Human height has steadily increased over the past 2 centuries across the globe, and with the onset of the modernity, it has an outbreak period.

This trend is in line with general improvements in health and nutrition during the modern days.

 Being taller increases one’s self-esteem, which is positively related to higher job performance.

There is also evidence that taller people on average have higher education, earnings, and possibly even social position. 

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What is the average height of North Koreans?

Although it is hard to provide exact data, a large gain in adult height over the past century has occurred in both North Korean men and women.

10 years back, it was rare to see 170cm North Korean women in Pyongyang; whereas today, whilst 170cm is still considered ‘tall’, it is not by any means uncommon to see school-age girls reach this height.

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What is the most attractive height for North Koreans?

In North Korea, taller men and women are generally considered to be more attractive.

For men, 175-180cm is considered to be the best height; whereas 160-165cm for women. 

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Is height important in North Korea?

Height is relatively important for North Koreans.

Being taller is associated with enhanced longevity, and higher education and earnings.

“Our school organizes exercises to maximize the height of the students according to their physical, psychological characteristics and age during Spring and Autumn, the best two seasons to grow taller”

-    Said the Jang Ryon Sil, a teacher at Sinuiju primary school 

Primary schools organize height growing exercises for 1-2 a week and they keep a record on children’s development. 

Korean made height increasing supplements are also becoming massively popular in North Korea.

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Peptide Health Drink 

“Peptide Health Drink” is a 5.1 Health Drink Complex Factory product, which “contains nutrients for children’s and adult’s growth development”.

In other words, it's a drink that makes you grow.

Supposedly.

The main ingredients are – peptide, oligosaccharide, calcium, vitamin D and mineral. 

The product reads:

There are various types of nutrients that are needed for children and young adults, such as oligosaccharide, which promotes absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium in intestinal tract, and promotes growth by improving the environment of lactobacillus; vitamin D, which strengthens calcium metabolism needed for bone development; and vitamin B, which is the essential source of growth booster.

It contains;

protein 0.2g, fat 0.1g, carbohydrate 10.0g

So there you have it! 

Head to the Kwangbok Supermarket in Pyongyang and try it for yourself! 

Make sure to let us know the results...