North Korean authorities have ordered the widespread planting of grass on public lands and at state-run enterprises, a directive that has sparked dismay among citizens already facing severe food shortages. The unusual order, reported by multiple sources including MSN Korea and Radio Free Asia, comes as the country continues to grapple with chronic food insecurity.
The directive, which extends to all public institutions, factories and businesses, mandates the creation of grassy areas on any available land. This has prompted confusion and frustration among residents, who argue that the land could be used to grow crops to alleviate the ongoing food crisis. Radio Free Asia reported that officials are prioritizing aesthetics over sustenance, a move seen as particularly jarring given the widespread hardship.
The order echoes a pattern of prioritizing symbolic projects over addressing basic needs, a characteristic often associated with the Kim Jong-un regime. In 2023, a significant food crisis struck the city of Kaesong, prompting Kim Jong-un to authorize the release of state reserves to ensure food supplies for the population, including those not formally employed, according to a report in the Yonhap News Agency. Kim Jong-un reportedly stated at the time that all residents of Kaesong, regardless of employment status, should receive food assistance, emphasizing that “they cannot be ignored.”
The current situation is further complicated by broader economic challenges. The CIA estimated in late 2025, as reported by the Joongang Ilbo, that North Korea faced a food shortage equivalent to two to three months of supply, approximately 860,000 tons. The report highlighted that a substantial portion of the population suffers from inadequate food consumption and poor nutrition. This assessment aligns with earlier reports indicating that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing food security issues within the country.
Despite the documented food shortages, recent research suggests a degree of dietary diversification among North Korean citizens. A study published in September 2024 by the North Korean Studies Institute, and accessible via a PDF document, indicated that the North Korean diet has evolved beyond a reliance on staple grains like rice and corn to include a wider variety of foods, including snacks and beverages. However, this diversification does not negate the fundamental problem of insufficient caloric intake for a significant portion of the population.
The latest directive regarding grass planting has drawn criticism for its perceived disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary North Koreans. The order comes after Kim Jong-un acknowledged food shortages in a February 2023 meeting of the Workers’ Party, as reported by Yonhap News Agency, where he discussed agricultural problems and the need to address the issue. The current emphasis on landscaping, however, appears to contradict any substantive effort to improve food production or distribution.
As of February 24, 2026, North Korean state media has not commented on the public reaction to the grass-planting order, nor has any further clarification been provided regarding its rationale. No timeline for completion of the project has been announced.
