Kim Jong-un halves price of beer … but only because the booze-loving tyrant has too much left over from luxury festival for capital’s elite
Cut-price booze is only available to those in the capital to clear mountain of ale left over from party
NORTH Koreans finally have something to celebrate – booze-swilling tyrant Kim Jong-un has halved the price of beer.
But it is only in the capital Pyongyang so brewery bosses can clear a lake of ale leftover from Kim’s showpiece beer festival laid on for the elite and a tiny number of tourists.
The price of locally brewed Ryongsong beer has now been cut from 3,000 North Korean won to 1,500 KPW making the price of a 500ml measure the equivalent of £1.35.
And the cost of the premium Taedong River beer has been cut 1,000 KPW -- meaning that the price of a large glass is now £4.50.
The Daily NK website – based in South Korea – revealed: “Production was increased in anticipation of the festival but not all of it was consumed, and so the excess is being sold off at a discount.
Related Stories
“This is a good development for the ordinary folks in North Korea who normally don’t have a chance to buy beer”, it reported.
Kim – a fan of fine wines and Scotch - launched his nation’s first ever beer festival in August despite millions of his subjects being on the breadline.
Visitors appeared on state-controlled TV downing locally-made ales.
Kim Jong-un's claim to have cured hangovers
NORTH Korean propaganda recently claimed a new version of its famous ginseng liquor can be drunk without fear of getting a hangover.
The state-owned Pyongyang Times newspaper claims replacing sugar in Koryo Liquor with scorched, glutinous rice helps eliminate bitterness – and those awful morning afters.
The article, entitled “Liquor wins quality medal for preserving national power” claimed the Taedonggang Foodstuff Factory has been improving the drink for years.
It said it is “highly appreciated by experts and lovers as it is smooth and causes no hangover”.
The 20-day festival – Kim’s Asian equivalent of Munich’s famous Oktoberfest – was held on a floating restaurant in Pyongyang, state broadcaster Korean Central Television showed.
Served by waitresses in white and blue-coloured uniforms, drinkers also enjoyed bread, nuts, and chili peppers.
The government also laid on musical performances on the riverside and a sampling event where beer lovers judged and guessed the beers they were drinking.
UK-based tour operator Koryo Tours, which brought 100 tourists to the festival, said the event was popular with their customers.
“All have enjoyed it greatly with the highlights being the interaction with a large number of local people who are also enjoying themselves,” said Simon Cockerell, general manager at the tour operator.
“It’s a testament to the universal power of a couple of cold beers on a warm evening to make people get along with each other!”
Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368