OMF Blog

8. The Economy

NK Blog - Thursday 21 August 2008

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:8-9

The economy in North Korea was originally related to its communist and socialist values. Since the state is all-powerful, the economy is also state-controlled and centrally managed. This is what some of the economies of Eastern Europe were like before 1990.

North Korea’s economy is directed to serve the nation and its goals. The state has decided that military is most important, so the economy serves the military.

In the 1990s agricultural and industrial production in the North declined greatly, creating widespread economic problems. This, combined with the state’s focus on supplying the military, left many ordinary citizens without sufficient food or income. Because of this, North Korea relies heavily on foreign aid. The nuclear issue, however, is leaving many nations unwilling to help.

Since economic decline and widespread shortages began, “black market capitalism” has developed. Though this makes no long-term improvement in the nation’s economy, it is a way of earning the money and food that so many North Koreans need. As men must work in state jobs at factories and offices, often it is the women who are free to develop this illegal way of earning money.

May the men and women of North Korea be able to work and earn money, so they can eat and live.

  • Praise God that some in North Korea have food and jobs.
  • Pray that the economy would improve and benefit all levels of the society.
  • Pray that men and women in the North can work, earn money and have enough to eat.