Analysis of North Korea's Housing and Daily Life Indicators for Reducing the Social Gap between North and South Korea

Abstract

This study is conducted to collect empirical data on the housing and daily lives of North Korean residents to promote inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation aimed at mitigating social disparities on the north and south Korean Peninsula. It represents the fourth year of a mid-term research project attempting to establish and refine a standard living model in North Korea, while simultaneously analyzing the case of China, a leading example of a system transition country in Asia. The research findings indicate that although North Korea has been promoting improvements in people's living conditions under Kim Jong-un's rule, it faces limitations in mobilizing material resources due to international isolation and voluntary border closures following COVID-19. Amid sanctions, North Korea's trade volume has decreased, revealing regional and class disparities in housing, transportation, and leisure usage within the country. Meanwhile, the increase in mobile telecommunications usage demonstrates the potential for internal changes in North Korean society. Looking at the example of China, mitigating internal inequality will be an important task alongside future reforms and opening initiatives.