An increasing number of convenience stores, similar to those in South Korea, have been appearing in North Korea, especially in the border areas with China, a U.S.-based media report said Tuesday.

Citing a Chinese source who frequently visits the North for trade, Radio Free Asia (RFA) said the number of 24-hour convenience stores have steadily increased in the border cities of Musan and Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province.

The Chinese source said that the convenience stores are small scale businesses that can be started with 20,000 Chinese yuan ($3,000).