Monthly Journal (777)

C O N T E N T S

2 Second Plenary Meeting of Eighth Central Committee of WPK Held 12 Kim Jong Un Sees Lunar New Year’s Day Performance with Party Central Leadership Body Members 14 Appeal to All Working People Across the Country 15 By Dint of Scientifi c Self-reliance 16 Harnessing of Renewable Energy Propelled 17 Electric Power Management Gets Upgraded 18 By Tapping Local Materials 19 Secret of Increasing Production 20 Ideals for New Victory 21 Guidance for the People’s Well-being

Monthly journal Korea Today is available on the Internet site www.korean-books.com.kp in English, Russian and Chinese. 22 Education Highlighted in DPRK 23 Immortal Juche Idea (10) Self-reliance in National Defence 24 Pride of Medical Scientist 24 Authority on Burns Treatment 26 With Sincerity and Devotion 28 True story Front Cover: On March Life and Promise 8 International Women’s Day 30 Vinalon Inventor and His Descendants Photo by courtesy 32 E-commerce Gets Expansive of the KCNA 33 Efforts for Correct and Prompt Weather Forecast 34 How Mun Has Overcome Disability 35 Liquefi ed Rare Earth Draws Attention 36 Small Institute in Woods 37 People Who Strive to Increase Forest Land 38 Songchon County Changes 40 Pacesetter of Costume Culture 41 For Conservation of Water Resources 42 Kimchi, Distinctive Dish of Korea (1) Kimchi and Folklore of Korea 44 Mt Chilbo ( 2 ) Back Cover: Rhododen- 46 National Intangible Cultural Heritage (51) dron blossoms in the snow Ssolmaethagi Photo by Song Tae Hyok 47 Ho Jun and Tonguibogam 48 History Denounces 13502 Edited by An Su Yong Address: Sochon-dong, Sosong District, Pyongyang, DPRK E-mail: fl [email protected]

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1 ► amine the plans for this year in detail and fi x and work for implementing the decisions made at the issue them as the decisions of the Party Central Party congress starts and what kind of change is Committee. He expressed the determination and being made, the report stressed. will of the Party Central Committee to take impor- In order to successfully do this year’s work de- tant measures to push ahead with economic con- cisive of the result of the implementation of the struction and provide the people with stabler and decisions made at the Eighth Party Congress, the improved living conditions despite the continuous plan which is its operational map and a blueprint emergency infectious disease prevention situation, should be set up in an innovative and effective way in particular. and the entire Party, the whole country and all the Underscoring the need also to make a serious people should wage a vigorous struggle for its im- study of a series of issues arising in thoroughly plementation. overcoming negative elements hindering socialist Noting that the idea and policy of the Party construction at present, further consolidating the congress are not properly implanted in the pro- Party organizationally and ideologically and en- posed plan for economic work for this year and that hancing the militant functions and role of Party no innovative viewpoint or clear tactics are to be organizations, he proposed agenda items to be dis- found in it, the report raised a sharp criticism over cussed at the plenary meeting. the work of several sectors that markedly showed The items brought up before the plenary meet- such tendencies. ing were adopted with unanimous approval. The General Secretary, in the report, referred 1. On carrying out the fi rst year’s tasks of to the need to map out plans effi ciently for expand- the fi ve-year plan set forth at the Eighth Party ing production capacity and foundations when or- Congress ganizing economic work for this year. 2. On waging more intensive struggle against All sectors of the national economy should anti-socialist and non-socialist practices through- build new production bases for production growth out society in the future, upgrade the backward and outdat- Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, guides the Second 3. On modifying the collection of the slogans of ed production processes and reinforce necessary Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the WPK in February 2021. the Party Central Committee processes so as to step up the work of expanding 4. On the deliberation of “Explanation of the production capacity while pushing the current Rules of the Workers’ Party of Korea” production. 5. An organizational matter As suggested in the main tasks of the fi ve-year SSecondecond PPlenarylenary MeetingMeeting ooff The plenum discussed the fi rst item. The plan, it is essential to press ahead with the nation- General Secretary delivered an important report wide work of focusing investment on the metallur- EEighthighth CCentralentral CCommitteeommittee ooff WWPKPK HHeldeld on the fi rst item “On Carrying Out the First Year’s gical and chemical industries, regarding them as Tasks of the Five-year Plan Set Forth at the Eighth key links in the whole chain of the national econ- Party Congress.” omy, and consolidating the material and technical HE SECOND PLENARY MEETING OF should powerfully lead the masses to the imple- He, in the report, fi rst referred to the need to foundations of the agricultural sector in a planned Tthe Eighth Central Committee of the Workers’ mentation of the decisions made at the Eighth Par- properly organize the economic work of the fi rst way from this year. Party of Korea was held in Pyongyang from Febru- ty Congress by nurturing the heightened enthu- year for implementing the new fi ve-year plan for A scheme is also needed to concentrate efforts ary 8 to 11, Juche 110 (2021). siasm of the masses who have sympathized with the national economic development. in an accurately-targeted method on projects that Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the WPK, the idea and spirit of the congress, he stressed the Saying that the fi rst-year work is very impor- are urgent to us and in which ten achievements presided over the meeting upon authorization of need to provide Party organizations and members tant in attaining the new long-term goal decided on can be made from one success. the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Commit- with practical means of innovation which would by the Eighth Congress of the WPK, he noted that Stressing that the nationwide, planned and tee. help bring about substantial change and progress the fi ve-year plan can be fi nally accomplished with scientifi c self-reliance requires special priority and Prior to the discussion of the agenda items, the from the fi rst year of the fi ve-year plan. confi dence only when the fi rst-year plan is properly should be applied in an innovative way in economic General Secretary referred to the main purport of As the decisions made at the Party congress are set up and fully implemented. work, the report said that although this year’s plan the convening of the plenary meeting of the WPK mid- and long-term tasks to be fulfi lled by different The new fi ve-year plan requires a new start mentions preferential supply of materials to the Central Committee. sectors concerned during the coming fi ve years, he apart from all those old and out of date and all the major sectors of the national economy, state supply Saying that the Party Central Committee said, it is necessary for the plenary meeting to ex- ► people in the country are now watching how the measures have been taken for only a few of them. ►

2 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 3 ► Noting that the Cabinet and the State Plan- ning Commission should make quick switchover to the work system of fully meeting the demand by taking centralized and unifi ed control of products from all sectors of the national economy and busi- nesses and establishing production-consumption relations, the report underscored the need to in- tensively provide labour, equipment, materials and funds to businesses of key industry sectors and the only factories of the relevant kinds in the country, take nationwide encouraging and prefer- ential steps and take detailed measures to substi- tute domestic products for imports. The General Secretary, in the report, called for attaching importance to talents in organizing eco- nomic work for this year and paying special atten- tion to bringing up talented scientifi c and technical personnel, management personnel and Party offi - cials in every sector. The knottiest problem in propping up the na- tional economy now is the shortage of talents and it is an urgent task to bring up new-type talents at present when it has been decided to make a bold innovation in all work. Changes should be made in the work of bring- ing up talents fi rst to make substantial changes in Party, state and economic work and the people’s living. The report said that all sectors and units should regard it as an important task in the fi ve-year plan to bring up able scientifi c and technical personnel, administrative personnel and Party offi cials who can shoulder each fi eld of the country in the future and push it in a planned way. To this end, all sec- tors of the national economy should meticulously organize the work on the principle of bringing up talents necessary for their sectors by themselves, and leading economic offi cials should hold fast to it as an important methodology to fi nd talents fi rst and rely on them in taking stock of the actual situ- ation of their own sectors and exploring the ways in hand and bringing them up, the report added. ► putting an end to units’ claiming of their special als, whereas units’ claiming of their special impor- for improvement. It stressed the need to fi nd out and intentional- importance and self-centredness across the whole tance and self-centredness are graver anti-Party, It should be the working attitude and traits ly bring up talented management personnel excel- Party, state and society when conducting the fi rst anti-state and anti-people acts perpetrated under common to all offi cials to boldly appoint talents, lent in conceiving ideas and in organizing, manag- year’s work for implementing the decisions of the the veil of unit and organization, stressing these bring them up in practice and put them forward ing and controlling power, and train Party offi cials Party congress. are the biggest obstacle to applying the Party’s before the Party and state with a viewpoint that no profi cient in work with people. The report said that misuse of power, bureauc- people-fi rst politics and consolidating the nation’s work can be carried out, to say nothing of the deci- The General Secretary, in the report, put im- ratism and irregularities and corruption are anti- own strength or the internal driving force. sions of the Party congress, without having talents portant emphasis on intensifying the struggle for ► Party and anti-people acts committed by individu- It specially mentioned that the practices of ►

4 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 5 ► units’ claiming of their special importance and In the report the General Secretary underlined ► cultivation method for each farming process in line factories now underway. self-centredness which infringe on the interests of the need for the light industrial sector holding a with the features of each variety and mapping out The report roundly exposed the real state of art the state and people and neglect the implementa- big share in solving food, clothing and housing and pushing ahead with a detailed plan for mak- and literature still in stagnation and hibernation tion of the decisions and instructions of the Party problems for the people to tap all potentials and ing the low-yielding fi elds fertile before farming and called for bringing about a step forward in cre- must not be allowed to go at large any longer but to increase to the maximum the production of con- season. ation activities as required by the reality that has be stamped out resolutely by mobilizing Party au- sumer goods and light industrial goods. He set it as It called for promoting in a planned way the entered a new period of turn. thority and legal and military powers. the central part of the work for this year to ensure work for laying material and technical foundations Tasks were suggested for the mass media to It expressed the determination of the Party domestic production of raw materials, recycling, of units producing tractors and other kinds of farm wage a vigorous media campaign aimed at inspir- Central Committee to regard units’ claiming of recovery of original performance of equipment, machines, pushing forward the restoration of irri- ing the masses to the implementation of the deci- their special importance and self-centredness as creation of new production capacity, and invigora- gation systems and facilities and the expansion of sions of the Eighth Party Congress, and for the the enemy to the revolution and state tantamount tion of local industry and the General Bureau of the irrigated areas, accelerating the reclamation of fi eld of physical culture and sports to organize a to the misuse of power, bureaucratism and irregu- the Tanchon Area Mining Industry. tideland, cultivation of new land and land realign- variety of sports events and conduct brisk mass larities and corruption and to wage an all-out war The report stressed that it was decided to spruce ment and increasing the production of livestock sports activities. against them with the plenary meeting as an occa- up local industrial factories in Kimhwa County products, vegetables, fruits and industrial crops. The report stressed the importance for the Peo- sion, and called on all Party organizations, political of Kangwon Province this year to implement the It dealt with issues of supplying farming mate- ple’s Army and the munitions industry and the sec- and state organs and all the people to be the main line of strengthening cities and counties set forth rials on which success or failure of this year’s farm- tors in charge of south Korean and external affairs force in the war for wiping out units’ claiming of at the Eighth Congress of the Party and to set a ing hinge in a responsible manner on a nationwide to thoroughly achieve and carry out the fi ghting their special importance and self-centredness. new standard of local industrial factory. The report scale, stamping out the practices of making an goal and plans for this year for implementing the In the report the General Secretary pointed to proposed assigning the task of taking measures for exaggerated report in the agricultural sector, and decisions of the Eighth Party Congress without an the necessity to organize economic work for this this to the Cabinet, the State Planning Commis- bringing about a decisive improvement in the work inch of defl ection. year in the direction of demonstrating the poten- sion and the Ministry of Light Industry. of rural ri Party committees. The General Secretary, in the report, made spe- tial of self-supporting economy and stabilizing In addition, it suggested the tasks for the fi sh- The General Secretary, in the report, referred cial reference to the tasks for improving economic the people’s living to the maximum while strictly eries sector to put emphasis on strengthening its to the tasks to be fulfi lled by the fi eld of science work in an innovative way by decisively enhancing maintaining the state emergency infectious dis- material and technical foundations and actively and culture. the functions and role of state economic guidance ease prevention discipline. carry out fi shing, aquiculture and fi sh farming so The report emphasized the need for the sci- organs. He then suggested the tasks facing the sectors as to bring substantial benefi ts to the people this entifi c and technological fi eld to smoothly solve What should be done immediately at present of the national economy for this year. year. technological problems arising in consolidating the is for the Cabinet and state economic guidance or- The report suggested key tasks to be carried The report also detailed the major tasks to be existing economic foundations and putting produc- gans to improve their guidance over and manage- out this year by main industrial sectors such as carried out this year by the fi elds of commerce, tion on a normal track this year, and the matter of ment of the overall economy by restoring the func- metal, chemical, power, coal, development and ex- communications, land and environment, city man- identifying all scientifi c and technological talents tions peculiar to them as economic organizer and ploitation of natural resources, machine and for- agement, external economic relations and tourism. in different sectors, regions and units, while taking their controlling functions. estry in reinforcing production foundations while The General Secretary, in the report, stressed practical steps for improving the qualifi cations and These organs should emerge from force of the conducting ongoing production, and specifi ed de- the need to unconditionally carry out the plan for levels of scientists and technicians. old habit of sitting helplessly, only complaining tailed ways to fulfi l them. agricultural production for this year. It said that the secondary educational sector about bad conditions and lack of authority, and Importantly stressed was the issue of pushing The report called upon the agricultural guid- should establish a rational educational system actively wage a bold campaign for overcoming eco- the improvement of the railway situation with the ance organs including the Ministry of Agriculture for bringing up reserve scientifi c and technologi- nomic diffi culties and obstacles. focus of this year’s work put on adjusting and re- to map out a foresighted plan for farming and, in cal talents in a planned way and that universities It is important to remove stumbling blocks to inforcing railways in the sector of rail transport. particular, to take measures for coping with the should train more scientifi c and technological tal- economic development and make sure the economy The report suggested the tasks of conducting disastrous climate in a scientifi c and realistic way, ents including experts on IT, biological engineer- of the country is smoothly managed by improving on an extensive scale the construction of major pro- stressing the need for the agricultural sector to ing, chemistry and materials. the role of the non-permanent economic develop- jects including the unconditional construction of steadily lay the foundations for stable and sus- Important tasks were also suggested to be car- ment committee. dwelling houses for 10 000 families in Pyongyang tained development for increased grain output by ried out by the public health sector in order to bring The report stressed the need to make every pro- and fi nishing of infra-network project as planned thoroughly fulfi lling this year’s plans for cereals about a remarkable improvement in it this year. cess dovetailed from the planning stage, pay atten- as well as local construction and of accelerating production and procurement. The sector should direct primary efforts to de- tion to promoting organic relationship and coop- the expansion of the cement production capacity It suggested tasks for breeding high-yielding cisively eradicating different kinds of contagious eration among economic sectors, thoroughly reject and meeting the demand for various building ma- varieties to increase the per-hectare yield, expand- diseases, build new public health facilities and the evasion of responsibility and self-centredness terials in a responsible manner in the sector of con- ing the area for cultivating them, decisively in- promote as scheduled the construction of pharma- existing in state economic guidance organs and struction and building materials industry. creasing the fertility of soil, ensuring the scientifi c ► ceutical, medical appliances and medical supplies overcome obstacles and diffi culties while actively ►

