Beauty-related businesses such as these prevail in relatively large-sized
cities, such as Chongjin in North Hamkyung, Hamheung in South Hamkyung, and
Wonsan in Kangwon. This trend seems to follow the up and coming wealthy class
who have risen through doing business in North Korea.
A cheerleader from North Korea for 2002 Pusan Asian
Games had had a double eye-lid surgery |
Skin maintenance and plastic surgery which has caused a stir among the women in
Shinuiju and Pyongyang have spread to inland countrysides within the last
several years.
Double eye-lid surgery, eyebrow tattoos, and other procedures can be performed
by a plastic surgeon doctor or beauty operation specialists, so it has been
widely popular among young women.
The cost of plastic surgery was not verifiable at the time of publishing but in
the case of double eye-lid surgery the price is rumored to be very cheap in
western terms, but it is unclear if the prices are black market or part of the
actual economy.
In addition to double eye-lid surgery, breast augmentation has been increasing
in popularity amonst upper-class women. The popularity of the breast
enlargement surgeries demonstrates a focus on beauty among North Korean
well-heeled women.
Chinese-style health massages cost around 10,000 (approximately USD $3.40) North Korean won per hour and for an additional 20,000-30,000 won, on-the-spot sex with a female masseuse is available.
