North Korea has begun producing its own smartphones , the country 's state-run news agency KCNA has reported , even though most residents ' access to the Internet and telephone networks is severely limited . Pictures of the smartphone emerged after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the factory where the devices are made . Branded `` Arirang '' after a Korean folk song , the phones feature a touch screen and a `` high pixel '' camera . What do you give a North Korean leader ? Kim said it was `` nice '' to see phones being made with local technology , adding that the mass-production of goods with a North Korean trademark would instill national pride . However , there was skepticism about North Korea 's ability to produce such technology . Martyn Williams , the editor of the North Korea Tech website , said that the phones were probably made in China and shipped to the factory where they are inspected before going on sale . `` Workers are shown with finished products , inspecting them and testing them but no actual manufacturing is shown , '' he said on the website . The KCNA report said production began a `` few days ago . '' North Korean Mass Games : Why this year they 're different .
North Korea has begun producing its own smartphones . Pictures emerge after leader Kim Jong Un inspects factory . Score: 6 Commentator questions North Korea 's ability to produce such technology .