6 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 7 ► supporting and complementing each other pur- only a duty to unconditionally carry it out as it is ► methods and map out detailed plans for perfectly stage of planning a year’s work and newly decided posefully and actively. the instruction of the Party and law of the state, he carrying out the national economic plan for their on the great work for the people and that it helped It is important to establish strict discipline in stressed the need for the judicial sector to set it as units, positively push ahead with the work to make fi nd out and correct ideological maladies including planning and critically review the results of pro- the core task to provide a powerful and thorough sure that administrative and economic work is passivism and self-protectionism latent in offi cials. duction in order to organize and command econom- legal guarantee for the national economic plan for done as required by Party policies and correct the Expressing the expectation that every member ic work in an effi cient way. this year and thoroughly carry it out. mistakes and deviations in time. of the Party central leadership body would correct- It is necessary for the Cabinet and state eco- He pointed to the necessity to concentrate Party The Party committees should intensify brain- ly confi rm the work plan for this year through con- nomic guidance organs to make exact demands efforts on the fulfi lment of the tasks for this year. storming and help their members enhance their sultative meetings of panels, he called for making on all production units while providing them with The report attributed the serious mistakes responsibility and role to skilfully overcome ob- the plenary meeting a signifi cant occasion of giv- necessary conditions so that they can uncondition- made in attaining the goals of the fi ve-year strate- stacles and diffi culties in carrying out the nation- ing greater confi dence and courage to all members ally carry out their plans for production and sup- gy for the national economic development set forth al economic plan and in particular, leading offi - of the Party and other people who turned out to ply of materials, and to conduct an intensive strug- at the Seventh Party Congress to the misguidance cials of Party organizations should do away with implement the decisions made at the Eighth Party gle against such phenomena as bargaining and by Party committees at all levels over economic subjective and arbitrary practices and fulfi l their Congress. defaulting on plan discipline and observing it for work and the failure of Party offi cials to fulfi l their duty as the political educators and standard- His important report full of absolute confi dence mere form’s sake. responsibility and role as organizers and standard- bearers who arouse the masses to implementing in the justice of the socialist cause, spirit of bound- The report also set forth tasks for the Cabi- bearers in implementing Party policies. the policies. lessly serving the people and strong will to win a net and state economic guidance organs to boldly The report mentioned the matters of principle Party organizations should regard a monthly fresh victory of the revolution serves as a great conduct the work for improving economic manage- to be maintained in intensifying the guidance of production review as a Party meeting of sum- militant banner for bringing about a new upsurge ment methods. Party organizations over economic work for this ming up the fulfi lment of Party decisions, not just and change in socialist construction. In improving economic management methods, year. a business-like review of the fulfi lment of the na- The plenary meeting heard speeches on the it is necessary to attach importance to fi nding out Party organizations should thoroughly over- tional economic plan, and hold it to be of political fi rst agenda item. and adopting the methods of the state’s unifi ed and come formalism in shaping and adopting Party signifi cance and make it a good opportunity in Referring to the fact that the General numerical control and distribution of all products decisions for implementing the line and policies of awakening offi cials and producer masses, raising Secretary, in his important report, comprehen- and imported materials. the Party. their competitive spirit and generalizing advanced sively set forth the tasks of struggle for the entire It is necessary to properly combine political, Decisively parting from the old way of running experience. Party and all the people for this year, the speakers economic and technical, and administrative and Party meetings, they should discuss and adopt The report said that it is very important to deeply analysed and pointed out mistakes of not organizational methods in order to settle the issue Party decisions for carrying out the tasks set forth heighten the role of the Party organizations of the properly applying the idea and spirit of the Party of economic management in the nation’s own way in the present plenary meeting in line with the Cabinet, ministries and national agencies in suc- congress from the stage of mapping out the plan. in line with the nation’s own situation. intention of the Party Central Committee, will of cessfully carrying out the economic tasks for this They expressed their fi rm determination to set The General Secretary, in the report, repeated- the masses and actual conditions of their units so year, and set forth relevant tasks. the militant goal for the fi rst year in an innovative ly emphasized the need for offi cials in the economic that their implementation can be guaranteed and Once Party policies are laid down, the Party and scientifi c way by bringing about a fundamen- fi eld to decisively enhance a sense of responsibility responsibility can be attributed. organizations of ministries and national agencies tal innovation in their ideological view and work and role. After adopting Party decisions, it is necessary should effectively conduct the organizational and style in order to repay the great expectations of the Saying that the expectations of the Party and to grasp and review the implementation of the political work for implementing them and positive- Party and people and staunchly put it into practice people about leading economic offi cials are very decisions on a regular basis in order to increase ly back administrative and economic offi cials with and thus fulfi l their responsibility in the struggle high at the present starting point towards the fi ve- strong points and successes and correct faults and a stand of taking full responsibility for the results for implementing the decisions made at the Party year plan and the reality calls upon all offi cials to deviations. of execution. congress. work with redoubled efforts beyond the limitation The report called upon Party organizations They should steadily awaken offi cials by con- The speakers pledged to conduct a dynamic le- of their level, ability and potentiality, the report to play the role of steering wheel in providing ef- ducting intensive educational and ideological cam- gal struggle for carrying out the fi ve-year plan and called upon the offi cials to display mental power fi cient political guidance for the successful imple- paign for overcoming such negative phenomena as defending the socialist economic system and pow- and fi ghting spirit to make a staunch dash toward mentation of the economic tasks for this year. the one of not devoting themselves to implement- erfully propel the implementation of the decisions the future and terminal of the fi ve-year plan while The steering role of Party organizations in car- ing Party policies and of failing to boldly do the made at the Party congress and this year’s tasks always looking far into the future. rying out the national economic plan is, in essence, work while complaining about poor conditions, be- as a Party and political work by turning the whole The General Secretary, in the report, set forth to most correctly illuminate the way for ensuring ing seized by defeatism and self-protectionism. Party into an integral whole of loyalty upholding the tasks for guaranteeing the fulfi lment of the na- satisfactory economic work as required by Party Concluding his three-day report, the General the leadership idea of the Party Central Commit- tional economic plan by law. policies and properly guide it not to deviate from Secretary said that the plenary meeting was con- tee with sincerity and devotion. Saying that nobody has a right to bargain over them. vened in an appropriate and necessary period in Consultative meetings of different panels for the national economic plan and that everyone has Party organizations should fi nd out correct ► the sense that it helped rectify mistakes from the drafting the resolution for the fi rst agenda item ►

8 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 9 ► were held at the plenary meeting. quarters should be organized ranging from Pyong- ► revolutionary exploits and absolute prestige of the Now that they have gone through another The consultative meetings, divided into the yang to provinces, cities and counties so that they leader, safeguarding the revolutionary character of requisite and excellent course of development, he industrial, agricultural, light industrial and con- could grasp the actual conditions of the struggle the Party and victoriously advancing the socialist said, the Party Central Committee should provide struction panels, deeply studied the contents of against anti-socialist and non-socialist practices in cause, and adopted a decision on making the modi- correct guidance over the decided tasks and car- the report made by the General Secretary and dis- a unifi ed way on one and the same principle and fi ed collection the one of the slogans of the Party ry them through, thus achieving progress in the cussed in depth how to work out plans of different powerfully carry it out in an intensive and diverse Central Committee. revolutionary work and making the people feel the sectors for this year guided by the report. way. The plenary meeting discussed the fourth agen- changed reality. New reserves and possibilities were actively ex- It specially stressed the need for Party organi- da item “On the deliberation of ‘Explanation of the Stressing that offi cials of every sector and unit plored and creative and constructive suggestions zations to intensively carry out the operation for Rules of the Workers’ Party of Korea’”. should bear in mind that to ensure perfection in were made for innovating the work of different sec- overcoming abuse of power, bureaucratic behav- The plenum deliberated on the fi fth agenda emergency infectious disease prevention effort tors amid earnest speculation and efforts, and the iour and irregularities and corruption among the item “An organizational matter.” tops important tasks for this year, remain strict targets that were submitted earlier were upgraded offi cials and also defi nitely remove from the ranks The General Secretary concluded the plenary and consistent in the infectious disease prevention as a whole. of offi cials those who connive at and foster anti- meeting. effort and rapidly cope with all the circumstances, At the plenary meeting, there was a report socialist and non-socialist acts. Saying that the Second Plenary Meeting of the the General Secretary took new measures to make which put together supplementary suggestions It is necessary to set the urgent settlement of Eighth Party Central Committee successfully fi n- the state emergency infectious disease prevention made during the process of drafting a resolution at the economic management problem as a very im- ished the discussion on all agenda items presented, headquarters keep the highest tenseness and vigi- the consultative meetings of different panels. portant task for defending the socialist character he expressed thanks to the members of the leader- lance and establish strong infectious disease pre- The draft resolution drawn up through the con- of the state and rooting out the anti-socialist and ship body for sincerely attending the discussion on vention discipline throughout the country. sultative meetings was acknowledged as correctly non-socialist practices, and solve the problem step Party and state work, always keeping themselves Noting that the Party Central Committee has embodying the strategic tasks and policies of the by step in a strict and resolute manner. tense and prepared throughout the past four days. made preparations in a far-sighted way from long Party congress and fully refl ecting the scientifi c The General Secretary, in his report, said that He noted that it is a manifestation and expression ago to provide the people with more bountiful and accuracy, feasibility and dynamism of this year’s all offi cials should clearly bear in mind that low- of their will to perform their heavy duty entrusted happier life and give impetus to the readjusting, work direction and targets for different sectors. keyed struggle done only in words will never end by the times and the revolution by solemnly and reinforcing and independent development of the The plenary meeting unanimously approved anti-socialist and non-socialist practices and that thoroughly fulfi lling their pledge made before the national economy, he expressed his expectation the resolution on the fi rst agenda item “On carry- if so, they themselves and the people might be people. that with the plenary meeting as an occasion, ing out the fi rst year’s tasks of the fi ve-year plan compelled to pay a dear price. He stressed the need He said that every agenda item discussed at substantial changes would be made in the work- set forth at the Eighth Party Congress.” for the offi cials to fulfi l their responsibilities and the plenary meeting is of special signifi cance in ing attitude and way of work of leading economic The second agenda item “On waging more in- duties in the struggle for mercilessly curbing and strengthening and developing the revolutionary offi cials, and took decisive measures which would tensive struggle against anti-socialist and non-so- stamping out anti-socialist and non-socialist acts work and the Party and that clear recognition of guarantee the implementation of the new fi ve-year cialist practices throughout society” was discussed found in their own sectors and units and for con- important and urgent immediate tasks was shared plan. at the plenary meeting. solidating Korean-style socialism in order to pro- and defi nite directions were confi rmed. Calling on all the members of the Party central Kim Jong Un made a report on the second tect the destiny of the country, people and younger He pointed out that the plenary meeting pro- leadership body to value the decisions of the ple- agenda item. generation. vided a strong policy weapon with which to prevail nary meeting as their life and make every effort Stressing that the Korean revolution, which The resolution on the second agenda item “On over and eradicate the internal negative factors for their unconditional and thorough implemen- has entered a new development stage, strongly waging more intensive struggle against anti-so- hindering the existence and development of the so- tation, he said it is time for them to undergo test calls for more intensifi ed struggle against the anti- cialist and non-socialist practices throughout soci- cialist system, and a political means of equipping over their loyalty before their beloved people. He socialist and non-socialist practices than ever be- ety” was adopted with unanimous approval at the and rousing the whole Party. earnestly asked all the comrades to turn out as one fore, the General Secretary, in his report, clarifi ed plenary meeting. He said that through the plenary meeting, the in the revolution for translating into practice the his revolutionary will and determination to defi - The third agenda item “On modifying the col- Party Central Committee came to further refi ne its grand fi ghting programme of the Party by making nitely remove the vicious cancer that threatens the lection of the slogans of the Party Central Commit- leadership art of fi nding correct solutions to prob- redoubled efforts. existing ideology and social system and hinders tee” was discussed at the plenary meeting. lems and submitting and directing everything to The Second Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Par- single-minded unity. The plenary meeting recognized that as the col- them, and to gain precious experience. ty Central Committee guided by Kim Jong Un The report suggested tasks for Party organiza- lection of the slogans of the Party Central Commit- He also appreciated that the plenary meeting was a historic meeting which showed more clearly tions, working people’s organizations, government tee was modifi ed with political slogans intensively showed the people, who value the Eighth Party the revolutionary features of the WPK, which is organs and law enforcement institutions to power- refl ecting the line, strategy, tactics and political Congress, the fi rm will of the Eighth Party Central constantly struggling and making innovations, fully wage the struggle against anti-socialist and doctrine which should always be held fast to by Committee to translate the epoch-making tasks and gave a strong impetus to the all-people grand non-socialist practices. the Party, it would fulfi l its mission as an ideo- decided at the Party congress into reality without march for implementing the decisions of the Party The report noted that powerful combined head- logical weapon for defending the idea, immortal ► fail by mapping out detailed and practical plans. congress. ‰

