Life among the natives was no hardship, according to Hay. With the development of
a market economy proceeding apace, efficiencies have evolved. In his early years
in the city, Hay suffered electricity blackouts, lack of hot water, broken down
and windowless buses being pushed by passengers, and the complete absence of taxis.

All are now things of the past.
“The overall aspect of Pyongyang is unrecognizable even to somebody who was there
perhaps five years ago,” he said. “There are high-rise buildings up the wazoo.”
・・・・・・・・
The former black markets – Hay estimates there are a dozen in the capital –
are now vanilla, and “choc-a-bloc” with Chinese and Southeast Asian goods.
Burgers and fries, pizzas and coffee shops are easily found, blackouts are
virtually unknown and taxis are common.

With a nascent middle-class appearing, life in the North’s showcase capital
has gotten downright luxurious. “There is now a clearly defined middle class
with money to spend on white goods, LED flat-screen TVs and solar panels,”

Hay said. These goods are no longer for sale only in the jangmadang, or private
markets.

“There are gorgeous, luxury department stores with international brands –
jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, liquors – that are as good as any in South,”
he said, noting that these show the failure of sanctions.

http://www.atimes.com/article/going-native-in-the-hermit-kingdom/