Heaven can wait

[ionage]

Shops and markets in North Korea have been closed and all cash
transactions frozen after the GovernmentοΏ½s shock announcement of a
devaluation of its currency in an effort to crack down on the countryοΏ½s
burgeoning free-market economy.

In the capital, Pyongyang, yesterday only the few shops and restaurants
permitted to trade in foreign currencies --- patronised by the privileged
elite and the cityοΏ½s small foreign population --- were open for business.
All other enterprises and services based on cash, including markets,
long-distance bus services, barbersοΏ½ shops, saunas and bath houses, were
suspended until the revaluation of the won is completed next week.

There were reports of public outrage and confusion after the
announcement of the measure, which requires North Koreans to swap
existing won notes for new ones at an exchange rate of one to 100 ---
effectively knocking two zeroes off their value. Because of a cap of
100,000 won per family (οΏ½525 at the official exchange rate), anyone with
significant holdings of cash will have their savings wiped out.

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http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6940482.ece