10 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 11 KKimim JJongong UUnn SeesSees LunarLunar NewNew Year’sYear’s DayDay PPerformanceerformance withwith PartyParty CentralCentral LLeadershipeadership BBodyody MembersMembers

ENERAL SECRETARY KIM JONG UN the road of trusting and following the Party alone. Gof the Workers’ Party of Korea saw the lunar Seeing the performance fi lled with paeans New Year’s Day performance on February 11, to the great Party, the audience keenly realized Juche 110 (2021) together with members of the once again the truth that the country and people Party central leadership body. have quite a bright future whatever hardships The performance was given by the artistes of and diffi culties may arise in the way of their ad- the State Merited Chorus and major art troupes. vance as the General Secretary leads the Party The performers sang highly of the greatness and revolution. of the Party which has confi dently led the Korean The performance climaxed with orchestra and revolution along the straight path of victory in the male choruses We Will Go On along the Road of face of grim hardships and challenges. Loyalty and We’ll Travel One Road Forever. Resounding through the theatre were famous When the performance was over, the General pieces of music in the era of the Workers’ Party, Secretary mounted the stage and thanked the which showed deep reverence for Kim Jong Un performers for warmly congratulating the suc- who is making a new history of a dignifi ed powerful cess of the plenary meeting of the Party Central country with the people-fi rst politics full of warm Committee while showing absolute support for loving care for and devotion to the people and re- the revolutionary line and idea of the Party with Kim Jong Un has a photo taken with the participants in the lunar fl ected the wholehearted loyalty of the people who excellent performance. He had a photo taken with New Year’s Day performance after seeing it in February 2021. are determined to greet all victories and glory on them. ‰

12 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 13 Appeal to All Working People By Dint of Scientifi c Across the Country Self-reliance

N THE DEMOCRATIC rate by introducing advanced system based on oxygen concen- IPeople’s Republic of Korea all methods. tration analysis, making it pos- sectors and units of the national Those of the Sunchon Area sible to raise the output of each economy are bringing about a Youth Coal-mining Complex, the generator there. great improvement in produc- Tokchon Area Coal-mining Com- The East Pyongyang Ther- tion by dint of self-reliance plex, the Anju Area Coal-mining mal Power Station is ensuring based on advanced science and Complex and other similar com- normal operation of generating technology. plexes are increasing production equipment and increasing power The sectors of the coal and through a vigorous technical in- production by solving sci-tech power industries are developing novation campaign involving the problems arising in establish- and employing advanced science producer masses. ing fi reproof material and fi re- and technology with their own The sector of the power in- proof cement production lines, efforts and technical forces. dustry is also increasing power transforming the heat-treating Researchers of the Academy production by relying on ad- furnace and making a vacuum of Coal Science under the Min- vanced science and technology. tank. It succeeded in using lo- istry of Coal Industry success- Researchers of the Power In- cally available raw materials to fully developed a fl exible starter dustry Institute have achieved produce water glass necessary for coal-carrying conveyor belts a lot of success in research into for keeping equipment warm and introduced it in many coal and introduction of new tech- and quality fi reproof materials. mines, making a great contribu- nology. For example, an inte- Minor power plants across tion to invigorating the produc- grated production management the country, too, are increasing tion. And the researchers and system has been established in production. shop-fl oor technicians pooled hydroelectric power stations, The North Hwanghae Pro- The workers of the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex held a rally to affi rm their commitment wisdom to develop and introduce and a technology of using high- vincial Minor Power Stations to carry out their fi rst-year tasks of the fi ve-year plan true to the spirit of the Second Plenary a new-type continuous wet con- temperature air to stabilize the Management Bureau is putting Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, and adopted an crete gun that can help make combustion of pulverized an- primary efforts into the tech- pits permanent. thracite introduced in thermal nical upgrading of generating appeal to all other working people across the country in February 2021. The researchers also suc- power stations. In particular equipment and scientifi c control ceeded in making the oil feeder they have introduced the inte- of water. of compressed-air rotary drills grated production management Efforts are being made to from local materials and intro- system in newly built power make effective use of energy re- duced it in many coal mines. bases, succeeded in making a sources. Coal mines across the coun- device for raising the stability of The Nampho Municipal De- try, too, are increasing coal pro- power production from local ma- signing Institute, Nampho Uni- duction by pooling their own ef- terials and completed a research versity of Fisheries, Nampho forts and technical resources. into a fl exible AC transmission University of Education, Nam- Miners of the Inpho Youth system. pho Technical College and many Coal Mine of the Pukchang Area Offi cials of the Ministry of other units in Nampho are using Youth Coal-mining Complex are Electric Power Industry and highly effi cient solar panels to continuously increasing produc- technicians and workers of the satisfy their demand for electric- tion by solving sci-tech prob- Pyongyang Thermal Power Sta- ity. lems, including the making of tion are pooling efforts to devel- The increased production in V-shaped iron props and that of op a kind of material as a sub- the sectors of the electric power a bent scraper-conveyor, in coop- stitute for asbestos necessary for and coal industries is invigorat- eration with technicians. keeping boilers warm and intro- ing the overall national economy The Ryongdung, Ryong- duce it in thermal power stations and helping further consoli- mun and Ryongsu coal mines across the country. The offi cials date the foundation for the im- of the Kujang Area Coal-mining have also introduced in the Sun- provement of the people’s living Complex are raising the speed chon Thermal Power Station an standards. of tunnelling and coal cutting automatic combustion control Sim Hyon Jin

14 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 15 Harnessing of Renewable Electric Power Management Energy Propelled Gets Upgraded

N THE DEMOCRATIC might be faced with a destruc- ity produced by means of water HE ELECTRIC POWER IT INSTITUTE IPeople’s Republic of Korea tive situation—a temperature power. Tunder the Ministry of Electric Power Industry is they’re making positive efforts to rise of more than 3℃. For this Besides, solar energy, wind accelerating the research aimed at making the cen- increase electricity production by reason the international com- energy and biomass energy have tral power supply control IT-based and scientifi c. developing renewables. munity is regarding active use of been harnessed to generate elec- Some time ago a Korea Today renewable energy as one of the tricity. Previously the institute developed and put into reporter had a talk with Kim important ways to reduce carbon As a result, about 70 percent operation the national integrated power manage- Yong Chol, a bureau director of dioxide emissions. of electricity now comes from re- ment system which can rationally adjust the bal- the Ministry of Electric Power I think the relevant work newables. ance between production and demand. On the basis Industry, over the relevant mat- has been done briskly in The development of natu- of the success and relevant experience the institute ter. Excerpts: your country for a long time. ral energy in the country is is conducting the research to further update the Since its liberation from the under way in close combina- It is a current global Japanese imperialists’ military tion with the development system. trend to produce electricity occupation on August 15, 1945, of science and technology, I It has developed a power supply and cross con- using natural energy sourc- my country has made efforts to think. tract system, thus providing electricity to more con- es, I think. develop and use natural energy Right. We organize sci-tech sumers with the same output as that in the past. You’re right. Today it is an as a state concern and with state achievements exhibitions and And it has developed a power-grid loss analy- and is introducing such a system in hydropower urgent matter to cut carbon assistance. In particular, water- festivals for the development stations across the country. The system was chosen dioxide emissions that cause power resources have been devel- and use of renewable energy as sis system, making it possible to correctly measure climatic change. According to oped and used in a planned way. well as for energy saving. This is the quantity of the lost power so as to decrease the as one of the top ten IT products in the national IT experts, the concentrations of In the recent fi ve years, for leading to making the relevant loss of power in transmission and tap a lot of power achievements exhibition. carbon dioxide in the air might example, 40 minor hydroelectric science and technology mass- reserves for raising the power factor of the electric And the control device research team of the exceed 1 200 ppm toward 2104 power stations have been built based. power grids. institute is engrossed in the research to develop unless relevant measures are including Hungju Youth Power And achievements and ex- The power management research team of the remote terminals and simultaneous hour meters taken at present. Carbon dioxide Stations Nos. 3 and 4, Ryesong- perience in the development concentrations of 1 000 ppm to gang Youth Power Stations Nos. of renewable energy are ex- institute has completed an integrated power man- which are important components of the national in- 2 000 ppm may remove clouds 3 and 5, Hamhung Youth Power changed and disseminated agement system of the Orangchon Power Station tegrated power management system. and raise the temperature by Station No. 1 and the Ichon Ar- across the country. This has In keeping with the world trend of building 8℃ at the maximum. my-People Power Station. And resulted in the invention and Effort is made to improve operation of the national intelligent electric power grids, the institute has Now all people in the world the construction of large-scale introduction of many things integrated electric power management system. developed a power supply and contract system for are constantly feeling the se- hydropower stations such as the including a distributed renew- establishments and families, thus letting the power riousness of climatic change: Paektusan Hero Youth Power able energy integrated system heatwave, large-scale forest fi re, Station has been pushed ahead and a water-wheel water pump consumers measure their power consumption in heavy rain, fl ood and typhoon. If with, making it possible to in- as gravity-fed pumping equip- real time via the state computer network and mo- things last this way humanity crease the proportion of electric- ment. ‰ bile communications network and use the energy rationally. It is also promoting the development of a geo- graphical information system for electricity produc- tion which will help survey the hydroelectric power generation resources that constitute the main link in the whole chain of national power production, and measure the volumes of water of reservoirs from season to season to put the power production on a scientifi c basis. Kim Kyong Su, head of the institute, says, “As the level of the power management improves, the balance between production and consumption is under good control, and power is being supplied to the consumers on a stabler basis.”

