In the first half of the 1950s, Czechoslovakia provided North Korea with the largest economic aid after China and the Soviet Union. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports, goods worth approximately 800 million Kčs (in old currency) were sent to the DPRK from the start of the war until spring 1953. Public collections were organized for further assistance based on Politburo of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Central Committee resolutions. Not everything reached Korea due to the long journey and often chaotic organization. Besides the construction and equipping of the hospital, raw materials, spare parts, fabrics, and transport vehicles (bicycles, locomotives, and buses) were supplied to Korea. Czechoslovakia also dispatched specialists, particularly in engineering, with ČKD Blansko — a turbine manufacturer — significantly contributing to projects.

Under the 1954 economic and technical assistance agreement, Czechoslovakia played a significant role over the next six years in launching underground machine factories for auto parts in Hŭich’ŏn and a truck repair shop (later an automobile factory) in Tŏkch’ŏn. Czechoslovakia provided technology and know-how for reconstructing hydroelectric power plants (cascades on the Changjin, Pujŏn, and Hŏch’ŏn Rivers; in the 1960s, the Kanggye and Tongno River central stations — now Changja — were completed). Beyond these major projects, reports mention involvement in building cement plants, rolling mills for steel sheets and non-ferrous metals, and various other factories and workshops.

While immediate post-war aid was considered a gift due to the conflict’s aftermath, standard trade exchange was expected to develop gradually. According to official contemporary statistics, Czechoslovakia accounted for more than 5% of the DPRK’s total foreign trade turnover, while the DPRK represented about 0.5% of Czechoslovakia’s trade. Trade expanded in the latter half of the 1950s, and by decade’s end, the DPRK began repaying prior loans — but soon ceased complying with repayments and agreed goods exchanges. Czechoslovakia’s trade volume progressively declined.