In addition to state-run shops, Pyongyang also has farmers' markets. However, compared to the farmers market in Rosen, the scale is smaller. When I entered the market, I was worried about being discovered, but later I found that there are no restrictions on Chinese students. There are many kiosks in front of the farmers' market, and many North Korean women sell cigarettes and soap.
The farmers market is divided into many areas, such as clothing, food, department stores, and so on. From my observations, the majority of North Korean traders are women. Overall, Pyongyang's farmers markets are much more stocked than those found in state-run stores. However, the price of goods here is not cheap. For example, cucumbers are 500 dynasty a catty, and tomatoes are 800 dynasty a catty.
The average salary of Pyongyang citizens is only 5,000 to 10,000 won, which is equivalent to a month's salary to buy ten pounds of vegetables. And the price of fruit is more expensive. Tropical fruits like banana pineapples, I didn't find any sales. If there is, the price should also be very expensive. It has been said that it is a luxury in North Korea.
However, it is said that the price of vegetables at the farmer's market varies depending on the season. It is generally cheap in summer and very expensive in winter. In winter, pickles are mainly sold. Vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes are rarely bought because they are too expensive.
There are also some North Korean specialties for sale here, and I saw a bag sewn from ordinary cloth that sold for more than 40 yuan. I asked the waiter why such an ordinary bag would sell for such a high price. The other side replied, because this is something that represents the national character of North Korea. If I buy it, it can be discounted. At these farmers markets in North Korea, it is possible to buy them directly in foreign currency. Moreover, various grades of goods can be bought.