Shopping in North Korea
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souvenir shops
For a supposedly communist country North Korea is littered with souvenir shops - every Pyongyang site has a small booth selling books, postcards and other trinkets. Many tourists have expressed an interest in purchasing the metal badge with the Great Leader's picture printed on it that every North Korean wears; however, these are not for sale.
Insam (ginseng) is for sale in hotels, but prices seem ridiculously high. It claims to be from Paekdusan; insam from there has a high value for all Koreans. You may be able to pick up some more cheaply in Kaesong; ask your guide for advice. However, you can buy all grades of insam much more cheaply in the South.
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Korea International Tourist Service Souvenir Shop
Korea International Tourist Service (KITS) has opened a new souvenir shop opposite the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, although it's full of what KITS think foreigners want: twee souvenirs and traditional handicrafts that are unlikely to appeal to most.
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Department stores
Department stores can often be visited if the guides agree, and they can be a fascinating insight into what's available. You'll no doubt be taken to the most elite of stores, however, so don't expect to see many other shoppers.
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Korea Stamp
Next door to the Koryo Hotel is Korea Stamp (the sign is in English), and it's definitely worth your time to stop in, as North Korean stamps are spectacular propaganda pieces and T-shirts and postcards are also on sale.
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book shops
There are good book shops at both the Yanggakdo and Koryo Hotels and the Foreign Language Bookshop is the best in the city.
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