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Research Institute for the North Korean Society 12th issue Good Friends: Centre for Peace, Human Rights and Refugees 1585-16 Seocho 3dong, Seochogu, , Korea 137-875 | Ph:+82 2 587 0662 | email: [email protected]

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Hoeryung, Ten Days Worth of Food The December rations were provided from the Distribution are sold in December South Korean aid, and this was told at the official In Hoeryung, the provincial governement of food distributor (shop). Since there were North Hamkyung made a public announcement insufficient amount of rice to be distributed, some through a lecture on the new Public who have food coupons could not buy any rations. Distribution(PDS) system will emerge from 16th It could be seen as the state is trying to of December 2005 to the end of December. The monopolise the rice market – although this is not same was promised in November, but the actual a common situation throughout the country, since distribution did not take place. End of at Hamheung in the North Hamgyung province December 2005, however, 10days worth of rice did not control the black market, but proceed with was distributed for people who have brought the the PDS(Publc Distribution System). ration tickets. Hamheung, in October and November last year, After the Economic Management Improvement the PDS resumed as per normal and grains (rice Measures Policy in July 2002, the government and maize) were all threshed and in normal ration. was planning to provide rice at government This is a comparable change from distributing price(44won ed.), but this time the rice is unthreshed grains while the PDS was suspended. provided at lower rate than the market place. In Some who have received were so moved that they December the price of rice was provided at shed tears thinking that the PDS is resuming as it 780won while in the black market, rice was sold was 15years ago. Hence, the price of rice in at 850won. markets of Hamheung maintained low cost for awhile. But in December 2005, when the PDS Rice rations were given at normal rate, where was not given, the price of rice raised. previously, rations were taken off in the name of ‘Rice Saver’, ‘Rice Patriot’, hence, the workers would end up getting 560g when they should get 700g (ration per day), but this time, they were able to get the designated amount. Aftereffect of Rice Market Suspension When rice is sold 800-900won per kilogram, the After the suspension of selling rice on the market, ‘go-between’ receives about 50-100won. Hence, the control of rice markets differ depending on the the price of rice rises since they have to include regions and even in the same regions control is the commission. There certainly is a haggling differentiated depending on the size of the market. process, but the purchasers are at disadvantage In the case of the Sunam Market in Chungjin, since the demands are higher than the supply and North Hamgyung province the local government usually to gather the amount of rice required to is closely contolled, whereas small markets in the sell, they would need to visit five to six houses. vicinity are not monitored at all. In North Hamgyung, including the Ranam Market, and It is not easy to be a regular purchaser since the markets in Hamheung, Anju, Sookchun, Heichun, sellers are after higher price, and do not give at Bookchang, Daegwan and are operating same amount and often out of stock. They then free from any control from the authority. have to contact the ‘go-between’ to find another Villages on the border areas, however, Musan, farmhouse to buy rice. Rice is then sold to Hoeryung, Onsung there are tighter control and another region that is less controlled – at a higher numerous public lectures were held to educate the price – which would raise the rice price of the public that private selling of rice is prohibited. region. Hence, this ‘retailing’ system results There are still people who sell rice in markets of irregularity in the retail system depending on the these areas; they only retract when there are region, for instance, in Chungjin, rice from the patrols about. Sunam market is 100won to 200won more expensive than in Ranam Market.

Getting Commission for introducing the rice sellers Compatibility of rice selling depends on how fast Since the official ban of the rice on the market, in and how much one could secure rice for sale. some areas, the rice is sold at private homes. Also the finding out when the Department of Hence, for those who purchase rice directly from Food Policy will provide PDS in the area is farms and sell in small amount in Doeguri: ᢲᄊ another significant variable, since after the PDS, Ṇi1 sellers from another region would not know the price rice drops dramatically so they would where the rice is sold. This situation created a need to sell bofore it happens. Information is ‘go-between’ who introduces farm houses for the always a crucial factor in any business, but in rice Doeguri sellers. selling business, this is particularly important. Most sizable rice sellers are in good terms with the local Department of Food Policy. Meanwhile, on the recently resumed PDS, most