Ri Je Ryong

No. 3, 2021 17 Secret of Increasing Production

HE WORKERS OF THE TSonchon Fishery Station in Sonchon County, North Phyongan Province refer to their manager, Kim Myong Gyu, as a determined char- acter. This is because he has led them to increase seafood production considerably and ex- pand the types of business. Kim Myong Gyu Eighteen years ago, when (centre). Myong Gyu began to work as chief of the station, it had only a 54-ton fi shing boat with a crew of several men. but reminded them that what was not content with it. While doing fi shing with they had to rely on was their One day he had the idea that the single boat, he gradually own strength. Then he himself offshore culture might be profi t- increased the number of fi sh- went out to the seaside to break able, and studied fi sh farming ing boats. A few years later the ground fi rst. Well aware that he in close contact with relevant station turned into the one with had been out on the sea striv- researchers. For nearly a year dozens of boats, including those ing to produce one more ton of he accumulated experience in By Tapping Local Materials of 50, 75 and 80 tons, followed seafood, rain or shine, the work- indoor shellfi sh farming, and by its remarkable increased pro- ers followed him without a com- pushed ahead with the creation duction of seafood. plaint. of a farm at the same time. HE SAYING “WHERE to fi nd out the raw and other tory’s workers to get rid of their The station has a dry dock Then they brought hundreds And they put apple tree Tthere is a will, there is a way” materials in his locality, that is, conservative and rigid way of where they can repair ten boats of cubic metres of stones from a branches, stones from blasting means that one can do anything Mundok County. However, not thinking. Now the factory in- at a time. The following is about place over 4km away from the and scores of tons of clam shells when one is determined to do it. a few people thought that it was spired its workers and techni- how the facility came into being. station and fi xed them in the in the water of the farm, thus This can be proved by the real- impossible. Until then it had cians and thus fi ve years later Ten years ago there arose the mud to lay the foundation, thus providing a favourable condition ity of the Mundok Insulator Fac- been acknowledged that Kyong- located in the county the sites of problem of repairing boats of the completing a base for repairing for the inhabitation of shellfi sh. tory in Mundok County, South song is a pottery-producing cen- all other raw materials for the station. ten boats at a time. The result was optimistic. Phyongan Province. tre in the country, and that the insulator production and then Until then they had to take In spring large and small The following year the farm be- A dozen years ago the fac- quality of pottery and insula- established the relevant pro- boats somewhere else to repair boats repaired in the base go out gan to pay off profusely. tory had to bring raw materials tor could be ensured only when duction method. them. This cost a lot, and hin- to sea one after another. In 2017 the station increased necessary for the insulator pro- they were made of clay from the Now all the workers, well dered the production of seafood The station also has a farm of production 1.3 times more than duction such as clay and white county. aware that they can do anything in no small measure. The man- nearly 200 hectares where there the previous year which had re- earth from Kyongsong County, Kang, however, was never when they are determined, made ager disliked it. are growing varieties of shellfi sh corded the peak year level, and North Hamgyong Province, over dispirited. He organized survey valuable inventions and put for- Soon afterwards, he proposed including corbicula, short neck two times more than planned. 250 miles away from it. This teams and sent them to several ward new ideas. They raised to install a dry dock by them- clam, trough shell and oyster. The State conferred the title consumed a lot of manpower and places in their county. He him- the yield of baking from 70% to selves. It was quite a task for The farm was also created at the of National Meritorious Person fund. Then a man perceived the self explored some places there. 98%, increased the production the small station to make such proposal of the manager. of Socialist Patriotism upon the problem keenly. He was Kang After a year of painstaking capacity 1.76 times by raising a facility. A taciturn man, Kim The production results in- manager. Myong Nam, who was appoint- efforts they fi nally found out the loading capacity of baking did not say a lot to his workers creased day after day, but Kim Sim Chol Yong ed as manager of the factory in the relevant clay, the main raw trolleys and their speed by 1.6 Juche 92 (2003). material for insulator produc- times respectively, and made it It is imperative to solve the tion. The result of its analysis possible to use scrap pottery for ► over hundreds of thousands of years it has built a modern live- the factory and ask the workers problem fi rst in order to reduce showed that all indices of the production by 10%. Thus the fac- insulators of more than 20 kinds stock house, a vegetable green- about the secret of the increased the expenses of the factory and clay could guarantee the quality tory, which had produced only a year. house and a mushroom cultiva- production. Then they say, consolidate the material foun- of insulators. And the trial pro- two kinds of insulators until a Meanwhile, the material tion ground. Last year it built a “Where there is a will, there is a dation, the manager thought. duction followed. This served as dozen years ago, has developed foundation of the factory has modern welfare service building way.” So he set it as an essential task a good opportunity for the fac- into the one capable of producing ► been consolidated. In recent Today a lot of people visit Kim In Son

18 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 19 Ideals for New Victory Guidance for the People’s Well-being

T THE EIGHTH CONGRESS OF THE doctrine, and it is the mode of existence of the Party AWorkers’ Party of Korea Kim Jong Un, and the overriding principle of its activities to make general secretary of the Party, stressed the need for selfl ess, devoted efforts for the good of the people the entire Party to cherish the ideals of “The peo- and ensure that the people are well off and have ple are God,” single-hearted unity and self-reliance nothing to envy in the world. Preferential Treatment to Miners in the Anju area were continuously using such deeply in mind once again and adhere more strictly For the past fi ve years after its Seventh Con- supports. (At that time offi cials concerned were to them. gress the WPK ensured that the whole of its work NE JUNE DAY IN 1949 PREMIER reluctant to use the mechanical supports com- “The people are God,” single-hearted unity and was consistent with devoted efforts for the good of OKim Il Sung convened in his offi ce a confer- plaining that coal production decreased when the self-reliance are the political ideals and principles the people. The Party’s politics based on the people- ence of offi cials of industry, labour and fi nance min- supports were broken and put to repair.) Looking of struggle whose validity and vitality have been fi rst principle resulted in lots of miracles and chang- istries. at the offi cials who were at a loss how to reply, proved through the practice of the Korean revolu- es in all fi elds. Mentioning that he wanted to discuss a matter Kim Jong Il said mechanical supports should be tion. Last year there were held many meetings of the of coal and ore mines, the Premier said that a lot of employed for effecting the overall mechanization of The whole course of the pioneering and devel- WPK including enlarged meetings of the Politi- coal and ores should be mined in order to develop coal mining jobs as soon as possible and that bold opment of the Korean revolution consists in a his- cal Bureau of the Seventh WPK Central Commit- the economy of the country rapidly and that nation- efforts should be made to make coal mining equip- tory of regarding and respecting the people as God, tee, the 16th Meeting of the Political Bureau of the al efforts should be channelled into the undertak- ment large and modern for that purpose. a history of achieving the unity of the Party and Seventh WPK Central Committee and the Sixth ing. He went on to say it was necessary to develop Stressing repeatedly the urgent need to make the revolutionary ranks, and a glorious history of Enlarged Meeting of the Seventh Central Military new promising coal and ore mines actively while such equipment large and modern, he suggested breaking through all diffi culties in the way by dint Commission of the WPK. High on the agenda of the readjusting and reinforcing the existing ones and sending all the supports in the room to the coal of self-reliance. meetings were problems related to the well-being that preferential state treatment should be given to mines in the Anju area. President Kim Il Sung and Chairman of the people. the workers and technicians of the mines. Later the introduction of such supports that had Kim Jong Il turned the revolution itself into the For 76 years since inscribing the pattern of a An offi cial said that as coal and ore mines were been temporarily suspended started again. cause of translating the affection for the people into hammer, a sickle and a writing brush on its red fl ag, mostly located in remote mountain areas what mat- reality, and successfully pushed ahead with social- the WPK has never separated itself from the people tered most was that they were backward in terms Inspecting Power Station ist construction on the strength of single-hearted and has always advanced the revolution by relying of cultural and welfare service facilities with insuf- unity and self-reliance. Thus in the Democratic on them. In the grave trials of history, the Party fi cient supply of foodstuffs and daily necessities. One May day in 2019 the respected Comrade People’s Republic of Korea there was established has trusted the people alone, and they have been its After a while of deep thought the Premier said Kim Jong Un inspected Kumyagang Power a people-centred socialist system and materialized faithful supporters, advisers and assistants. special attention should be paid to the life of the Station No. 2. the harmonious whole of the leader, the Party and The cause of socialism in the country has ad- miners, who had become masters of the country, so After enjoying the sight of the magnifi cent dam the masses, and the country has turned into a dig- vanced in unprecedentedly arduous and complicat- that they would be able to dig lots of coal and ores for a while, he said with great satisfaction that the nifi ed one developing and prospering by dint of self- ed circumstances. It is no fortuitous event that the while working as easily as possible. Nothing should position of the dam was excellent and that he was reliance. Korean revolution has successfully pioneered the be spared to give preferential state treatment to the quite pleased to see the reservoir of the power sta- The idea of adhering more strictly to the three path of socialism. It is the fruit of the Korean peo- miners, he said and took concrete measures to give tion fi lled with water even in the dry season. ideals of “The people are God,” single-hearted unity ple’s united force and of their spirit of self-reliance special grants and extra allowances to them and After acquainting himself with the operation and self-reliance refl ects the WPK’s revolutionary and fortitude. Whenever the hostile forces’ plots to solve the problem of food and clothing for them. of the power station, he suggested climbing up the will to achieve new victory in all fi elds of socialist isolate and stifl e their country became wicked and Soon afterwards there was adopted and prom- dam and headed for a metal ladder. construction by remarkably increasing the coun- severe diffi culties cropped up, the Korean people ulgated a decision of the Cabinet on giving prefer- The ladder was the one workers of the power try’s own strength. were more fi rmly rallied around the Party in ideol- ential treatment to workers of coal and ore mines. station used to patrol the dam and sluices and check The WPK brought the world again to the reali- ogy, purpose and moral obligation and held up the the water level, and it was very steep and narrow. zation of the ideals. This was an expression of its banner of self-reliance higher. Thus they developed Instead of Censure Having mounted the dam by the ladder, defi nite will and self-confi dence in its capability to theirs into a powerful socialist country that is in- Kim Jong Un said the reservoir had a considera- push ahead with socialist construction on schedule dependent in politics, self-suffi cient in the economy One March day in 1975 Chairman Kim Jong Il, ble volume of water and that as it was always fi lled as the country planned, irrespective of favourable and self-reliant in national defence, and have in- together with offi cials in the sector of the mining in- with water it would be possible to supply water for or unfavourable objective conditions. variably accelerated socialist construction despite dustry, went to the then Industrial and Agricultural drinking and farming while generating electricity. The ideal of “The people are God” refl ects the harsh trials and ordeals. Exhibition Hall. Then he asked a senior offi cial of the county Party Party’s permanent demand to hold fast to the revo- In recent years they have made a great progress He led the offi cials to a room with coal-mining committee if the county people were pleased with it. lutionary Party climate of regarding it as the start- in making the national economy Juche-oriented, machines on display. The room just looked like a When the offi cial answered yes, he, with a hearty ing point and absolute and immutable principle modern, scientifi c and IT-based, and miraculous coal pit where all jobs were done with machines. laugh, said that they would be more pleased if more of the Party building and activity that the entire events taken place one after another demonstrat- He came to a halt in front of a set of hydraulic sup- generators were installed in the power station and Party serves the people. ing the dignity and might of the country. ports standing along a long wall while propping the they had greater benefi t from power supply. “Everything for the people and everything by re- Last year, when the country suffered consecu- roof of the coal pit. There he asked if coal mines Yom Song Hui lying on them!”–this is the core of leadership idea to tive huge natural disasters, all the people turned which General Secretary Kim Jong Un holds fast. out for the rehabilitation of the affl icted areas in re- The ideal of “The people are God” by which to sponse to the Party’s appeal, thus turning the areas ► and an unquenchable might of socialism and that Korean people, with redoubled courage and full con- regard the people as God and devote everything into socialist fairylands. self-reliance is the country’s best mode of advance fi dence, are advancing in the direction indicated by to them is a consistent political philosophy of the Through their own experiences the Korean peo- and development. the Eighth Congress of the Party. WPK. Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism, the guiding ple have been assured that single-hearted unity is Confi dent that they will continue to enjoy a dig- ideology of the Party, is, in essence, the people-fi rst really the great foundation of the Korean revolution ► nifi ed life as long as they are led by the WPK, the Ri Jong Nam

20 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 21 Education Highlighted Immortal Juche Idea (10) in DPRK Self-reliance in National Defence

