North Koreas soaring food prices leave families struggling to survive

In North Korea, the cost of living is skyrocketing, with a kilogram of rice now priced at 43,000 won and corn at 14,000 won as of September 25, 2026. The exchange rate at the time was approximately 72,000 won to one US dollar, highlighting the economic struggles within the country. Official consumer inflation data is not published, so these figures come from independent market surveys and reports from residents.

Life in Pyongyang contrasts sharply with that in provincial cities, where incomes and access to goods are far more limited. A family of three from Hyesan City, for example, earns a total of 210,000 won monthly, far short of their 444,900 won in expenses. Basic food needs alone require about 50 kilograms of grain per month, but their income only covers 24.7 kilograms of corn, with an additional five kilograms provided by their workplace.

Food scarcity has led to drastic measures. Families reduce meals, replace rice with corn, and rely on cheap substitutes like dried soybean meal. A resident of Yangando province noted that people now carry backpacks full of banknotes instead of purses, as money loses value rapidly. Prices of essentials like sunflower oil, sugar, and pork have surged, exacerbating the financial strain.

Clothing is a luxury, with residents mending old garments and relying on second-hand items. State-run stores offer local products, often made with Chinese materials, but these are still out of reach for many. Meanwhile, vacation packages to resorts like Wonsan and Samjiyon start at 350,000 won, far beyond the monthly salary of an average worker, making such luxuries accessible only to the wealthy or those with additional income.