In this undated photo provided on Nov 16, 2021 by the the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea's (DPRK) government, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un inspects the construction site of Samjiyon city development project in Ryanggang province, the DPRK. (KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY / KOREA NEWS SERVICE VIA AP)
SEOUL – Democratic People’s Republic of Korea's (DPRK) leader Kim Jong-un visited a new city being built near the border with China and a sacred mountain revered by his family, state media reported on Tuesday, in his first public appearance in more than a month.
The northern alpine town of Samjiyon is being transformed into a massive economic hub, called a "socialist utopia" by officials, equipped with new apartments, hotels, a ski resort and commercial, cultural and medical facilities.
The developing city is near Mount Paektu, the holy mountain where leader Kim Jong-un's family claims its roots, and he has made multiple visits since 2018, with the official KCNA news agency touting it as "epitome of modern civilization"
The developing city is near Mount Paektu, the holy mountain where Kim's family claims its roots, and he has made multiple visits since 2018, with the official KCNA news agency touting it as "epitome of modern civilization."
KCNA said Kim's latest trip was designed to inspect the third and last phase of construction, due to be completed by the end of this year after delays caused by international sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic.
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KCNA did not give a date for Kim's visit, but it is the first report of public activity by the leader for 35 days, since he gave a speech at a defense exhibition, his longest absence since 2014.
In this undated photo provided on Nov 16, 2021 by the the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea's (DPRK) government, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un (front right) inspects the construction site of Samjiyon city development project in Ryanggang province, the DPRK. (KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY / KOREA NEWS SERVICE VIA AP)
"He said Samjiyon has turned into an example of a mountainous modern city under socialism and a standard of rural development thanks to the workers' steadfast struggle despite the unfavourable northern environment," KCNA said.
Kim said building the new city provided experience in construction, design and technologies that would boost economic growth for other regions.
The city is one of the largest initiatives Pyongyang has launched as part of Kim's push for a "self-reliant" economy as the country faces international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes.
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Nearly two years after sealing borders to head off COVID-19, the DPRK has recently resumed rail freight with China, the latest sign that they could reopen the border soon.