T THE FIFTH PLENARY tion’s attaching importance to ed- goals and detailed tasks for the ATIONAL DEFENCE IS arms, combat equipment, and that a nation should build its AMeeting of the Seventh Cen- ucation is a number of meetings development of education. Con- tral Committee of the Workers’ and other events in recent years. sequently, the state budgetary Nan important matter deci- the latest military science and own defence industry to defend Party of Korea Kim Jong Un, In August 2014 the respected expenditure on education this sive of the destiny of a country. technology. itself. True, it would be diffi cult general secretary of the WPK, Comrade Kim Jong Un made year has been increased by 3.5% From of old all countries that In order to win a war an army for small countries to produce specifi ed the position and role of public the immortal classic work compared to what it was last neglected military affairs fell must be qualitatively superior, all the arms they need. But it the education at present, saying “Let Us Bring about a Radical year. All these endeavours are victims of subordination. and have a certain quantitative would be inadvisable to depend that education can be called the Turn in Education in the New producing due results in reality, How then should a coun- strength and be well armed. totally on others for the arms. mother of science. This state- Century to Turn Our Coun- and the speed of the country’s ment epitomizes the principle try into a Land of Learning, sci-tech development is getting try and nation settle the issue Turning the whole army They should build and develop that the basic way to radical a Talent Power.” And in March faster conspicuously. At the of national defence to protect into a cadre army qualitatively their own defence industries so development of science and tech- 2019 he went to the polling sta- 28th World Memory Champion- themselves? The Juche idea illu- strengthens it, and quickly mul- that they may produce whatever nology lies in giving priority to tion set up at Kim Chaek Uni- ships in 2019 some university minates the most correct way to tiplies it in case of need. Modern- is within their power. education, and it refl ects the versity of Technology and cast students won the prize of the build up the defence power capa- ization of the whole army makes In order to implement the Democratic People’s Republic of the ballot for the president of International Grandmaster of ble of defending their country by it invincible. principle of self-reliant defence, Korea’s strategy of building so- the university who was a candi- Memory while taking fi rst place cialism. date for a deputy to the Supreme in the all-round national rank- their own efforts. Arming all the people and it is essential to consolidate the In September 2012 an ordi- People’s Assembly. He also saw ings. Last year students from First of all, one must build fortifying the whole country is home front. nance on enforcing the universal to it that excellent apartment Kim Il Sung University, Kim self-reliant armed forces. Such also important. Putting all the The victory or defeat in 12-year compulsory education houses were built for teachers, Chaek University of Technology armed forces must be organized people under arms means mak- modern war depends largely on was adopted at the Sixth Ses- including the ones for teachers of and the University of Sciences with the sons and daughters of ing all the people ready to fi ght, whether or not manpower and th sion of the 12 Supreme People’s Kim Il Sung University and proved successful several times the people. Since the masters of arms in hand, in case war breaks material resources necessary for Assembly of the DPRK. The en- those on Mirae Scientists Street. in the Codechef programming the revolution and construction out; fortifi cation of the whole the war effort are ensured for forcement of the 12-year compul- And he invited all those teach- contests, which were an interna- sory education was not merely a ers who had been teaching at tional Internet competition. are the masses of the people, country means building up solid a long period. This is because matter of increasing the period branch schools in remote islets Over 650 items of proposed the masters of national defence defences across the country and modern war invested with an of schooling a year but a mo- and at schools in frontline areas main sci-tech achievements were are also the popular masses. An fortifying major points of mili- enormous quantity of mass-de- mentous change in the education and mountain villages, to Pyong- presented to the 34th National army made up of the sons and tary importance. struction armaments requires sector aimed at perfecting the yang to have a photo session Sci-tech Festival in 2019, which daughters of the people alone Modern warfare is three- an immense quantity of man- secondary education system and with them in high appreciation meant the increase of more than can guarantee unity between dimensional. So no demarca- power and material resources bringing about a fundamental of their patriotic deeds. 20 items from that of the earlier improvement in educational con- The Seventh Congress of the festival. And the number of items the army and the people, and tion line can be drawn between unlike former wars. Therefore, tents, methods, conditions and WPK in May 2016 had an im- put on display at the festival in- between superiors and subor- the front and the rear. Hence, a nation must build up strategic environment. The new system portant discussion on the mat- creased by 2 400-odd articles of dinates, and become a truly in order to repel aggressors all zones, store up necessary mate- was fi rst introduced in 2014 and ter of valuing talented personnel over 210 kinds as compared to self-reliant people’s army which the people should be ready to rial resources, and make full has been in full force since 2017. and making all the people well that of the earlier festival. Scores safeguards national independ- fi ght with arms in hand, and the preparations in peacetime so as Innovation is also taking versed in science and technology, of key sci-tech projects of nation- ence and revolutionary gains whole country be turned into a to continue with production even place in the higher education and for this purpose accelerat- al importance had been complet- sector. A great effort is chan- ing innovation in education. And ed during 80 days from October and serves the people. strong fortress. in a contingency. nelled into the programme of the Third Plenary Meeting of to December last year, and over Next, a defence system in- In order to implement the Today there still remains im- combining education and sci- the Seventh WPK Central Com- 7 900 items of technical innova- volving all the people and cov- principle of self-reliant defence, perialism, the root cause of ag- entifi c research closely, and mittee in April 2018 discussed tion had been worked out and ering the whole country must the nation must build its own gression and war, in the world. upgrading colleges into those the issue of bringing about a introduced, thus opening a short be established. What is most defence industry. A national So it is imperative to build up a which are basically engaged in revolutionary turn in scientifi c cut for the sustained develop- important in this respect is to defence industry is a material powerful self-reliant defence ca- training the creative talents, research and education and ment and revitalization of the developing theories on advanced set forth the slogan of “Let us production at different units. turn the entire army into a cadre guarantee for self-reliant armed pability so as to maintain politi- science and creating latest tech- make a leap forward by dint It is the invariable line of the army and modernize it. forces. cal independence, achieve eco- nologies. As a result, new facul- of science and guarantee the WPK and the state to give prior- Turning the whole army into At present the imperialists nomic self-suffi ciency and build ties, departments and institutes future by dint of education!” ity to education to make all the a cadre army is to enable all the subjugate other countries by of- up an independent sovereign are established at colleges in or- Besides, the Eighth Congress people well-versed in science service personnel to acquire the fering arms as bait, and plun- state. der to improve and perfect their of the WPK held in January last and technology, and rely on sci- ability to undertake duties of der other peoples’ resources and Peace relies on a powerful academic mechanism and set reiterated the general goal of ence and technology to pave an a higher rank in case of need; make huge profi ts through arms national defence capability. up a comprehensive academic making education the one which avenue for prosperity by dint of structure. can be fully entrusted with the self-reliance. modernization of the whole deal. Under these circumstances Another expression of the na- future of the country and the Yun Song army is to equip it with modern it is of tremendous signifi cance Kim Won Sik

22 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 23 ► awarded the February 16 Sci- She continued the research The technology she invented Pride of Medical Scientist Tech Prize and selected as one day and night while studying makes it possible to raise the of the national top scientists and and analysing the previous obstinate infertility treatment technicians 2019. treatment experience and the effectiveness. Now it has been It was a dozen years ago data on advanced medical science widely introduced in clinical VERY WOMAN WANTS that she started the research and technology. On the basis of practice, proving its great Eto be a mother. But there are project. It was a diffi cult task basic data she established each merits. quite a few women who cannot to establish a technology of of the processes and worked out Han Sun Yong, a woman have a baby for different causes. in vitro fertilization-embryo the most rational method. At living in Ryongbuk-dong, Dr. Hong Kyong Sun, head transfer, which can be said to be last she and her team succeeded Taesong District, Pyongyang, of the infertility treatment a core technology in infertility in making each process of in says, “I could not have a baby laboratory of the Pyongyang treatment. At that time vitro fertilization scientifi c for a decade after marriage. But Maternity Hospital, is one of relevant research was being and putting it on an advanced last year I got treatment at the those medical workers who are conducted, but with a lot of sci- level. Besides, she invented the Pyongyang Maternity Hospital working with all their wisdom tech problems to be solved. And effective reagents and culture free of charge and had a child. I and passion to bring such women Kyong Sun, head of the female solutions the kind of which had am really happy, indeed. All my the happiness due for them. health laboratory at the time, been imported previously, thus family and I are quite obliged to For her completion of a was unfamiliar to such research. making it possible to continue the doctors who made us happy.” research on a technology of She recalls, “I regarded it the treatment uninterruptedly Hong is still engrossed in treating infertility, she was ► as my duty to have all women in any conditions. research, fi nding the pride of her getting treatment in the She made public a thesis life in seeing women leave the Pyongyang Maternity Hospital on the clinical study of hospital with the joy of having Hong Kyong Sun (left). leave it with their babies. infertility treatment by in vitro become a mother. Though I was a stranger to the fertilization-embryo transfer, fi eld, I was reluctant to give up.” which brought her the doctorate. Kim Myong Sim

► for grafting skin onto the burns solutions to Ri Kyong Ae (right). of certain regions that might be contradictory Authority on Burns Treatment affected by deformation and dys- points never function. And she wrote several to be explained textbooks and reference books with the pre- HEN I MET RI KYONG Her mother Han Jong Ok was ed to perform operations were including Paediatric Orthopae- conceived WAe, associate professor of one of the fi rst-batch graduates the golden time for her to do op- dics and General Surgery. ideas and her the general surgery department from Pyongyang University of erations to her heart’s content. In There is the following record experience. of Pyongyang University of Med- Medical Sciences, and a compe- those days her surgical technique on her treatment diary which She did skin ical Sciences, she showed me a tent military surgeon. During the improved gradually. Indeed, she she has kept for scores of years. grafting nine photo album, asking me, “Have fi erce Fatherland Liberation War had the makings of a surgeon One December day three times, instead you ever seen such cases?” in the 1950s she worked on the with strong creative power, clear years ago three persons, on of three times Usually, people want to put frontline treating soldiers on the judgment, seasoned dexterity stretchers, were rushed to the recognized as only beautiful images in photos. verge of death. After the war she and bravery. “She performs op- hospital at 23:30. They were in enough in the However, pictures of the album was engrossed in the treatment of erations boldly”—this was the a critical condition—their faces past. The day were beyond imagination. “Oh! the war wounded. Her daughter, comment on the girl surgeon. and arms were burnt black, and the patients My God!” I screamed, turning Kyong Ae, spent her childhood, There was an anecdote that over 35% of their bodies got a recovered she my eyes away from them. They smelling the odour of disinfect- she put on her wedding dress third-degree burn with the res- hugged them, were pictures of damaged bodies ant from her mother. Seeing her in haste in the afternoon of her piratory burn as well. shedding tears of joy. break something. However, the and faces. Then the doctor said, mother dedicating herself to the wedding day only after conduct- While treating them, Kyong If the letters she received scalpel in our hand is the one for “These are traces of my life, and treatment of patients regardless ing an operation in the morning Ae discovered not a few unusual from the people who had recov- grafting skin and saving people they are valuable technical data of time she made up her mind in order to have a scientifi c un- symptoms she had never seen ered after getting treatment from death. In this sense, I’d like I have accumulated during my to become a surgeon who would derstanding of plastic operation before. Once she could hardly from her are piled up, the pile to say that superb medical pro- career.” be able to take responsibility for and relevant clinical experience. make a decision on blood trans- will be as high as a desk. She fi ciency is sincere dedication to In an instant I could imagine people’s lives. She started research on plas- fusion for removing poisoning as said the sight of the letters en- patients.” her career related to patients After graduating from college tic surgical operation for burn, the number of platelets jumped courages her whenever she fi nds What I heard from her fi lled with burns and scalpels. “How Kyong Ae became a surgeon at aftereffects of burn and other up to 700 000-800 000 instead of herself exhausted owing to unin- my notebook, and it was regret- could you become a surgeon? the Hamhung Orthopaedic Hos- obstinate diseases common in being reduced. Moreover, grafts terrupted operations. ful that I could not put down all That is a diffi cult career even pital. She always stayed at the the surgical realm. She also fell repeatedly and soft tissues In the album I also saw the of it on the article. for men, isn’t it?” I asked. Then hospital. The midnight and the completed a paper based on her kept corroding inwardly. Now photos of her cases taken after The doctor’s album is getting the doctor told me the following early morning when eminent clinical experience in employ- the surgeon made painstak- their recovery. Then the doc- thicker and thicker. story. male surgeons were too exhaust- ing plastic surgical operations ► ing efforts to sort out scientifi c tor said, “Knife is used to cut or Yom Song Hui

24 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 25 Parental care is given to a child.

