Give me a ring: North Korean couples mark engagements with mobile phones

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/29/north-korean-mobile-phone-engagement

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Giving engagement rings and exchanging weddings bands are not common practices in North Korea. Instead, these days young couples with money to spend are increasingly opting for mobile phones when it comes to engagement gifts.

“In small and mid-sized cities, the top-ranking present for tying the knot is no question the mobile phone. After that, come couple rings,” said a source based in North Hamgyung province.

Mobile phones have become a status symbol for the younger generation of elites, with usage on the increase around the country. As of May last year, there were more than 2 million subscribers, meaning that roughly one out of 12 North Koreans owns a mobile device.

Among women who are not engaged to be married, phone ownership is still relatively uncommon. So when a young woman carries a mobile, it can be a sign that she is either soon to be married or in a serious relationship.

“Apart from women in affluent families, if you’re from a poor family or single, it’s hard to own a mobile phone,” the source said. “Women have so much to invest in, like household goods, cosmetics and clothes, that it’s hard for them to think about getting one of those devices.”

She added: “Compared to local [North Korean] phones, foreign [South Korean] handsets look fancier, and smart phones are especially popular.”

Simple mobile phones sold at local telecom device shops in every region of the North fetch US$200-300 (more than 25 000 North Korean won). The North Korea-made Arirang Touch Phone smartphone goes for US$400, according to a survey conducted in June.

Given that 1kg of rice sells for roughly 6,500 North Korean won, these devices come with a hefty price tag. As a result, it is mainly the children of Party cadres and the upper-middle classes who exchange phones as gifts after getting engaged, the source said.