The North Korean regime recently provided luxury blankets to Pyongyang residents, following an earlier seafood distribution. This is clearly a move aimed at strengthening public loyalty.
Pyongyang recently started selling high-quality bedding materials to residents starting December 16, according to sources in the city. The sale began in the capital’s central district, selling blankets produced at the prestigious Kim Jong-suk Pyongyang Silk Mill.
For several months, North Korea has been working with local silk mills to produce winter bedding. The latest blankets are made from thick yet lightweight, breathable thermal materials, making them perfect for spring and fall.
Known for their elaborate embroidery, these luxury blankets have historically been rare on the North Korean market. Its exceptional quality was immediately apparent, and many Pyongyang residents began to think it was worth borrowing money for, officials said.
However, prices are rising. The basic set, which includes a blanket, futon, and pillow, costs 210,000 North Korean won, while the high-end version costs 780,000 won. One city resident who received a ration ticket left a bedding store empty-handed and lamented, “The blankets are very warm and look expensive, so if I had the money, I’d buy a few sets to replace my old ones.” But they were simply too expensive. ”
Wealthy people in North Korea buy extra ration tickets from people who can’t afford bedding, and use the extra sets to prepare for marriage or give wedding gifts to their children. Many buyers also resell the sets in the local market for a profit.
The quality of the bedding is so excellent that even Pyongyang’s privileged citizens rarely encounter such items. Resellers can earn a 20% margin, and standard sets sell for 250,000 to 260,000 won in the Pyongyang market, while high-end sets sell for 880,000 won.
“It is remarkable to see such a high quality product being sold by the country,” the official said. “Although price is certainly a barrier, it can be advantageous to buy a set because you can resell it on the market for a profit.”
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