North Korea is flogging toy versions of its "nuclear-ready monster missiles" to tourists, according to a Russian diplomat living in the hermit state.

Kim Jong-un et al are big into their warheads and the dinky despot has recently been flexing his missile muscles, signing off on various tests off the coast of his country.

His frequent military parades also extoll the virtues of his nuclear arsenal and people usually clap like seals as the gargantuan Hwasong-17 missile rolls past.

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No surprise, then, that the burgeoning tourism inudstry in North Korea is apparently trying to cash in on the revered weapon.

Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Alexander Matsegora posted a photo of the large toy model of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile to his Facebook page, writing: "A new souvenir counter in Pyongyang Inturist [tourist shop]."

The photo showed the plastic rocket in its launch position, alongside a model of North Korea’s military spy satellite, Malligyong-1.

North Korea News, a South Korea-based organisation, reported that similar toys have been seen in "toy shops, orphanages, light industry and art exhibitions, and even at a luxury banquet featuring Kim Jong Un and his daughter."

Nazanin Zadeh-Cummings, assistant professor of international relations and humanitarian action at the University of Groningen, suggested that perhaps the model was not there to be sold.

She said many tourists wouldn't want to “schlep it back home.”

“Maybe it’s just a reminder for tourists of a point of pride for the DPRK,” she told NK News.

Another expert said the models act as “an education tool and toy.”

It is believed the Hwasong-17 is capable of striking any location in the US. It is also thought to be capable of holding nuclear warheads. It has been referred to as a "monster missile" in the press.

According to Pyongyang, the Hwasong-17 can reach up to 3,905 miles.