About the author
More articles by 'Andrei Lankov'
The diet of the North’s new rich
Far from starving, Pyongyangites enjoy a large and diverse restaurant scene
Money matters: The three-tiered system of 1980s North Korean currency
Won came different forms, but the redder your money the better in 1980s Pyongyang
North Korea in 1984: The Fatherly Leader is watching you
Foreign students, even from Pyongyang’s supposed allies, had their activities severely curtailed in the 1980s
Fun times: How to enjoy a stay in North Korea
A few clubs, hotels, travel opportunities cater to expats facing crippling boredom
A minority in a minority: College students in 1980s North Korea
Most university students came to Pyongyang for the Korean language, but got limited interaction
Enjoying a very unusual life indeed: North Korea in 1984
Lankov says life for a foreign visitor in 1980s Pyongyang had its own pleasures, amusements
Meet Mr. X: One of the North’s new capitalist class
By providing kickbacks, foreign currency to the state, money-making enterprises thrive in ‘Stalinist’ state
Why interest in the North Korean army is dropping
The informal economy means young people have other options for success
‘Dangerous’ era of dissent may have begun
Discontent about leadership may portend change in years to come
Why North Korea has strong incentive for another nuclear test
Political and technological reasons might mean another test imminent
