In 2026, North Korea has seen a gradual increase in e-commerce activity, with over 1.2 million online shoppers and a significant portion using digital wallets. Mobile payment adoption has reached 50%, reflecting growing digital engagement amid limited internet infrastructure. The average transaction value remains modest at $45, indicating cautious spending habits, while overall transaction volume continues to expand steadily, driven by domestic demand and limited cross-border trade.
Despite restrictions and limited access to global payment systems, North Korea's e-commerce landscape is evolving with increased reliance on local payment solutions and mobile payments. The rise in digital wallet usage highlights efforts to modernize financial transactions, though adoption remains uneven across urban and rural areas. These trends suggest a slowly growing online economy that may expand further with technological investments and infrastructure development.