► chance that he would recover. If doctors and nurses gave birth zotomy they developed and em- we had not treated him like our to a lot of laudable episodes. For ployed for cerebral palsy and With Sincerity and Devotion own child, we could not have example, they took parental care pial-synangiosis were rated ex- saved him.” of children from an orphanage cellent by experienced home and After the operation the doc- and a baby home, and prepared foreign doctors and medical soci- ODAY RAPID PROGRESS malformations. At that time brain and spinal cord of the tors and nurses of the depart- a birthday table for a patient. eties at a medical science semi- Tis being made in medical her illness was terminal, tetra- boy, and the knotty problem ment took care of him with With such humanity, they nar held in Pyongyang. science with the development plegia coupled with a respira- was that the tumour was huge. great sincerity, and his motor developed and employed new op- Now the doctors and nurses of science and technology and tory disorder. Immediately, It was about seven centimetres nerves, which had been com- eration methods including those of the department are redou- introduction of advanced ma- she was moved to the aforesaid long, reaching the fi fth cervical pletely paralysed, began to re- of operating for different brain bling their curative efforts with chines and equipment. department to get intensive vertebra. Recalling those days cover one after another. Soon tumours such as fossa posterior such humanity. Still, doctors and nurses of treatment. Kim Yong Ok, chief nurse, says, afterwards, he left the hospital tumour and the third ventricu- the neurosurgery department of The treatment to save her “The operation took eight hours. on his own feet. lar tumour. Article by Kim Son Myong the Okryu Children’s Hospital life continued day and night; However, there was a very slim ► The affectionate care of the The selective dorsal rhi- Photos by Hwang Ryo Jong have a motto of their own. It is relevant consultations were held “Medicine is a benevolent art.” several times a day, and tonics In a recuperation room. Medical workers congratulate a boy on his birthday in the hospital. The department was organ- and nutrients were continuously ized with the establishment of administered. the hospital in Juche 102 (2013). The doctors often burned the At that time, Kim Jin Myong, midnight oil trying to bring her head of the department, said, back to health, and the nurses “We should become the true strove to help her recover from kith and kin of all patients.” His her illness. At last she left the words were not so long, but they hospital after completely re- were deeply imprinted in the covering from the disease in 40 mind of his doctors and nurses. days. From then on they took devoted Last year a boy, who was care of little patients. diagnosed as with cervical in- One day an ambulance tramedullary spinal cord tu- rushed to the hospital a girl in mour, was sent to the depart- a state of shock. She was diag- ment. The tumour penetrated nosed as with Arnold-Chiari into the junction between the

26 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 27 ► met on the train. quite baffl ing. you’ve forgotten something im- With an awkward smile, Then Ki Chon smiled affably, portant.” Won Ho timidly asked, “Mr saying, “Don’t worry. I’ll do it. “What do you mean?” asked Journalist, did you visit the cou- I’m admirably excellent at cook- Kil Sun. ple of lovebirds we heard about ing. To say nothing of cooking “Do you know how many peo- True story on the train?” rice, I can make rice cake, pan- ple work for you and me? Above “Not yet. I’m just going to see cake, dumplings, sausages and all, we can each have three Life and Promise them now,” I said. so on. From now on my strong meals a day because farm work- Glad to hear me, he asked legs, shoulders and skill of cook- ers take the trouble to do farm- again, “Well, could I accompany ing are also yours.” ing all the year round. And we you there?” “But how can I let you do it can wear clothes because weav- Tokko Hyon For a moment I hesitated. I from the fi rst morning?” Kil Sun ers make cloth, and tailors make had done lots of news coverage, worried. the clothes. Builders build hous- but I had never had an accompa- “I’ll do it secretly, and you’ll es, and you see the bed of ours niment of a person other than a say you have done it. So never could be obtained because lum- journalist. worry about it,” Ki Chon assured berjacks cut wood and carpen- I, however, needed no more her. ters make such furniture with (Continued from the last issue) explanation because I could fully Ki Chon was really exact. the wood. Anyway hundreds of understand his feelings: He per- Just at 5 a.m. he got up and people work for the sake of a per- haps wanted to know about the went in and out of the kitchen son. So you and I, as members of OW I BECAME UTTERLY father saying pleasantly. * * * post-marriage life of the man- only a few times. He, however, the society, should do something Nhelpless. Not only my fam- “Well, Kil Sun, you’re as good Ho Kwang Ho’s story ended ager Pak Ki Chon. And he was prepared many kinds of dishes for the sake of society.” ily and relatives but also Kil as a member of my family from there. I wanted him to continue now worried about his own fam- to Kil Sun’s surprise. Now Kil Sun understood Sun and her parents disagreed now. I know you’ve kept your the story. But it was impossible ily affair. After setting an abundant ta- what her husband intended to with me. Subsequently I found mental sufferings to yourself. Ki in view of the objective condition: I decided to bring him with ble, Ki Chon called his parents say. And she felt sorry that she myself worrying I might be try- Chon, too, must have suffered, The train arrived at Chongjin me. and brothers. had not done anything for nearly ing alone to do what was really too. It’s a matter of course for Station, our destination. Pak Ki Chon’s house was at It seemed that he had made seven years since she was back impossible. But I further stiff- him to take such a trouble to The material supplier helped the entrance to a village of sin- a certain promise with his par- home discharged from military ened my resolution deliberate- marry a good girl like you. I be- Ho with his luggage, thanking gle-storey houses that started ents, for his father Pak Pyong service. ly, calming myself. Even if I am lieve in my son. Still, I tried to him for his good story. But the some distance up the narrow Gol looked satisfi ed without any Reading her mind Ki Chon rejected by my relatives, it’ll be test once again if his resolution young man, Won Ho, said noth- road in front of the Phohang Dis- sign of dissatisfaction on his smiled, saying, “But I don’t all right, I concluded. It’s out of was really fi rm,” he explained. ing, absorbed in thinking. trict People’s Committee. face. mean you should start to work my civic conscience to marry Kil Holding Kil Sun and me by I decided inwardly to go and Told why we were there, Pak On Sunday several days lat- just now. You had better apply Sun. the wrist, he said, “In the future see the manager Pak Ki Chon Kil Sun welcomed us, saying, “I er there were football matches for a job with something like the One day I hurried to Kil you might have more hard times without fail during my journey was unfortunately paraplegic between workshops of Ki Chon’s district housewives workteam. Sun’s house bringing my citi- than happy and good times. for news coverage that time. in my youth, the period called enterprise. He took Kil Sun on Next, you should pay attention zen’s certifi cate with me think- Sometimes, after serious misun- prime of life. But I’ve lived with- her wheelchair to the enterprise to your treatment.” ing that I had to do marriage derstandings, you might abrupt- Part 2 Hill of Life out thinking I’m miserable at so that she could see the match “My treatment?” Kil Sun registration fi rst. ly have regrets about your mar- all. Actually I have been happy. he played himself. For lunch he, asked without confi dence. She I got there, when Kil Sun’s riage. But you should control 1 It is not too much to say that together with his colleagues, could not believe that her dis- mother, coming out of the house, yourselves and be invariable. If After fi nishing the coverage such misfortune rather made cooked fi sh porridge for her on ease could be cured as she had noticed me. Pleased to see me, you fail to keep a solemn prom- of young workers of the Kim me unusually happy. I read in a the spur of a hill in the sand visited a lot of hospitals for the she put her fi nger to her lips, ise to the end, how could you say Chaek Iron and Steel Complex book that a woman’s genuine life beach. treatment but in vain. whispering, “Here’s your father you are an honorable citizen? I and the writing of the relevant starts with marriage. Kil Sun’s life was newly en- Ki Chon, however, was quite in the house.” want you to keep it in mind and article in four days, I, avail- “I had made up my mind to livened. She boldly set goals she optimistic. Her words frightened me. As make a long journey of life with ing myself of the opportunity of stay single all my life. Then, had never thought of before. She “Don’t be disheartened. I’m a matter of fact, I exchanged few one mind.” transmitting the article to my starting a new life despite my- decided to not only cook rice but sure it can be cured. Within two words with him for something Kwang Ho, this is how I mar- home offi ce, informed them of self, I could not help but feel at also make kimchi by herself in or three years, nay, maybe earli- like two months from the day he ried Kil Sun. my plan for coverage of the cou- a loss with the new environment the coming kimchi-making sea- er than that,” said the husband. rejected my intention. Now I’m quite happy with ple of Pak Ki Chon and Pak Kil and conditions.” son. The unreserved talk between Is he here? I thought feel- a new life. I want you to wish Sun. They readily consented to Kil Sun’s story started like And with winter just ahead the man and wife seemed to ing bitter against him. Does he me good luck even if you are far my plan. this. she had to knit gloves and sweat- have enlivened the woman. mean he will bring the matter to away. When you come to see me When I was going downstairs ers for her husband and his par- Right. I should work. With an end today? again, please bring me a larger in my hotel, a young man, who 2 ents as soon as possible. this thought Kil Sun wanted to Dumbfounded I barely man- bouquet with you to make up for was coming upstairs, called me The fi rst morning in her hus- After hearing about her plan, do something just now. And she aged to calm myself down, what you’ve failed to bring this gladly. band’s home, the bride should Ki Chon said, “Good, I agree felt quite grateful to her hus- opened the door and stepped time. Unexpectedly, it was the prepare breakfast for the family. with you. It is certain that you band for his encouraging words. into the house, when I heard my Yours sincerely, Pak Ki Chon young man, Won Ho, whom I ► Pak Kil Sun, however, found it cannot sit idle in the room. But (To be continued)

28 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 29 ► cite, the raw materials for vinalon, to the process of hung University of Chemical Industry, to the Fac- Vinalon Inventor and making polyvinyl-alcohol spinning solution. ulty of Chemistry, Kim Il Sung University, the The following is about how the fi bre got the highest educational institution in the country, with name vinalon. superior educational conditions and environment His Descendants The new fi bre had been called Synthesis No. 1 and advanced research conditions. for 20 years since its invention. In February 1957 Now Jong Gwa, with new insight, further devel- President Kim Il Sung, talking to Ri, asked if the oped the theory and technology of catalysts. He es- HERE GOES A SAYING “LIKE FATHER fi bre had a Korean name. Then the scientist sug- tablished new subjects such as Reaction Engineer- Tlike son.” Does it simply denote genetic impor- gested naming it vialon after the initials vi and al ing and Methodology of Catalytic Research, wrote tance? of vinyl and alcohol and the Korean character lon over 20 kinds of textbooks and reference books meaning fi bre. The President, however, proposed to including Catalytic Chemistry, Catalytic Nanotech- Inventor of Fabric from Stone name it vinalon after the Korean word nalsil (the nology and Handbook of Catalysts and made public warp) the Korean ancestors had used in spinning more than 100 papers. It was still a fantasy in the 19th century to make threads. Eight of his students developed into doctors un- fabric from stone. It, however, became a reality in In May 1961, when the fi rst vinalon factory was der his guidance. the 20th century. The inventor of the relevant tech- inaugurated in Hamhung, the President congratu- Meanwhile, Jong Gwa noticed that using a dif- nology was Ri Sung Gi (October 1, 1905–February lated the scientist, saying: Today your desire has ferent catalyst makes a different thing from the 8, 1996) of the Democratic People’s Republic of come true. same materials, and conducted relevant research- Korea. And the scientist was glorifi ed with the titles of es, thus developing lots of catalysts needed in dif- For all his life Ri could not forget his mother’s Kim Il Sung Prize winner, Labour Hero, People’s ferent sectors of the national economy. hands that were chapped weaving fabric on a Scientist, academician, professor and doctor, which For his achievements he was given the titles of loom, and his sisters who had each only one suit no one else could get with ease. People’s Scientist, candidate academician, profes- of clothes to wear when they went out. Ri’s life- Ri said, “A scientist’s destiny is defi ned not by sor and doctor. long desire was to make cheap yet soft fabric for his or her qualifi cations or efforts, that is, subjec- In December last year he celebrated his 80th his home villagers. So he spent his life striving to tive factors, but by the character of the system in birthday. But he is still engrossed in research. Per- translate the desire into reality. which they live.” haps he has the same attachment to and sincerity In 1939 he succeeded in making vinalon, a kind toward science as his father who was always anx- of synthetic fi bre, from polyvinyl alcohol for the There Is No End to Science ious to do what he had to do, regardless of what he fi rst time in the world. The invention of vinalon had done. provided global chemistry with the springboard for The chemical industry of the DPRK was devel- There is no end to science. His children, too, are a leap forward, and led to a dramatic change in the oping rapidly in the 1960s. This required that the engaged in scientifi c research with the belief that textile industry. problem of catalysts playing an important role in the frontiers of science are never far away at all if Ri strove to establish an industrial basis for chemical reaction be solved before anything else. they approach science with sincerity for the sake of production of vinalon in Japan and south Korea, It was at that time that Ri Sung Gi advised his the people. but his endeavour was not permitted there. son, Ri Jong Gwa, to switch to the domain of cata- Rim Ok During the Fatherland Liberation War (June lysts. At the time Jong Gwa was 25, 1950–July 27, 1953) he was taken into the em- specializing in a different domain Ri’s descendants pay a visit to his grave at the brace of the Democratic People’s Republic of Ko- of chemistry. And the research Patriotic Martyrs Cemetery in October 2018. rea. Only then could he resume the research for project to which he had devoted the industrial production of vinalon over ten years his all with a dream of becoming after his invention of the fi bre. an inventor like his father was He was provided with a laboratory arranged near to completion. Now he found in a tunnel in a mountain to be free from damage himself in agony over the choice of by aerial bombing, along with experimental appa- whether to continue the research ratuses and equipment. And three trucks brought for invention or follow his father’s over 100 000 books on science and technology, advice. After all he decided he running over 250 miles 40 times. The library of had to regard his father’s advice the Hamhung Branch of the State Academy of not merely as a parental one. He Sciences still keeps the magazines and books saw it as a senior-generation sci- that had been holed by the enemy strafi ng at that entist’s request to a junior-gen- time. Besides, a measure was taken to recall sci- eration one for the future of the entists who were fi ghting at the front to join his country’s science. research group. Thus Jong Gwa began to strive After the war the State set the industrial pro- to pioneer the domain of catalysts duction of vinalon as an important research task. anew. All the vinalon production processes were Later a State measure was newly developed to suit the actual conditions of taken to transfer the scientist, Ri Sung Gi. the country, from feeding of limestone and anthra- ► who was teaching at the Ham-

