SEOUL -- South Korea is one of the most plugged in countries on earth, with more smartphones in use than people. But across the 38th parallel, North Koreans are also beginning to enjoy the benefits of mobile communication, albeit without access to the outside world.
The isolated nation has been making smartphones for about five years, with three domestically produced brands available for sale: Arirang, Pyongyang and Jindallae. The number of users topped 3.8 million in 2017, equal to 15% of the population, according to South Korea's statistics agency. Many also use Chinese mobiles.
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