Il was a "Light Industry First" event, extolling the need to improve people's quality of life. This took place just two days after Kim's funeral, red flags leaping out from the snowy background.