30 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 31 Efforts for Correct and Song Chol Man. Prompt Weather Director Pak Hyok. Forecast E-commerce Gets Expansive OT LONG AGO A KOREA TODAY reporter had an interview with Song Chol Man, HE DEMAND FOR online shops in the centre’s web- site in January last. N vice director of the State Hydro-Meteorological e-commerce is growing day site Manmulsang. Its real-time Meanwhile, the centre is T Administration of the Democratic People’s Republic the economy. after day. As the practical ef- updating of commodities, data- blazing the trail in the fi eld of of Korea. Last year we forecast in real time the weather fi ciency of commercial service base of commodities and profi ta- e-payment, one of the essential data on typhoons Nos. 8, 9 and 10 and so on, thus based on computer and mobile ble economic information service components of e-commerce. At present the world is suffering heavy making it possible to minimize the natural disas- communications networks is be- fully satisfy the requirements of The technical force of the cen- damage from the abnormal weather caused ters. We have established a very-short-term fore- ing proved clearly, the sphere of different businesses. Now the tre is making a constant effort to by global warming. cast system for more rapid weather forecast than e-commerce is widening around centre is continuously widening develop many-sided exchange, You’re right. As you know El Nino and La Nina before, thus making preparations in advance to the world. the sphere of promotion such as cooperation and collaboration in have brought about sultry weather, drought and cope quickly with the ever-changing weather con- E-commerce in the Demo- introduction of specialities and e-commerce, trade and service heavy rain and snowfall, spreading all sorts of con- ditions. We have also developed and employed a cratic People’s Republic of Korea that of technical products. work. The expectation for the tagious diseases that have threatened the lives of method of mathematical forecast of heavy rain and was started by the Yonphung It also built a “bridge” link- centre headed by Pak Hyok in the people. Last year the ever-aggravating abnor- hail and that of typhoon warning, and established a Business Information Technol- ing the DPRK with other coun- his thirties is very high at home mal weather led to natural disasters that caused meteorological disaster warning system. ogy Centre. In 2015 the centre tries, and started to introduce and abroad. many countries tremendous damage, badly affect- Now we are actively pushing ahead with the work of monitoring regularly the water volume of launched its e-commerce website commodities through the web- Yom Song Hui ing their economic development and the life of their peoples. reservoirs affected by drought, and the states of Manmulsang. It set a goal of de- The abnormal weather is worsening, and I sluice gates and seas, and informing the relevant veloping the website to make an The range of commercial introduction increases think weather observation and forecast is im- data quickly. active contribution to the devel- through the e-commerce website Manmulsang. portant in protecting the lives and property Our country joined the World Meteorological opment of the national economy of people and preventing natural damage in Organization at its seventh session held in Geneva and improvement of the people’s time. on May 7, 1975, and set up a hydro-meteorological living standards, and to befi t a Certainly. In order to protect the lives and prop- monitoring system suited to its actual conditions. window for many-sided econom- erty of people and develop the economy, weather We are modernizing it steadily. Together with this, ic exchange. observation and forecast should be put on a modern we are striving to provide correct and prompt fore- For the past six years offi cials and scientifi c footing. My administration is putting casts of weather conditions that may affect the life of the centre have made pains- in effort to put weather observation and forecast on of the people and the national economy while inten- taking efforts to attain the goal. a modern and scientifi c basis. Especially, we are sifying the relevant international cooperation. This made the centre emerge as making wide use of the latest scientifi c and techni- We will keep making efforts to further im- a leading e-commerce institution cal means including the satellite communications prove weather observation and forecast to make a of the country. A lot of businesses network to help prevent natural calamities such as contribution to the development of mankind and in the country have opened their forest fi re, fl ood and high temperature and develop their safety. ‰

32 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 33 How Mun Has Overcome Disability Liquefi ed Rare Earth Draws Attention research. He pushed ahead with the project while having two or ARE EARTH ELEMENTS ARE REGARDED three hours of sleep a day. His as basic materials indispensable to modern mother, a Merited Scientist and R industry as they have greater activity, especially doctor of the foodstuff engineer- higher binding capacity, than other elements. To- ing, gave him a lot of assistance. st Through his studies he knew day they are called “strategic resources in the 21 that royal jelly is capable of rais- century.” ing the immunity of the human In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea the body and effectively preventing research to separate rare earth elements and make damage by pathogenic radiation, them highly pure started dozens of years ago. In radioactive rays, in particular, the course of this, a rare earth element separation as it is highly nutritive. technology and a relevant combination technology A dozen years of research have been established, and progress has been made brought him the success in de- in the research to liquefy rare earth. veloping eight kinds of royal The scientists and technicians of the Moksong jelly products. Among them are Rare Earth Bioproduct Manufactory have devel- Mun Kwang Il. the royal jelly-based peach tree oped a highly effective rare earth bioactive injec- stem granules and the royal jel- tion (for animal husbandry) from liquefi ed rare UN KWANG IL, A ment or other easy job. He, how- ly-based hirudin capsules which earth. Mresearcher at the Vocation- ever, entered a middle school won a gold medal and a bronze al Training School for Persons like normal children. medal respectively at the 16th The head of the manufactory says, “Now pow- with Disabilities, is a man with His teachers and classmates national inventions exhibition. der of rare earth elements is in worldwide use in physical disabilities. sincerely helped him with his His inventions are favour- the stockbreeding sector. We, however, separated County, South Phyongan Province, says, “In the When he was two, he became study and life. Thus he gradu- ably commented upon in the and dissolved rare earth elements into high-purity past I used various additives for raising domestic unable to speak and walk prop- ated from the school with good neighbouring countries as well liquid, and developed an injection which can be animals, but they were inferior to this injection. erly owing to cerebral palsy. marks and was enrolled at as at home. used as an animal feed additive and a veterinary Since I used the injection, I could raise the growth With the passage of time he Phyongsong College of Medical He is engaged in education medicine.” rate of animals 1.5 times while reducing their feed determined to fi ght against the Sciences. At fi rst, he had wished of persons with disabilities. He The use of the injection at stockbreeding farms consumption to one third.” fate of having to depend on the to become an engineer. But just prepared a new teaching pro- and individual families for dozens of years proved Users of the injection unanimously comment help from other people all his life. before graduating from the mid- gram to suit the psychology and its effi cacy and vitality. Kim Hyon Ae, a worker that it is obviously effective in disease prevention, While getting Koryo medi- dle school he made up his mind physical conditions of students of the Namdong Cooperative Farm, Phyongwon and is capable of removing various pathogenic cine-based treatment and acu- to specialize in medical science with disabilities. It is now ap- parasites completely and ensuring a clean environ- puncture from doctors of the hoping to help physically handi- plied to a lot of students. Public interest in rare earth bioactive Koryo Medicine General Hospi- capped people like his teachers Mun says, “In my country injection is growing. ment for animal husbandry. tal, he made persistent efforts to and classmates had done him. persons with disabilities are It is drawing great attention of stockbreeders translate his determination into While majoring in Koryo given preferential treatment who aspire to ideal disease prevention and meat reality. medicine at college, he witnessed and social protection. But I don’t production. He spent several years doing some people fall ill without any think it’s good they always ex- The injection of great signifi cance in the devel- diffi cult physical exercise for the certain diseases. Then he found pect help. The real trouble lies opment of animal husbandry was registered as a purpose of getting rid of his mo- out the reason: Their immunity in mentality. Just stay out of the state sci-tech achievement in June 2020. tor neuropathy, thus becoming weakened, and thus their re- mental trouble, and you will be The scientists and technicians of the manufac- able to walk by himself. And he sistance to pathogenic radiation able to shake off your physical tory are striving to use resources richly available in recovered the speaking faculty also dropped. trouble.” the country to develop and introduce things conduc- as well. With the belief that the Mun is enthusiastically en- Later some people advised problem could be solved by rais- grossed in research and educa- tive to the economic construction and the improve- him to get vocational training ing the immunity of the human tion. ment of the people’s living standards. for hairdressing, beauty treat- body, he started the relevant Ri Je Ryong Pak Wi Hyang

34 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 35 Small Institute in Woods

OME TIME AGO I VISITED THE FOREST cultivating them. Sengineering institute, the Academy of Forestry, In 2016 the Median yew tree acclimatized to the in Taesong-dong, Taesong District, Pyongyang. mountain climate of the country was formally reg- The building of the institute was decorated with istered as a national tree species. tiles of different colours to go well with the sur- Now they produce and spread thousands of yew rounding thick woods. The institute has a plastic saplings across the country every year. This is a panel greenhouse with an area of over 900㎡, an considerable achievement as 1kg of taxol is enough outdoor adaptation ground of over 300㎡ in area, to make anticancer medicines for 500 people. and so on. Guided by the head of the institute, I looked When I admired the institute for its neatness, round the open-air adaptation ground as well. The Ri Yong Hwan, head of the institute, said with a ground was thick with various good species of trees smile, “Though small, my institute has got consid- including beeches and tara vines. Conspicuous erable research fi ndings.” was the highbush blueberry. Originally Paektusan People Who Strive to I looked round the plastic panel greenhouse blueberry, a specialty of Korea, was cultivated in fi rst. In the greenhouse there were some people Ryanggang Province alone, the northern alpine re- looking after saplings of Taxus media. I was looking gion of the country. But the new variety of high- Increase Forest Land carefully at green saplings on standard seedbeds bush blueberry acclimatized by the researchers can when Ri Sun Chol, head of the plant acclimatiza- be cultivated anywhere in the central region of the UNGSAN COUNTY, SOUTH tion chose to grow the Sangwon lation, and watering is all done tion laboratory, explained as follows: country. As a natural composite of the yew and the Eu- Mentioning that now they have laid an indus- JPhyongan Province, is located poplar (Populus sieboldii) which by unmanned devices. ropean yew, Taxus media is rich in taxol, an anti- trial foundation for producing more than 100 000 in the west coast of the Demo- grows fast. It supplied popular In 2019 the workers of the cancer substance. It usually contains 0.03 to 0.06 saplings of the blueberry a year through over ten cratic People’s Republic of Ko- saplings produced in the nurs- station produced three times percent of taxol, eight or ten times more than that years of research, the head of the institute said, “It rea. It has a lot of hills 100-150 ery to the afforestation sub- more saplings of good species of an ordinary yew tree. is not long before you can see the blueberry trees Taxus media is characterized by its very high anywhere in the central region of the country as metres above sea level, and the workteams of each farm in the for forest restoration than they air-purifying capacity: It absorbs carbon dioxide well as its northern alpine region. The tree is not forest land is not so large at the county to plant them at the foot had done the previous year, and and emits oxygen for twenty-four hours. Now the tall—1 to 1.2m high. But it enables us to picture moment. In this situation the of hills and along the bank of riv- fi nished the tree planting on tree is called living fossil and golden plant in the the future of the country with more abundant re- workers of the Jungsan County ers. Besides, it gave farms les- 2 500 hectares until last year. world as it is a rare plant of high medical and eco- sources.” nomic values. His words also refl ected the unanimous feelings Forest Management Station are sons about how to grow saplings And they are masters in culti- It was in Juche 96 (2007) that researchers of of the researchers. making steady efforts to increase so that they are now producing vating saplings, and it is attrib- the institute began to pay attention to Taxus me- In recent years alone they have established a the forest area in the locality. young trees by themselves. utable to the practical operation dia. It is important and necessary to spread to vari- technique of producing and cultivating by dint of ous parts of the country the tree quite good for the tissue culture saplings of scores of species of trees of A few years ago they built a The parent tree nursery also of the sci-tech learning space. promotion of the people’s health in particular. This high economic effectiveness including pagoda tree, new parent tree nursery to meet turns out a lot of saplings of Through the sci-tech learning was what the researchers concluded and decided to arborvitae, black chokeberry and Cornus fl orida. the demand for saplings in the pine, nut pine, larch, chestnut, they developed and introduced do at that time. The institute in the forest was small, but the re- county. hawthorn, oil-bearing tree, wild the method of using Trichogram- Through repeated experiments and failures, searchers were burning with great patriotism. they managed to establish an industrial method of What comes into sight at fi rst grape vine, tara vine and so on. matidae for the extermination producing saplings of the variety and a technique of Kim Yong Hui in the nursery are the saplings It has a saplings greenhouse, of harmful insects, thus getting of poplar and other kinds of trees a tall tree saplings cultivation much profi t from it. They also Researchers observe the state of tissue culture of the blueberry. which grow fast regardless of ground, an outdoor adaptation developed methods of producing soil fertility. In particular, it is area, a sci-tech learning space, saplings regardless of seasonal said that trees planted along the and bases for producing bio- change by means of cutting rivers in the county which has chemicals and Trichogramma- sprouting and fresh branches in many streams and rivers fl owing tidae. The saplings greenhouse, the tissue culture laboratory. into the West Sea of Korea help which can produce saplings From early this year the to protect embankments and more than twice a year regard- workers are endeavouring to create windbreak, thus bring- less of seasonal conditions, is grow a large number of saplings ing about considerable benefi t to run by a general control sys- of nut pine, Pinus strobes, red farming. tem. The system automatically pine, black pine and metase- In the course of studying dif- controls the intensity of light, quoia. ferent species of trees the sta- humidity, irrigation and venti- Sim Hyon Jin

