The Dark History of Coca-Cola’s Relationship with North Korea

Coca-Cola, the world’s leading soft drink, is enjoyed almost everywhere on earth. But while it is known as the universal beverage, there are some countries who have restricted its sale. We’ve all heard of the iconicCola’s banning in Cuba. However, there’s another country that has restricted the sale of this sugary drink for a long time: North Korea.

The Origins of the Coca Cola Ban

It’s impossible to pinpoint the exact reason why North Korea has restricted the sale and import of Coca-Cola. It may have to do with the country’s extreme isolationism, or it could be part of a larger global effort to marginalize the country’s economic ability. Regardless, it’s estimated that the ban started in at least the 1970s.

It’s worth noting that Coca-Cola still does some global marketing in North Korea. The company has a “Korea-specific” website, translated in the native tongue, that features promotional events and even a “Game of the Week.” But few North Koreans have actually tasted the iconic drink – and almost no one owns the trademark red and white cans.

What Happened During the 2000s

The ban was still in effect during the early 2000s. In 2005, Coca-Cola made a marketing move, sending a shipment of the beverage to the North Korean capital of Pyongyang for a celebration. This shipment was part of the company’s long-term strategy to slowly re-establish its presence in the country. The event and shipment were seen as largely successful, as the beverage struck a chord with the locals.

Unfortunately, the positive reception was short-lived. North Korea began to heavily restrict the import of Coca-Cola that same year and extended the ban even further with sanctions in 2015. Official North Korean documents explain that the ban is in place “to protect North Korean children’s health.”

Coca-Cola’s Attempts at Re-Establishing the Brand

In recent years, Coca-Cola has made several attempts to re-enter the North Korean market. The company has toured the continent, sent representatives to various Korean trade shows and conferences, and created a website specifically for Koreans. All of this has yet to pay off, however – at least in terms of access to the drink in the country.

In the meantime, private individuals who visit the country are able to bring a certain amount of Coca-Cola into the country for consumption. (Tourists typically have to declare the beverage at customs and face a certain amount of scrutiny from officials.)

The Future of Coca-Cola in North Korea

With the increasing pressures of international sanctions, the future of Coca-Cola in North Korea looks uncertain. That being said, many North Koreans want the beverage and the brand. So, while the restrictions remain in place, we can expect Coca-Cola to do its best to quietly creep into the country.