An increasing number of convenience stores, similar to those in South Korea, have been appearing in North Korea, especially in the border areas with China, a U.S.-based media report said Tuesday.

Citing a Chinese source who frequently visits the North for trade, Radio Free Asia said the number of 24-hour convenience stores have steadily increased in the border cities of Musan and Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province.

The Chinese source said that the convenience stores are small scale businesses that can be started with 20,000 Chinese yuan ($3,000).

According to the Chinese trader, the stores initially opened to sell leftover goods of Chinese traders in the North, but they have now transformed into the around-the-clock operations.

The RFA said that the retail stores sell liquor, cigarettes, groceries and household items, such as nail clippers, adding that these stores are now spreading out to such large cities as Rason, Hamhung and even the capital city of Pyongyang.

Related to the rise of convenience stores, a North Korean female defector who settled in South Korea last year said there are five such convenience stores in Musan County alone.

The woman said these stores pay some 300 yuan to the North Korean state organizations per month. They also give bribes to security officials. (Yonhap)