Pyongyang may be one of the few major cities left on Earth where you ca not find a Starbucks. But it is brimming over with coffee shops. Take a mini-tour of Kumrung, one of the city’s newest and popular caffeine hangouts.
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The growth of coffee shops and the openly competitive effort to lure customers and turn a profit reflects a larger transformation that has long been underway in North Korea. Eric Talmadge / AP Photo -
Ri Hyon, a barista at Kumrung coffee shop, underwent training in China to learn the craft. Eric Talmadge / AP Photo -
While capitalism is still officially frowned upon and the economy remains centrally controlled and largely stagnant, grassroots entrepreneurialism is not only growing but has become a necessity for many North Koreans. Eric Talmadge / AP Photo -
North Koreans' craving for coffee is sparking a competition among shop owners to provide more of an upscale ambiance and a variety of coffees that would almost put the ubiquitous American chain to shame. Eric Talmadge / AP Photo -
Ri Hyon, a barista at Kumrung coffee shop, underwent training in China to learn the craft. Eric Talmadge / AP Photo -
Kumrung greeted its first customers in January and sells everything from caramel Macchiatos to strawberry smoothies.. Eric Talmadge / AP Photo
No Starbucks required to fill North Korea’s coffee passion – in pictures
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