Current Status of "North Korean Restaurants" Continuing to Operate in China: Also Frequented by Japanese Businessmen
There are currently more than 20 restaurants in China directly operated by North Korea. Known colloquially as "Kita-Resu" (North Res), these establishments continue to operate unchanged despite international economic sanctions imposed on North Korea.
According to a reporter's investigation, customers at these restaurants include local Chinese residents as well as Japanese businessmen visiting China on business trips. Inside, guests can enjoy traditional North Korean cuisine, and song and dance performances by female staff are also sometimes held.
For North Korea, operating restaurants abroad is a vital means of acquiring precious foreign currency. While United Nations sanctions technically require North Korean workers to return to their home country, the reality is that many staff members remain in China and continue to work to this day.
Many of these restaurants are located near the China-North Korea border and in major cities like Beijing. Despite the complex political situation, the existence of "Kita-Resu" as a viable business is likely to remain a subject of international attention.