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〈Photo Report -1〉Public Market - The Moran Market (Pyongyang)

2011/October/16
Report by Gu Gwang-ho (July, 2011)

 

I am from Pyongyang. Every year, a large number of foreigners visit this city for business and sightseeing. Are they allowed to see all parts of Pyongyang? 
No, it's impossible for them. Places where they are allowed to go are restricted to only a part of the city which is well-decorated by the state. 

I would like to start with showing the photos of the market. These are the part of "real figures" of Pyongyang. People are selling goods to earn their living of course at the public market but also in the backstreet or a small space under the eaves of the apartments. All scenes are taken in this June-July of this year. 

The Moran market

The Moran market is located in the Moran-bong district, north of the city center. This is one of the biggest markets in Pyongyang.

The entrance of the Moran market. The gate opens at three o'clock in the afternoon. Large bags that people carry seemed filled with the goods they sell.(Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
The entrance of the Moran market. The gate opens at three o'clock in the afternoon. Large bags that people carry seemed filled with the goods they sell.(Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
The public market is the market authorized by the government and managed by the administrative body. Booths are covered by the roof so that people can run a shop on a rainy day.(Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
The public market is the market authorized by the government and managed by the administrative body. Booths are covered by the roof so that people can run a shop on a rainy day.(Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS

 

The citizens of the capital city Pyongyang are the most privileged people in the country. 
Pyongyang has always been favored in food rationing compared to the other cities. 

You may question why these people have to engage in private business. 

Food rationing has been unstable since 1994-95. Especially this year, I guess 70 percent of Pyongyang has not received food rations since this April except for those who are in the power circles such as Safety Department(Police), Security Department and Party cadres. 

Ordinary people who do not have rations are compelled to engage in whatever business in order to earn their living. 

These women at the seller's booth earn cash at the market. And at the same place, they buy food and necessary things for their life. (Report by Gu Gwang-ho. July, 2011)

Women are busy with doing business. They are not hired but each of them is a sho p-owner of a 80 cm(2.6 ft) small booth. (Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
Women are busy with doing business. They are not hired but each of them is a sho p-owner of a 80 cm(2.6 ft) small booth. (Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
Thousands of merchants engage in a business at the booths. (Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
Thousands of merchants engage in a business at the booths. (Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS

 

Women with uniforms, sanitary caps and ID-tags. These are proof of an authorized business merchant who has paid a market tax. For the Moran market, the market tax is 300- 500won a day. This is equal to 500grams(17.5 oz) of corn. (Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
Women with uniforms, sanitary caps and ID-tags. These are proof of an authorized business merchant who has paid a market tax. For the Moran market, the market tax is 300- 500won a day. This is equal to 500grams(17.5 oz) of corn. (Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
Wristwatches, parasols, and fruits are well displayed at the booth. Most of these goods are imported products from China. A decade of progress in the development of the markets has developed the extensive distribution networks in the country.(Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
Wristwatches, parasols, and fruits are well displayed at the booth. Most of these goods are imported products from China. A decade of progress in the development of the markets has developed the extensive distribution networks in the country.(Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS

 

 

A parasol seller makes an effort to attract the customer. (Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
A parasol seller makes an effort to attract the customer.

(Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
Various sorts of bread. Some are baked at the factory while some are homemade. Some twenty bread rolls in a pack is 3,000won(about 1 USD). The taste is not bad. Each of these women is the owner of her own booth. (Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS
Various sorts of bread. Some are baked at the factory while some are homemade. Some twenty bread rolls in a pack is 3,000won(about 1 USD). The taste is not bad. Each of these women is the owner of her own booth. (Taken by Gu Gwang-ho) (C) ASIAPRESS

 

 The Moran market (Pyongyang) - Green arrow

                                                                     

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PART 1 - PART2 - PART 3 - PART 4 - PART 5 - PART 6 (a) - PART 6 (b) -  PART 7 - PART 8 (a) - PART 8 (b)

 

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