North Korea Pays Up to 1.8 Million Won in Salaries to Arms Factory Workers

Amid suspicions of illegal arms trade between North Korea and Russia, it has been reported that North Korea is paying up to 1.8 million won (North Korean currency) in wages to workers at military factories. This is interpreted as a measure to encourage weapons production and boost the morale of workers.

According to an internal North Korean source in NK Times on the 24th, North Korean authorities have been paying workers at major military factories in Manpo and Kanggye in Chagang Province differently based on their job type and duties since September of last year.

First of all, it is known that general workers are paid 300,000 to 600,000 won, and technical workers 800,000 to 900,000 won. The 300,000 to 400,000 won range is said to be for auxiliary units such as factory guards, and the 400,000 to 600,000 won range is said to be for field workers and technical workers.

In addition, the wage differential was clearly evident in office work, with general office workers reportedly receiving 800,000 to 1.3 million won, and technical workers receiving 1.5 million to 1.8 million won.

Compared to the average salary of 50,000 won for general factory workers, this is up to 36 times more, and the source said it is the highest wage since the military factory was established in Chagang Province.

The source said, “Since the wage increase last year, there has never been a single delay in wages,” and “Party organizations and labor groups are encouraging employees, saying, ‘We must repay the great love and consideration of the Marshal (Kim Jong-un) with hard work and achievements.'”

He continued, “As wages have increased, families have less to worry about making ends meet,” and explained, “Some residents are buying flat-screen TVs (LCD TVs) or computers, and are improving their standard of living by purchasing home appliances that they have wanted to buy.”

The source added, “Although it is not something that the factory has announced, I understand that the weapons, ammunition, and shells produced by our (military) factories are sent to Russia, and the money received in return is used to pay salaries.” “However, there is no guarantee as to how long these salaries will be paid.” Meanwhile, the U.S. government stated in May of last year that North Korea and Russia were exchanging weapons, violating UN Security Council resolutions, and that it would take all appropriate measures to respond to North Korea’s illegal activities.

*** This article is a translation by Google, so it may differ from the Korean version.