North Korea is a country with many prohibitions. Nevertheless, they have been producing their own cosmetics for many decades in a row. And surprisingly, it is in demand abroad!
North Korea is one of the most closed places in the world. We constantly read scary news about local bans, which is sometimes even hard to believe. And a large part of them relate to the beauty industry: for example, local hairdressers can only do haircuts from a small list allowed by the government. And residents with bright make-up on the streets can be stopped by the so-called “fashion police” – patrol units that monitor manifestations of “dissent” in the guise of citizens of the DPRK.
Nevertheless, it cannot be said that local women are not at all familiar with the beauty industry. So, since the middle of the 20th century, North Korea has had its own cosmetic production facilities, created at the suggestion of the country’s former leader, Kim Il Sung. Today, his grandson Kim Jong-un also regularly visits cosmetic factories and demands from technologists that the formulas of their products are more effective than those of the South Koreans, the undisputed world leaders who have generated a huge number of trends.
As you understand, not fulfilling the strict requirement of the leader in a situation that is difficult to imagine in North Korea. That is why the beauty market of the DPRK is moving forward by leaps and bounds. And even wins the love of buyers from nearby China!
So, the most popular cosmetic brand in the DPRK is “Spring Aroma” (Spring Scent). And no, the main products of the brand are not perfumes, as you might think, but cosmetics. The main ingredient is ginseng. Also, in addition to it, many other components appear in the compositions – exclusively national and natural.
By the way, it is because of the “purity” and naturalness of the formulas that North Korean cosmetics are quite expensive. So, according to media reports, a facial care kit of two products will cost about 130-180 thousand won – that is, 6300-8700 rubles. This is unthinkable money for most locals, but nevertheless, cosmetics are in demand. Especially decorative – because it costs a little cheaper than natural care products.
