The 'most sought-after gift item in North Korea'

Leader Kim Jong-un wants to create an even bigger population of socialist workers. Photo / Getty

North Koreans' most desired gift item has been revealed, and it's not what you might think.

Businessmen and officials are taking trips to neighbouring China to bring back an illegal item that North Koreans are wanting the most.

Birth control is banned in North Korea as Kim Jong-un attempts to create a bigger population of socialist workers, but the Korean people are desperate to get their hands on condoms.

Smugglers cash in by selling condoms to prostitutes to prevent pregnancy and the spread of sexual diseases.

A Chinese-North Korean merchant who travels between the countries told Radio Free Asia: "Condoms are very popular with both men and women in North Korea.

Businessmen are said to be exploiting a black market for birth control in North Korea. Photo / Getty

"Traders like us run a high risk if we bring condoms into the country for sale, though.

"There is a high demand for condoms in North Korea, so we could make a lot of money, but they are officially considered 'indecent items,' so the North Korean Customs people won't let them in."

It is understood no one wants to take on Kim Jong-un over the policy for fear of being killed.

However, many North Korean families are only having one child due to the cost of education.

The rogue state has also banned abortions in an effort to reverse the country's falling birth rate.