North Korea opens mountain spa, ski resort in tourism push
SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a new mountain spa and ski resort that’s intended for people to enjoy “high civilisation under socialism” in another example of the country using tourism exemptions in sanctions to build revenue for its broken economy.
Kim cut the ribbon during the ceremonial opening of the Yangdok Hot Spring Cultural Recreation Centre and praised his soldiers for creating a “miracle and prefect edifice” that serves the ruling party’s efforts to guide people to modern civilisation, a state media report said.
North Korea’s state TV showed aerial footage of the resort, including its redroofed hotels, hot spring spas, ski slope and horse-riding park.
The broadcast showed thousands of soldiers and flagwaving civilians and children welcoming Kim at the site, which he visited at least four times this year, according to state media.
“(Kim) hardly repressed his happiness, saying that it has become possible to provide people with new culture, and one more plan of the Party to make our people enjoy high civilisation under socialism as early as possible has come true,” Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency said.
NORTH TESTED ROCKET ENGINE: KNCA
Satellite imagery captured before and after North Korea conducted what it called a “very important” test at its missile launch site suggested it had tested a rocket engine, experts said on Monday.
It was the latest of a series of weapons tests and statements from Pyongyang, as its yearend deadline for US to soften its stance in denuclearisation talks draws near.
KCNA said on Sunday the North had carried out the test at its Sohae satellite launching station.