As Cuckoo rice cookers have been a huge hit in China, North Koreans soon developed a strong preference for Cuckoo over other brands. (image: Cuckoo Electronics)
SEOUL, May 1 (Korea Bizwire) — Cuckoo rice cookers are gaining massive popularity among North Koreans, according to a recent report from the National Intelligence Service. The wealthy elite are known to prefer South Korean-made products, which are banned in North Korea.
North Koreans looking for South Korean products use specific phrases, such as ‘anything better than made-in-China?’ when querying business owners. North Korean traders operating near the Chinese border have been illegally importing South Korean products from China.
As Cuckoo rice cookers have been a huge hit in China, North Koreans soon developed a strong preference for Cuckoo over other brands.
Last year, Cuckoo rice cooker exports were worth 17.6 billion won (US$ 16.3 million), which was an 85.3 percent increase from 2013. Most of the exports are known to be heading to China. Cuckoo Electronics also operates a manufacturing facility in North Korea. The operating ratio of the company’s Kaeseong factory is over 90 percent.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
