North Korea Exhibition Displays 'Nuclear Weapon Model' Water Play Tube... "Koreans Prohibited Entry"

RFA, Citing Local Sources
"Thorough Verification of ID Cards and Passports"

The US-based Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported on the 29th, citing local sources, that South Korean nationals were banned from entering the North Korean product exhibition '2024 Joseon Product Festival' held in Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai, Russia.

The first-ever North Korean product exhibition reportedly featured around 70 North Korean companies showcasing a variety of products including food, clothing, health products, and crafts.

North Korean Products Expo Held in Vladivostok, Russia
[Photo by Reuters/Yonhap News]

RFA, quoting a source who visited the exhibition hall, reported, "There was a checkpoint at the exhibition hall, so not just anyone could enter." Four young men, appearing to be in their 30s, guarded the entrance and checked visitors' IDs and passports one by one, strictly preventing South Korean nationals from entering.

North Korea's contradictory attitude was evident as promotional videos for the exhibition were played in the lobby of a hotel operated by the South Korean company Lotte, aimed at attracting South Korean tourists. The source added, "At least the North Korean authorities paid Lotte Hotel to run the advertisement in an attempt to attract foreign interest."

It is also reported that large tubes modeled after North Korea's reconnaissance satellite launch vehicle 'Chollima-1' and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) 'Hwasong-18' were displayed at the exhibition hall.

The source said, "Although I was aware of North Korea's poor conditions, except for works from Mansudae Art Studio, most of the exhibited products were shabby and unimpressive to be called exhibition items," adding, "Apart from the 170 personnel selected from North Korea, there were hardly any locals present."

He further stated, "Both the atmosphere of the event and the exhibited products were so sloppy that some local Russians frowned, saying it felt like they had come to a rural market."

'2024 Joseon Products Festival' held in Russia
Photo by Yonhap News

This is the first time a North Korean product exhibition has been held in Vladivostok. The exhibition, organized by the Joseon International Trade Promotion Committee, opened on the 26th and runs until the 30th. Earlier, the Russian Embassy in North Korea announced that following this exhibition, companies from the Russian Far East have agreed to participate in a large-scale international product exhibition to be held in Pyongyang this fall. The exhibition has attracted attention because it was held just one week after the North Korean and Russian leaders signed a treaty effectively establishing an alliance on the 19th.

At that time, Chairman Kim Jong Un and President Vladimir Putin signed the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty,' which includes cooperation between the two countries in all areas including military and security, economy, science and technology, and culture.

Meanwhile, North Korea participated in the Northeast Asia Expo held in China last August for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, North Korea mainly exhibited snacks, alcohol, and natural medicines.