North Korean marketplaces go from bustling to empty during pandemic
An analysis of satellite images shows that North Korean markets known by Jangmadang have seen a massive decline since the start of the pandemic in 2019. 23,000 square meters of new market space shrunk to 630 square meters during this period. The reason of this massive downturn is believed to be linked to COVID-19.
It is believed that North Korean authorities could be using the pandemic to exert more control on the market to make an end to free economy and free trade.
[Source: RFA]
