Pyongyang Coffee Costs a Month’s Salary

In most countries, coffee is a daily habit, often cheap or even free. But in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, a single cup can cost as much as $3.50—around 22 RMB. For many North Koreans, that’s not pocket change. It’s roughly equivalent to an entire month’s salary. That stark figure opens a window into daily life, access, and inequality inside one of the world’s most closed societies.

In short: A cup of coffee in Pyongyang costs around $3.50, nearly matching the monthly wage of an average North Korean worker. That makes even basic espresso-based drinks a luxury reserved for a small segment of the population.

Coffee Culture in the Hermit Capital

Despite international sanctions and strict government controls, coffee culture is slowly growing in Pyongyang. According to Andrei Lankov, a representative of the international NGO Education Center for People in Need and long-time observer of North Korea, more residents in the capital are developing a taste for coffee. Speaking to South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo, Lankov noted that while he lived in Pyongyang, he frequented a coffee shop located inside the Pyongyang Hotel.

What’s on Offer at the Pyongyang Hotel Café

The café inside the Pyongyang Hotel isn’t your typical specialty shop—but it does serve a small selection of Western-style drinks. Staff have access to whole coffee beans and a grinder, suggesting some effort to replicate international standards. Lankov reported that the espresso and cappuccino he tried were “not bad,” indicating passable extraction and decent crema. However, the filtered coffee had an off flavor—likely due to stale or expired beans, a common issue where supply chains are unreliable or poorly managed.

Luxury Imports at Luxury Prices

The menu also includes a surprising offering: Coca-Cola imported from China, sold at $5 per bottle. That’s more than double the price of a cup of coffee, and completely out of reach for most North Korean workers. Such beverages are not everyday items—they’re status symbols, visible markers of wealth in a society where such distinctions are tightly controlled, yet still present.

Income Inequality in a Communist State

North Korea officially adheres to communist principles of equality, yet the coffee price disparity tells another story. According to France 24, 16 million of North Korea’s 25 million people suffer from food shortages. Meanwhile, residents of Pyongyang—the most privileged city in the country—can afford imported goods like coffee and soda. This contrast highlights an economic reality: even within a nominally classless system, disparities in access and wealth exist and are visible in everyday consumption habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a cup of coffee cost in Pyongyang?

A single cup of coffee in Pyongyang typically costs around $3.50, approximately 22 RMB. This is based on reports from observers like Andrei Lankov and South Korean media outlets such as Chosun Ilbo.

Is $3.50 a lot in North Korea?

Yes. Reports indicate that $3.50 is roughly equivalent to the monthly wage of an average North Korean worker, making coffee an expensive and rare purchase for most citizens.

What types of coffee drinks are available in Pyongyang?

At the Pyongyang Hotel café, drinkers can find espresso, cappuccino, and filtered coffee. The quality varies, with espresso and cappuccino described as “not bad,” but filtered coffee tasting stale—likely due to old beans. Coca-Cola is also available, imported from China.

Who can afford to drink coffee in Pyongyang?

While exact data is scarce, coffee in Pyongyang is mostly consumed by wealthier or more privileged residents, particularly those living in or near the capital. The average worker likely cannot afford it regularly.

Why is coffee so expensive in North Korea?

Coffee is imported and subject to strict trade limitations, driving up costs. Limited supply, high import tariffs, and controlled distribution contribute to the premium pricing, especially in comparison to local wages.