North Korea’s Massive Potato Famine

North Korea might be facing a winter crisis of mammoth proportions this year.

According to a Daily NK Report, Ryanggang province, North Korea’s largest potato-producing region, has completely halted its annual potato distribution. Potatoes account for as much as 60% of the food for winter rations. In other words, without potato rations, many people will not make it through the winter.

North Korea is a communist country, which means that workers do not get paid with a salary that they can use at their own discretion, but instead they are provided for in an equal distribution of housing, clothing, and food. Distribution is centrally controlled by the government.

Potatoes are the life source of the Korean people which was first introduced to Korea by a missionary in the 1830s named Karl Gutzlaff. Karl was the first known missionary to Korea.

Karl Gutzlaff sailed to Korea, making his way to the modern city of Pyongyang when he was stopped by government officials. He used the time to share the Gospel message. During one of his sermons, he used a potato as an example, but the Koreans had never seen a potato before so they did not understand what he was saying.

“You have never seen a potato?” Karl asked. When he realized there were no potatoes in Korea, Karl leapt up with excitement, declaring that he would grab some potatoes from the ship that he came in on and help to plant them. He spent the next couple of days teaching the villagers how to plant, cultivate, and eat potatoes. He cooked a few from the ship and let everyone have a taste.

They instantly fell in love!

When he asked how many people wanted to follow Jesus, several locals came forward and committed their lives to Christ. Karl made sure each of them had a Bible to take back home and taught them how to harvest the potatoes.

Today, the potato is the primary source of food in Korea and one of the most versatile, used in various dishes including rice, side dishes, and soups.

This story can be found in BTJ’s new book GOD’S RENEGADE – the book will be released early next year.

North Korea needs more prayers than ever before. With a potato famine, many North Koreans might not make it through the winter.