Empty facilities continue raising concern in rural North Korea as newly built shops and clinics sit unused. Residents say these empty facilities fail to provide goods or services, despite being promoted as symbols of rural modernization.
Local governments built commercial and public buildings across multiple provinces. Officials claimed the program would improve daily life and support economic growth. However, residents say many buildings rarely open and lack basic supplies.
In Taegwan County, a new shop opened almost two years ago. Many villagers entered it for the first time only last month after it briefly sold salt and fermented seafood for kimchi preparation. After one week, the products disappeared and the shop returned to silence, reinforcing complaints about empty facilities.
Most shelves hold only a few low-quality items, including locally made soap. Residents question the need to replace older shops with new ones, especially since many people joined mandatory labor during construction yet see no benefit now.
Local authorities allow individuals to rent stores and operate them privately. However, very few accept because small populations and low purchasing power make business unprofitable.
State media continues to promote the modernization campaign. Residents say the message feels disconnected from reality and describe the improvements as “hollow upgrades.”
Experts say the problem reflects deeper economic weaknesses. Supply chains remain unstable, rural incomes stay low, and local manufacturing rarely meets demand.
Many residents argue future investment should focus on reliable goods rather than buildings alone. Until then, empty facilities will continue symbolizing the widening gap between official claims and everyday life.