1 Grain ‘Doe-gu-ri (ᢲᄊṆ)’ trading is when merchants are pessimistic about whether the PDS will suceed. would directly go to farms and buy the rice without the wholesalers. Afterwards, the customers buy in small Even the party officials say that the nation-wide amount from the Doe-gu-ri sellers. PDS will not be possible only with the North symtoms for the cows until January 17 in Rasun, Korean produced rice. The cereal production in but on the January 19, 28 cows have died. 2005 is said to be 4,500,000MT, but it is likely to have inflated the 2005 cereal production. The North Korean government is reponding the Realistically, the production amount would be epidemic quite promptly. In Hoeryung the estimated at 3,000,000 – 3,500,000MT and say symtoms showed first at the Wonsanri on January the PDS has already proven failure under their 10. A official dealing with MCD said that the breath. That it will also be good to buy rice epidemic has come from and about 90 while it is still at a lower price. cows have been slaughtered. All cows when even a similar symptom showed have been Updates from the Border area slaughtered then buried. Pits are dug deep in

Introduction of Mad Cow Diseases in order to prevent any recurring incidences since North Hamgyung – January 2006 the virus could persist upto ten years. The locals The Mad Cow disease are spreading on the border understand the MCD as the likes of the ‘Bird Flu’. areas like Hoeryung, Onsung, Saebyul, where a The epidemic is highly contagious that it is even number of cows in this area are showing symtoms spreading through air – it is contractable to people such as splitting toe nails, swelling between the who are managing the epidemic. However, apart toes and tongues will not roll back into mouths from burying cows, there are no initiatives for any and dribble. Locals call it the ‘Cow Disease’. preventative measures. Only Hoeryung has banned foreigners and people from other region to It seems the Mad Cow Disease(MCD) on the coming in. Until January 19, the border is not boreder area in Xiaohelong China - have now completely sealed, but has been declared to be spread over the border to the villages in North sealed. Hamgyung. The MCD began in early In the city of Rasun, they are blocking any December from the town of Sanhe in China and transport or persons to enter, particularly any one now seems to have stablised, but Onsung and from Chungjin is completely blocked. In Sambong are still spreading. In China, the January 21, the rate of infection seems to be vaccine costs 300yuan per injection, the decending. vaccinated cows are well while unvaccinated cows become vulnerable and when they catch the Buried Cows are Gone disease, the cow cannot eat and die soon On January 23, 40 cows that contracted MCD afterwards. In Sanhe 11 cows have died because were buried in Ingyeri, a surburb in Hoeryung, of MCD. after the burial, and two cow were missing. On North Korean end, the epidemic is spreading The local government is running a campaign fast from Onsung, Saebyul then to Hoeryung and visiting each village to announce when MCD presently Rasun is suffering. There were no contracted beef were consumed; it will be fatal for children under five. Despite the effort, there still obtained houses when their parents are deceased. were people who dig out MCD cows for consumption and put on the market. The usual tenants are peddlers and smugglers. Rental fees are paid on the monthly bases, but In March 2005, the bird flu was found at Hadang those who are professionally working on the Chicken processing factory farm in . border, may pay in advance for six months. The When the farm closed and chickens were buried, police patrol would regularly check the lodging in many villagers stole buried chickens. This is the villages, but would not check on the largely due to lack of recognition of how fatal the supposedly unoccupied houses. Even when they disease could be, and since chicken or beef is a are being checked, the owners of houses are in luxurious food item that ordinary North Koreans good relationship with the police. could not get normally. For those who have to worry whether they could have next meal, they It is known that almost 5% of the people in are more concerned about whether they could eat Musan are letting their houses. The numbers of or sell it on the market rather than contracting houses are known to be about 13 houses, but if fatal disease. Prevention and immediate other less known houses are included, there are response to the situation is crucial, but this more. Saebyul County is known as the most phenomenon clearly shows how foodstuff is actively renting out town. Previously the insecure for ordinary North Koreans. peddlers and smuglers were working through Namyang and Onsung, but now they are focusing Rent houses are Another Trend in Border area on Saebyul. It is because in those two towns are Another new development in the North more hostile when they see one from other towns Hamgyung border area is that individuals let there and they are charged higher prices when using houses to be rented out. In Chungjin, for inns. In addition, they are often asked by the instance, a monthly rent fee is 3000won whereas, town’s people and what they do. And report to the Musan, Hoeryung and Saebyul are more police, thus, one has be very careful. expensive. Fees are high since professional Even on cases where their border crossing was at smugglers are known to be usual tenants. 39农 Musan or Namyang, they tend to stay and work (12pyung;㡣) rented houses cost around the connections from Saebyul. Since the 10,000won. There are more houses than commission for crossing the river costs half the apartments. amount that of Namyang and Musan. Meanwhile, a new rising problem after the food For those households who let houses have more control on the market, five to six North Koreans than one house in their posession. In Musan and ‘gang-up’ to rob the Chinese home on the other Saebyul, many own two houses and some even side of the border. own upto seven houses. Usually they have Economic Updates Toothpaste 70 75 68

