Changes in Demographic, Social, and Economic Structure in North Korea and Policy Direction for Improving Residential Environment

ABSTRACT This paper analyses structural changes in demographic, social, and economic conditions in North Korea and draws policy implications on housing supply and residential environment. Demographic and social structures in North Korea, such as population aging, low fertility rate, and increases in nuclear families, are changing, just as many developed countries have experienced. At the same time, there is a high demand for house and infrastructure redevelopment. Meanwhile, there are significant differences in household wealth, living infrastructure, and family compositions across North Korean provinces. Hence, policymakers in North Korea must take into account such regional heterogeneities when they consider the house supply and residential improvement policies.