The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) kicked off the first Taedonggang Beer Festival on Friday evening, with hundreds of Pyongyang residents and foreign guests present.

The beer festival, which runs from 7 pm to midnight local time and will last around 20 days, was initiated by the DPRK's supreme leader Kim Jong Un and is planned to be held annually.

Taedonggang draft beer, classified into seven categories by varied proportions of malt and rice in the brewing process, is provided at the festival at a price ranging from $0.50 to $2.50. Fried chicken and lamb kebab are also served.

Artistic performances were given on the stage after Choe Yong Nam, director of the General Bureau of Public Service and chairman of the organizing committee of the beer festival, addressed the opening ceremony.

Choe said that the festival presents an important opportunity to further publicize Taedonggang beer and promote its competitiveness. He also welcomed advice and feedback on the beer from beer lovers and hoped this event can showcase the DPRK people's positive and optimistic attitude toward life, as well as the new development of the country.

The beer gala is held on the banks along the Taedonggang River and on the Taedonggang sightseeing cruise.