Fig.1.Price North Hamgyung Province (180g) December, 2005 to January, 2006 Tooth brush 50 55 48

(Unit : North Korean Won) Coals 85 90 96

Units Chungjin Rajin Sineuiju Onsung Diesel 250 - 300 - 390

(Kg) Dec. Jan. Jan. Jan. (1LT) 280 350

2005 2006 2006 2006 Asprin 25 25 35

Nth Korean 850- 800 850 800 (1 tablet)

Rice 900 Penisilin 150 180 180

Sth Korean 850 875 840 (1 injection)

Rice Hair cut 40 40

Chinese Rice 870 700 790 750 Permed Hair 100 100

Maize 460 500 590 - 580

600 Increasing of Floating Population in Yellow Beans 750 750 700 700 Taechun County - Increasing Number of (Tofu) Inns Wheat Flour 830 850 850 820 Since there are so many floating populations in Pork 3,100 3,200 3,100 Taechun County, North , about Sea vegetable 450 480 470 10% of the county’s population is running

Table salt 480 300 390 ‘inn-like’ business, called Dae-gi-suk-bak:រዊ⚳

Sugar 1,600 1,850 1,800 ₯, where one could stay overnight or a few hours

MSG 1,700 1,600 1,600 to take rest. Even the houses does not run such

Chilli paste 700 600 670 business, when paid, it is likely to provide

Soyabean 280 250 290 accomodation. 80% of the time the fees for

sauce (1LT) providing the accomodation is rice or maize rather

Candies 2,900 2,300 2,500 2,340 than cash so that people could sell this straight on

(Chinese) the market. In other areas, the fees for

Spirits 350 - 240 - 360 280 accomodation is about 700won in cash, but in

(1LT) 450 300 Taechun the price about double the ordinary price

Light-globe 150 160 170 – about 2kg of rice. One customer staying for a

(25W) night could provide a weekly living for a

Laundry Soap 80 85 85 household.n Since the “Daegisukbak”

(180g) accomodation is only providing bed and no food,

Facial Soap 60 65 60 this is good source of income.

(90g) While in Soonchun, there are “Daegisukbak” the PDS is given once in every 15days worker in accomodations that provide bed and three meals a rear (secondary) would get PDS once every day, and costs 1000won per night. Food is 2-3months. including 110g of rice(foreign:long-grain rice – lowest grade in Nth Korea) mixed with 50% of maize, Sea vegetable soup, radish pickle and cooked chilli.

In comparison, County does not have as many “Daegisukbak” accomodations. Civillian homes in other towns would try to attract more customers to earn extra income, but in Unsan many homes have gold in their house, hence, they are very cautious to strangers.

When people are from outside of the town, they would have to stay in Unsan Inn run by the Unsan Food and Accomodation Management Deparment. This inn provides bed and three meals for 250won per day. Food is said to be 150g of maize rice (in actuality, it seems 110g) with just radish pickle. Even when the food is not consumed, Fig.2 Map of Towns Mentioned in this issue of one would have to pay 250won since it is a part of the Today the package. After seven each night, there is no food. Four people share a room.

