North Korea's unique export strategy

North Korea operates a network of overseas businesses to generate foreign currency. From restaurant chains to massive monument construction projects, North Korea's revenue streams span the globe, from Europe to Asia.

Restaurant

North Korean artists entertain diners at a restaurant in Beijing, China. Photo: AP

The notoriously reclusive nation of North Korea boasts numerous restaurants located in approximately 20 countries. Initially in China, they gradually expanded to Cambodia and throughout Southeast Asia, including in far-flung countries like the United Arab Emirates and Nepal.

Each restaurant brings North Korea approximately $100,000 to $300,000 annually. Here, female staff serve North Korean specialties and perform traditional dances and songs in costumes.

Monuments in Africa

The large Mansudae Monument in Pyongyang. Photo: REUTERS

Known for its Soviet-style monuments to heroes, Pyongyang's Mansudae Art Studio is doing very well abroad.

This factory was established in 1959 with the purpose of producing works of art honoring North Korean leaders and employs nearly 4,000 workers.

The Mansudae Monument, which houses two 21-meter-tall bronze statues of the late North Korean leader Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il, is one of the most famous works of the Mansudae workshop. These two men were the grandfather and father of leader Kim Jong-un.

Mansudae is particularly famous in Africa. Large-scale monuments constructed by Mansudae are located in Namibia, Benin, Zimbabwe, the Republic of Congo, Botswana, and many other places.

Among them, the most famous is undoubtedly the "African Renaissance" monument located in Senegal. The 49-meter-tall statue – taller than the Statue of Liberty in the US – was completed in 2010 with an official cost of approximately $25 million. However, some experts estimate the statue actually cost as much as $70 million.

The common thread among the statues produced in Mansudae is that they are large, simple, and affordable.

Museum

One of the 3D paintings at the Angkor Panorama Museum. Photo: Cambodia Heritage

The Angkor Panorama Museum in Cambodia is one of Mansudae's largest overseas projects. Over 60 North Korean artisans spent months creating the 360-degree mural depicting events of the Khmer Empire.

Additionally, the Syrian War Museum – a memorial to the 1973 war between Syria and Israel – was also built with the help of North Korean artisans.

European Fountain

The "Magical Fountain" in Frankfurt, Germany. Photo: AP

In 2005, the city of Frankfurt, Germany, commissioned the Mansudae factory to rebuild the "Fairy Fountain," which had been melted down for copper during World War II.

Tourism

Tourists board a plane belonging to North Korea's national airline, Air Koryo, at Pyongyang International Airport. Photo: AP

Foreign tourists provide a significant source of foreign exchange revenue for North Korea. In 2014, more than 100,000 tourists visited North Korea, the majority of whom were Chinese. The government hopes to reach 1 million tourists by 2017.

Music/Performing Arts

The girl group Moranbong. Photo: AP

In December 2015, the North Korean girl group Moranbong traveled to China to perform in what North Korean state news agency KCNA called a "friendly visit." However, the show was canceled at the last minute for reasons that remain unclear.

The members of Moranbong were personally selected and formed by Kim Jong-un in 2012. Wearing revealing outfits such as short skirts and high heels – a stark contrast to the typical image of North Korean citizens – the Moranbong group can perform various genres of music, including pop and rock, for the enjoyment of North Korean leaders.

According to Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper.