South Korean Activists Sent Choco Pies to North Koreans via Balloons

South Korean activists have been launching balloons across the North Korean border carrying thousands of Choco Pies. According to the AFP, 200 anti-Pyongyang activists launched 50 large helium balloons carrying 770 pounds of treats — including 10,000 Choco Pies — from a park in city near the boarder. The snack is a chocolate-coated cake with marshmallow and is very popular amongst North Koreans and has allegedly been banned by the government.

The cakes were initially offered as perks to North Koreans who worked in South Korean factories on the joint industrial zone. Korea Biz Wire writes that as the treats became increasingly in demand in North Korea "workers could earn money more than their wages by selling Choco Pies on the black market." Authorities in Pyongyang apparently ordered factory owners to stop handing out the pies. An activist told the AFP, "We will continue to send Choco Pie by balloons because it is still one of the most popular foodstuffs especially among hungry North Koreans." These activists also often launch balloons carrying anti-Pyongyang fliers.

· South Korea Sends Chocolate Snacks [AFP]
· Why Is South Korea's Choco Pie Banned [Korea Biz Wire]
· All South Korea Coverage on Eater [-E-]