Before the reforms, the state bought rice from state farms and co-operatives at 82 chon per kilo (100 chon make one won, worth less than a cent at the official exchange rate).

ECONOMIST: North Korea

It then resold it to the public through the country's rationing system at eight chon.

ECONOMIST: North Korea

The outstanding Chon Thai Restaurant, run by friendly New Zealander Blair Mathieson, serves utterly delicious local cuisine.

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