The Markets of Pyongyang

Pyongyang has two kinds of markets: “official” markets and “frog” markets (unofficial and unregulated markets in which the traders would jump up like frogs and run off with their wares at the first sign of trouble). However, there is no place for either market in DPRK ideology and their continued existence presents the regime with a political challenge. The frog markets in particular have been seen as acts of mass disobedience and threaten to play an increasing role in the exchange of news and ideas should the regime stumble. KEI is honored to announce the first paper presented in the 2011 Academic Paper Series will be that of former UK Ambassador to the DPRK, H.E. John Everard.