Bookchang Wine; famous for clear water: Unsan Tools Factory: 2/3 of factory produces 300MT stopped operation Annual production amount from the Winery in Unsan Tools Factory makes basic tools such as Bookchang is around 300MT. The ingredients spanners, long-nose pinchers, screw drivers, are usually maize and barley. Here, they do not multipurpose knives. Originally there were provide PDS, instead, it is up to the workplace to 11,000 workers working in the factory, but now, work out the foodstuff. Hence, the workplace there are only about 7,000-8,000 workers has divided workers into groups and provide remaining and the 2/3of the factory stopped certificate for them to obtain food on their own. operation. Only two parts: pincher and spanner 60% of workers are selling barley and maize. producing line is working and for those who work, After satisfying the yearly production target, profits made afterwards are distributed among the good relationship with the railway authorities to workers. There are no regular distribution, but get travel passes for their customers and gets a provides monthly distribution to 54workers so certain fee. they could provide their families. Also when there are no vacancies in their While Dukchun Hydro-electric power plant has accomodation (normal occupancy is about 5-6 stopped its operation, Bookchang Thermal power persons) they would refer to another plant is still operating as the largest “Daegisukbak” accomodation and charge 50won (1,600,000KW) power plant in North Korea. per head for commission. It is obvious that the ‘service industry’ is expanding as the market

Variety of Business available on the economic concept is sinking in. Dongheungsan Market Dongheungsan Market and Hamju Market have Society merged two years ago in Hamheung, North “It’s a World where Kitchen Fire Eats Hamgyung. There is a new border between White Rice” Hamju and Hamheung and the Market is now People in Gimchack, North Hamgyung use called Dongheungsan, as it was originally called, firewood for winter heating while using coal from but the Hamju people call the same market as Ilshin Mine in Gilju County are used in Kitchen Hamju Market. Dongheungsan Market sells rice since coals are more expensive. A kilogram of out in the open. There are approximately 500 Coal costs 100won and with 10kg of people selling variety of goods. coals(midium sized backet), it could cook rice twice some homes use small manual stove to save Appearent changes are taking place as the markets some coals rather than the kitchen fire: develop and now show clear differentiation. A-gung-eed⧞ማⰎ2. Small stoves are weak, but Previously peddlers would directly go to the with 10kg of coal, it could cook rice at least ten railway station and send parcels on their own, but times. now the roles have broke down to a smaller scale from persons who deliever goods to the railway Considering rice in Gimchack is sold at 1000won station and another who load goods to the cargo. per kilogram, if one was to cook their rice in kitchen fire twice, it is equal to throwing a The owners who run “Daegisukbak” kilogram of rice away. Hence, people joke with accomodations often work as a ‘go-between’ as a sigh that, ‘it’s a world kitchen fire eats white an agent to get a travel passes for their customers. rice’. Accomodations that are closer from the transportation are most popular. So that the

2 owners of these accomodations try to establish a A-gung-ee⧞ማⰎ: Kitchen Fireplace traditionally used in Korean homes – it is used to heat rooms while cook food. Full of Military Mechanics at the Taechun County in North Pyongan There are on-going constructions and repairing for hydro-electric power plant in Taechun County so there are many military mechanics from outside. Presently a brigade (about 5,000 soldiers) is put to the construction site. No.1 and 2plants have completed construction but are in repairing, since for 7 to 8years, the plants have not properly operated. The labourers are from the No. 10 Construction Workplace – after the workplace dismissal, they are put to Military Fig.3. Hydro-Electric Power Plant (upper) and the

