# Korea, Democratic People's Republic of — payment codes and schemes

> Source: https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/KP
> extracted at 2026-10-03
> Publisher: Barcoder — encyclopedia of QR, barcode and payment-code standards

## Summary

- **Narae Card** national electronic payment card
- **Multiple e-wallets** emerging (Manmulsang, Saebyol, Samhung)
- **State-controlled** payment system
- **2024 expansion** of wage payments via cards
- **Limited adoption** due to infrastructure constraints

## Banking landscape

### Central Bank
- **Name:** Central Bank of the DPRK
- **Role:** Monetary policy, payment oversight
- **Structure:** State-controlled banking

### Major Banks (2024)

| Rank | Bank Name | Type | Digital Platform |
|------|-----------|------|------------------|
| 1 | Central Bank | State | Narae Card |
| 2 | Foreign Trade Bank | State | Limited |
| 3 | Korea Kwangson Bank | State | Limited |
| 4 | Daesong Bank | State | Limited |

### Market Structure
- **State-controlled:** All banking operations
- **Narae Card:** Primary electronic payment
- **Limited access:** International isolation
- **Growing digitization:** Recent card expansion

---

## Payment infrastructure

### National Payment Systems

| System | Operator | Type | Status |
|--------|----------|------|--------|
| Narae Card | State | Electronic card | Active |
| Manmulsang | Private | E-wallet | Active |
| Saebyol | Private | E-wallet | Active |
| Samhung | Private | E-wallet | Active |

### Narae Card Features
- Electronic payment card
- Salary payment delivery
- Public transport usage
- Store purchases

### 2024 Developments
- Wage payment expansion via Narae Card
- New e-wallet applications
- Factory/enterprise integration
- Urban area adoption

---

## QR code standards

### QR Payment Status

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| **National QR** | Not established |
| **Wallet QR** | Limited/developing |
| **Adoption** | Minimal |
| **Infrastructure** | Emerging |

### E-Wallet Applications
- Manmulsang (Universal)
- Saebyol (Dawn Star)
- Samhung (Three Prosperity)
- Ulim (Resonance)

### Wallet Features
- Mobile payments
- Balance checking
- Transfer capabilities
- Limited merchant network

### Limitations
- Internet restrictions
- Infrastructure constraints
- International isolation
- Limited smartphone penetration

---

## Mobile payment apps

| App | Provider | QR | Features |
|-----|----------|-------|----------|
| Manmulsang | Private | Limited | E-wallet |
| Saebyol | Private | Limited | E-wallet |
| Samhung | Private | Limited | E-wallet |
| Ulim | Private | Limited | E-wallet |

### App Characteristics
- Domestic development
- Intranet-based operation
- Limited functionality
- State oversight

### Technology Constraints
- No international app stores
- Domestic OS (Red Star)
- Limited smartphone availability
- Restricted connectivity

---

## Schemes

| Scheme | Type | Symbology | Adoption | Technical standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Narae Card](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/KP/narae-card) | Card | State | Limited | [`narae-card`](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/standards/narae-card) |
| [E-wallets](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/KP/e-wallets) | Mobile | Domestic | Emerging | — |

## Sources

- Wikipedia - Economy of North Korea
- NK News - North Korea payment systems
- 38 North - Economic analysis
- Reuters - North Korea sanctions
- Academic research - DPRK financial systems
- Defector testimonies - Payment methods

## Full country report

[KP-north-korea.md](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/KP)