Hamhung sellers push pricey “export” health supplements
Private sellers in Hamhung, North Korea, are aggressively pushing pricey health supplements on local people in 2026. They claim the products come from North Korean-Chinese joint ventures and are normally made for export. The pitch has caught plenty of attention, but only wealthy donju can afford products costing over 400,000 North Korean won. “Some individuals […]
Private sellers in the North Korean city of Hamhung are aggressively promoting pricey health supplements, claiming they are products of North Korean-Chinese joint ventures meant for export. These supplements, which are priced above 400,000 North Korean won, include liver protectants and immune boosters. Sellers emphasize that access to these "export" products is limited, capturing the attention of wealthy locals known as donju.
One flagship product, Kumin pills, is marketed to treat cirrhosis and protect the liver from damage, especially among heavy drinkers. Another product, Selenseran, is sold as an immune booster and sexual dysfunction treatment. Sellers leverage personal connections and foreign health habits to justify their high prices, even though many ordinary North Koreans cannot afford these supplements.
Despite the state's promises of free healthcare, many citizens still rely on private markets for their medical needs.
Written by urgent.news from Daily NK's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