Mechanic Brigade. The headquater of the Boarding Houses (lower) brigade was in Galhyunri, Heechunshi in Jagang (Satelite photograph from the Google Earth 2006) Province, but have now moved to Taechun. Thus, the 40% of the total number of brigade is put to the construction of the Taechun Military Mechanic in the hydro-power plant and the rest 60% is put to other is the ‘Puppet Army’? projects in the vicinity such as goldmines in the Both and the Hyangsan County Unsan County, or other have many military mechanics. According to projects regarding foreign trade. locals, their reputation is not so good – some even About a half of the brigade resides on the site in call them the Puppet Army. They have bad boarding houses. On the first row, there are reputation of being violent and locals are barber shop, bathrooms, cafeteria. The rest are complaing they are putting locals in danger. A the residential area, for each cabin, 1or 2divisions soldier in the military mechanics attempted to (8 persons in a division) so it means that there are forcibly stop the Servi-Car and when the driver about 16 persons living in one room. There are bypassed the soldier, he then ran after the driver bunkbeds on oneside and closets are right above and severely beaten the driver. After such when lying on the bed. People who live in these incidents locals fear the military mechanics so facilities are single males in their 30s and 40s. they may get easy free ride. Seeing this Engineers and foremans who do not live on the phemomenon, some of the locals disguise as boarding houses usually live with their family and military mechanics (unforms, boots and belts are they live in groups of 7 to 8. Labours here readily available from markets) receive regular PDS. Mt.Myohyang becomes souvenir shop the Bookjinri, Unsan County goldmine to dig gold. from the traditional market Also, the National Security and the Central Hyansan County is always crowded. Students, Government, foreign dollar earners along with the military personnel, athletes, exemplary farmers military authority parties from all parts of the and the Road to a thousand miles of Liberation: country visit this place for gold production and ᆫ↏⯲ ㄶṆዒ, explore teams mainly visit this trade. Farmlands are frequently violated when place with the purpose of inspection. Under the digging gold, therefore quarrels occur time to object of upbringing Mt. Myohyang as the time between the farmers. worldly renowned sightseeing city, the traditional market was removed and souvenir shops came in. Thus, gold-producing Unsan has higher standard North Korean liquor, North Korean cigarette, of living compared to other agricultural districts. wooden canes, hats, Mt.Bakdu basalt sculptures, Lending and borrowing few grams of gold wooden craft works are dealt at such shops. These between neighbors is an everyday affair, same as goods are produced at the Myohyang Excursion exchanging rice or corn. The farmers can dig and Management Department 8.3 product factory. The sell gold when they have poor harvest, therefore, shops are placed at intervals on the way to the Mt. they are better off than the farmers of other Myohyang. districts. They dress well and ride Japanese bicycles. Japanese bicycles cost 150 – 300

Minitrain service from Unsan to Hyangsan thousand won. Even the special dealers have to A commuter railroad is in service between Unsan lay up money for several months or act and Hyangsan. This train usually operates with generously to buy one. Farmers of other districts three passenger trains and five freight trains full are having hard time ensuring food, owning of coal. Compared to other trains with 94 – 96 Japanese bicycles are only possible in their seats, this commuters’ train only has 20 seats. An dreams. The farmers in Unsan have financial average of 40 – 50 people is closely packed here. leeway compared to them. But still, Unsan Passengers use commutation tickets issued from residents speak that the agonizing has increased industries instead of paying train fares. since the regulation on rice has started. They say it was better when they bought rice from the

Even farmers own Japanese bicycles in markets. Some bluntly complain about winding Unsan County up in the, “March in Hardship”, period of the Unsan County is very well-known for its 1990s once again if this situation continues. goldmines. It was even presented as the world’s greatest, having more than 1,000MT of deposits. North Korea authorities also assume the Unsan goldmine as the key industry, already three Military Mechanics brigades are mobilized inside Kkotjebi occupies half the market could not get a bride within their own region, they population of Soonchun pay the introducer and marrys the wife. There are numerous grown-up Kkotjebi in Soonchun markets, such as the Getting married to North Korean women in most disabled, honored soldiers (GF War disabled). It cases of these Chinesemen in rural area are not might even be said as half the moving population easy. Most of them earn under 2000-3000 yuan in the markets as Kkotjebi. They mostly move anually so once they are married to North Korean around in groups of ten. Since Soonchun is the women, they watch like a hawk. There are even important spot in transportation, connecting all young women of 15–17years of age. A parts of the country, Kkotjebi gathers from 17year-old woman suffering from Tuberculosis everywhere. Regulations are held at Soonchun did not get a proper treatment and cried day and station in order to control them. The identification night for her parents back home. Ran way once cards and travel pass of passerby are checked from the home she was married to, and the watch every one or two hours. Also, rice is under from husband and ‘in-laws’ got worse. management even in Soonchun. The grains dealt here are no more than corn and potato starch. From the testimonies it was clear that even when they have crossed border and came to China, they Special Feature were still living under poverty. Most of the

North Korean Women came over to houses the women lived in leaked in rain. China in 2004 Roofing was done with plastic covering and dirt In **Xian(district), ** Sheng(province) in China, in two layers, but in summer storms, roofing was at least 3,000 North Korean women are residing not enough. Eating condition is also in the area. In this district, even in the most rural insufficient – they are not in hunger, still do not part of the villages there are several North Korean eat adequately. Rural Chinese families consume women living in married like situation. Most of wheat or maize instead of rice. Food culture them have crossed the border to China in 2004 for North Korean women requires them to have knowing that they would be married to Chinese rice so sometimes, they would sell maize to buy men. Chinese ‘husbands’ at least paid 7000yuan some rice. Meanwhile in another household, the to 15000yuan to people who have introduced for in-law did not buy any rice for the introduction fee. daughter-in-law reasoning that they do not have enough money. When Chinese men(in rural area) marry Chinese women they should at least pay 30,000yuan to 50,000yuan that prevents them to get married to anyone if they do not have sufficient money. Hence, when single men in poverty or a disability “I wanted to live, really live in North Korea, Korea, she sold the house left money to her but couldn’t.” 17year-old brother and promised that she would A woman of 36years from Poongin Labourers send money from China. She was in desperacy District in Onsung, North Hamgyung said her to find her brother, but the family she was with husband was receiving social welfare benefit. were poor and the Chinese (language) was poor She wanted to work in mines, but did not get and cried whenever she thought of her only employed. She cultivated a plot of land, but family back home. She was anxious at thought could not afford fertilisers and seedling so could of her brother would wonder around and living as not farm properly. a Kkotjebi and in worries. She never thought of leaving home, but was so poor that her husand took the elder child, while The mother-in-law feared that even her herself to the younger one. She now lives with a daughter-in-law had borne a child, she would run Chinese husband, in-laws, child from her previous away since they were so poor. They were living marriage and a child from the new marriage. in a shed like structure – could not even afford a She came over to China that if she went there, a hut and the mother- in-law’s wish was to build a day’s earning could buy a month worth food. hut so that her daughter-in-law would settle down. But the family she is now with is still living in The woman’s in-laws think of her as their own poverty. Their annual grain production from the daughter, they love her dearly that when she farm is 800kg of Corn and 200kg of Maize. washed clothings, he father-in-law would pump Although she says that looking back the time waters for her and the mother-in-law would test when she was in hunger because she could not water if it is not too cold for her to use. have any food, she is more at comfort, physically and mentally. Both her father-in-law and the husband sell apples and pigs – they were extremely poor that some

“Even after giving birth to child, times she could not give milk for her baby since the family fears” she was suffering from malnourishment. Still, she A young woman of 28years from Sanghwa said she would be happy if only there were no minefrom Onsung was sold 12,000yuan and lives fear of getting caught from the Chinese police with in-laws and young husband of 26years and a even if she were poor. newborn baby. Since her husband was younger than her, hence, told her age was 24years and got “Entire earning for a year have been married. submitted as bribing the Police” A women of 47years from , South Back in Onsung, she lived with her mother and a was sold to the Chinese brother and in January 2004 after her mother died, husband for 7,000yuan, but in addition, her she came over to China. Upon leaving North husband had to pay 1000-3000yuan to the police. The Chinese police would have a regular livelihood is not getting any better, still, she feels crackdown every year – knowing where the North free and does not have to worry so much for next Korean women are, if one is not in a good meal and feels good to have a hope that one is relationship with the police, one is bound to get able to do what one wants to do. GF caught. For more information, This woman sells dates and corns for living and please contact, Erica Kang an annual income was about 2,000yuan. That [email protected] means when she gets caught by the police and Ph:+82 2 587 0662 | Fax:+82 2 587 8998 gets released upon a bribe, their one year of URL:http://www.goodfriends.or.kr income is then gone in a moment. They would then be on a further debt so that her husband had to take another job to pay for it. At times it is frustrating that she cannot communicate well with her husband and her