Discussion on Developing North Korea's Kumgangsan Tourist Area... Kim Jong Un: "Remove All Filthy South Korean Facilities"

North Korean Premier Kim Tok Hun inspected the development site of the Mount Kumgang tourism zone, the Rodong Sinmun reported on the 20th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Nah Han-ah] While North Korea has been focusing on the '80-day battle' for COVID-19 prevention and short-term internal achievements, Premier Kim Deok-hoon, who oversees the North Korean economy, visited the Kumgangsan tourism zone to discuss development measures.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 20th that Premier Kim toured the Goseong Port coastal tourism zone, Haegumgang coastal park zone, and sports and cultural zone, stating that "the Party's vision to develop scenic spots to meet the cultural and emotional needs of the people was accurately reflected in the comprehensive development plan for the Kumgangsan tourism zone, and practical issues regarding its implementation were discussed."

According to the agency, in line with the preparation of the comprehensive development plan, practical measures were discussed to properly determine the sequence of development projects and to thoroughly implement Juche architectural ideology and construction policies in the design and construction of world-class hotels, golf courses, ski resorts, and more.

Premier Kim emphasized, "We will push forward the development projects to splendidly build the Kumgangsan zone into a modern and comprehensive international tourism and cultural zone according to annual and phased plans," and stressed, "In construction, we will strictly adhere to the principle of 'priority on convenience and aesthetics' so that the people can fully enjoy the natural scenery and rest."

He also stated, "By constructing the tourism zone in a way that harmonizes with Kumgangsan's natural landscape while combining national characteristics and modernity in our own style, Kumgangsan will become a cultural resort envied by the whole world."

Earlier, during an inspection of Kumgangsan on October 23 last year (based on North Korean media reports), Chairman Kim Jong-un ordered, "Remove all the shabby South Korean facilities that are unpleasant to see," and subsequently sent a notification to the South through the Kaesong inter-Korean joint liaison office demanding "complete removal of facilities and document negotiations."

The South maintained its position of "face-to-face consultations and partial renovation of old facilities" and did not respond to the North's notification. Later, on January 30 this year, North Korea sent a notice stating that the demolition of Kumgangsan facilities would be temporarily postponed to prevent the risk of COVID-19 infection, and negotiations were suspended.

Meanwhile, North Korea is expected to announce a new five-year national economic development plan at the 8th Party Congress in January next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.