36 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 37 Songchon County Changes

ONGCHON COUNTY OF severe damage to its residents. the County Forest Management SSouth Phyongan Province The volume of water of the river Station, says, “When we began is well known for its produc- is considerably large as many the nature-remaking project, tion of famous Songchon tobacco streams in the wide region of some people wondered if we and Songchon chestnut. Now Pukchang and Sinyang counties could carry it out by ourselves. all mountains and rivers in the fl ow into it. According to the lo- We, however, planted forests county have turned into treas- cal inhabitants, when there is and improved the rivers and ure, adding to the pride of the heavy rain up the Piryu River, streams by relying on our own county. the effect reaches the county in strength.” At a newly-built house. The mountains, which ac- about eight hours, and the water The county modernized its count for over 68% of the coun- once rose four to six metres high. parent tree nursery and saw to ► county administration, they water of the Piryu River. But ably changed in a dozen years, I ty’s area, are now covered with In the county even small rainfall it that each ri laid its own tree have improved 411.5 kilometres we did it. We built a power sta- feel great pride. It is all the more forests of economic value and severed roads, turning villages nursery. It also set up the sys- of minor streams, which account tion on the river with our own valuable as we have brought timber forests, and the riv- into “islets.” tem of putting a certain area of for 90% of the total length of strength. We’re now benefi ting about such changes with our ers have been well improved The fl ood washed away much planted trees under a certain the streams in the county, con- much from it.” own strength.” with their water used to gener- soil including cropland, causing person’s care, thus raising the structed over 250 miles of em- Last year, when it down- Now more and more people ate electricity. Thus the county the loss of grain cultivated with rooting rate. In the past fi ve bankments, newly acquired or poured across the country and visit the county to learn from its seat, which used to suffer fl ood effort. years over 37.778 million sap- recovered farmland of 200-odd typhoons swept it several times, experience. The local people are disasters, has turned as nice as It was a dozen years ago lings were produced, and thus hectares, and reclaimed cold the precipitation in the county wont to say to the visitors that a park; a lot of modern houses that the county buckled down more than 9 000 hectares of for- waterlogged land of over 1 150 was 1 125mm for 50-odd days. mountains and rivers bring hap- have appeared in every ri and to afforestation and water con- ests have come into being. hectares. But not a single house or a patch piness to those who tend them standardized fi elds yield bumper servation in earnest. Everyone The county has also pushed Cha Hyon Ryong, manager of land was destructed or lost. sincerely, but misfortunes to crops year after year. in the county turned out to ahead with the river improve- of the Songchon County Minor Won Jong Ho, a resident in the those who neglect them. In the past the Piryu River in plant trees in mountains and ment as the masses’ own effort Power Stations Management county, says, “Whenever I see the county often overfl owed an- dredged and cleaned rivers and at the same time. According to Company, says, “It was really the mountains, rivers, streets Article by Pak Yong Il nually, which was a root cause of streams. Ri Yong Il, manager of Ri Chol Hak, an offi cial of the ► not an easy job to harness the and villages which have remark- Photos by Hwang Song

Vegetable harvest in a greenhouse. The state of growth of trees is under observation. Thread production is on the increase at the Songchon Silk Mill.

38 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 39 Pacesetter of Costume Culture For Conservation of Water Resources

ESIGNERS AND RESEARCHERS OF THE Dclothes institute of the Academy of Light OW WATER-RELATED early 1960s there were done a Industry in the Democratic People’s Republic of Ncalamities and crises caused number of irrigation projects Korea are not sparing their wisdom to create de- by rapid global warming and the including the Phyongnam, Ki- signs of new-style clothes suited to the thoughts ensuing serious climatic change yang and Amnok River irriga- and feelings of the Korean people and their aes- pose a great menace to the tion projects. In particular, in thetic tastes. existence and activities of compliance with the decision of Choe Hyon Mi, a researcher of the Korean cos- humankind. the plenary meeting of the Cen- tume laboratory, says, “Our ancestors preferred According to the recent data, tral Committee of the Workers’ light, soft and vivid colours to the deep. The Ko- the water people can use de- Party of Korea held in Septem- rean costume is characterized by unique, graceful creases by 20% whenever the av- ber 1958, large and small reser- and simple types, patterns and colours. Women’s erage global temperature rises voirs and waterways were built Jang In Ae. garments, in particular, refl ect Korean women’s 1℃ owing to global warming. through an all-people campaign. character—gentleness, cheerfulness, liveliness The amount is equivalent to that In the 1980s the Taedong River tion of the country and the peo- and tenacity—and thus they draw the attention of which can be used by 7% of the was changed into an artifi cial ple’s life. costume experts around the world.” world population. lake by erecting an 8-km-long Scientifi c research institutes The Korean costume laboratory is creating de- At present about 2.2 billion dam across the sea. such as the State Academy of signs of Korean-style skirt and coat suited to the people are not provided with And a large-scale circular ir- Sciences have completed a tech- character of Korean women. With skirts and coats safe drinking water, and nearly rigation system was established nology of minimizing waste of of white, light pink, cream and other light colours 3.6 billion people are living in with the completion of the gravi- water in the water supply sys- adorned with patterns of various fl owers including regions where water is in short tational Kaechon-Lake Thae- tem, ensured the scientifi c con- magnolia, which is the national fl ower of the coun- supply for at least a month in a song Waterway and linking of trol of water consumption and try, grapevines, tree leaves, fi sh, cranes and so on, year. And it is predicted that the the already-existing large and made the water supply and the designs are popular with women. number of those who will live small irrigation systems. drainage system IT-based, thus The costume style laboratory, too, has created in such regions will increase to Later there were adopted the establishing a system which designs of harmoniously decorated dresses of soft about 5.7 billion by 2050. “Law of the Democratic People’s makes it possible to economize colours, overclothes of various forms for different Water resources, however, Republic of Korea on Water Re- on water to the utmost and use seasons, and suits, all good to look at and conveni- can alleviate climatic change, so sources” in June 1997, the “Law it effectively. ent for movement. to conserve and make effective of the Democratic People’s Re- Meanwhile, water-savers Han Ji Hyang, a member of the laboratory, says, use of them is regarded as an public of Korea on Sea Pollution and fl ow meters have been in- “We often go to experience the realities for the pur- important matter in the world. Prevention” in October 1997, stalled in organs, enterprises pose of making designs of new clothes. There we Last year, on the occasion and the “Fluvial Law of the and families, and industrial and acquaint ourselves with constitutional characters of the World Water Day, the Democratic People’s Republic of domestic sewage is thoroughly and various fi gures and tastes of different people Unite Nations Environment Korea” in November 2002. All of purifi ed. Water works, storm and what colours and forms they demand, and in- Programme called upon every sewerage systems and sewage troduce them in making designs.” them are geared towards estab- Researchers of the men’s costume designing country to actively conserve lishing a strict system and or- treatment facilities are built and standard laboratory are also striving to cre- and make rational use of wa- der in the survey, development, fi rst in urban construction in ate various forms of clothes suitable for men dif- ter resources in order to allevi- conservation and use of water accordance with the principle of ferent in age, fi gure and facial features and for ate climatic change under the resources so as to fully provide giving priority to infrastructure different seasons. They have developed designs theme of “Water and Climatic water badly needed for the eco- over superstructure in construc- of suits of bright colours adding to stamina and Change.” nomic development of the coun- tion in order to prevent water youthfulness and those of different forms suit- In 1946, soon after their lib- try and the people’s life. pollution thoroughly. able for different ages and builds, shirts more eration from the Japanese impe- Now efforts are being made Besides, a Taedong River convenient for movement and quilted clothes of rialists’ military occupation in to prevent pollution of water re- fl ood control system and a natu- various sorts. August 1945, the Korean people sources, and provide people with ral calamity control system have The institute compiled a book which gives a completed in 55 days the im- cleaner and safer water and a been established, thus making it comprehensive introduction of excellent designs provement of the Pothong River, beautiful natural environment. possible to minimize fl ood dam- created by clothes producers and relevant units which had been called “river of And hydropower stations age and put water management across the country, photos, designs of different disaster” and “cursed river.” have been built across the coun- on a scientifi c footing. forms of clothes and relevant common knowledge. With this as a momentum stren- try including the 12 tiered power And it has distributed it throughout the country, uous efforts have been made to stations in the Chongchon River Jang In Ae, researcher leading and helping the development of the Kore- conserve and make effective use basin so as to minimize fl ood of the Central Committee an-style costume culture. of water resources. damage and make a positive of the Nature Conservation Various styles of clothes are designed. Sim Chol Yong From the mid-1950s to the contribution to the grain produc- Union of Korea

40 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 41

KKimchi,imchi, DistinctiveDistinctive DishDish ofof KKoreaorea (1)(1)

Kimchi aandnd FFolkloreolklore ooff KKoreaorea

IMCHI IS A FAVOURITE TRADITIONAL DISH OF THE KOREAN Kpeople. When rice is representative of their staple food, kimchi is typical of their side dishes. It is now popular in other countries as well as Korea.

Essential for service. Kimjang means kimchi making. ► are selected to be dried in the region of Korea including North kimchi, they sent some of their Every Meal Meanwhile, the Korean peo- As ever before every family sun before being pulverized. And and South Phyongan and North own seasonings and kimchi to ple usually drank kimchi juice in the country makes kimchi in six-clove garlic bulbs are kept and South Hamgyong provinces their neighbours to exchange The Korean people have long to rinse their mouth after eat- late autumn every year, which is hanged in a shady place with is quite refreshing. relevant opinions. had kimchi as an ordinary side ing meat or fatty food, and they regarded as an important family good ventilation before being In general kimchi juice was Mothers regarded it as im- dish as well as soup and soy usually ate rice cake or pancake affair. used. Besides, prepare ripe pine prepared a lot in the northern portant part of family education sauce and bean paste. This can with kimchi. They also ate noo- Tongguksesigi, an old book nuts, chestnuts and jujubes. The region to keep fully the fresh to teach their daughters how to be known through their practice dle in kimchi juice. from the feudal Joson dynasty, taste of kimchi depends on such tastes of such main materials as make kimchi from their child- of preparing a table. As mentioned above the Ko- tells that kimchi was made in good seasonings.” bok choy and radish, but in the hood. And there came into being The traditional table in- rean people seldom thought it the tenth lunar month and that It is a custom in Korea that southern region pulverized red the saying that a young woman cludes samchop, ochop, chilchop a sumptuous feast unless there it was an important annual fam- relatives or neighbours come to pepper, pickled fi sh and other should know how to make 12 and kuchop—chop means the was kimchi on the menu. ily affair along with jangdamgu- help making kimchi. In late au- seasonings were put in a lot to kinds of kimchi before getting unit of the number of side dishes They still eat the side dish gi (making soy sauce and bean tumn women sit in a circle trim- make the dish very palatable. married. served in lidded vessels at one for any meal. paste). ming bok choy, pickling the veg- Such being the reason, kimchi Meanwhile, Korean women time. Samchop means three side In late autumn any family etable, cleaning the pickled and from the northern region, with made efforts to make different dishes; ochop fi ve; chilchop sev- Kimjang, across the country is busy pre- insert seasonings into between much juice, is light yet extreme- kinds of kimchi to suit differ- en; and kuchop nine. Rice, soup, Annual Important paring for making kimchi: They leaves of the vegetable—this is ly fresh in taste, and that from ent likings and palates of their kimchi, and seasonings such as Family Affair select and trim choice bok choy a distinctive scene that can be the southern region, with less family members. They made wa- soy sauce and peppered bean and radish, and prepare season- seen in Korea alone. The custom juice, is red, pungent and strong tery plain kimchi for their old paste were not included in any A Korean saying goes that ings. still remains good although an in taste. parents and put much less red categories because they were a “Kimchi accounts for half the Kimchi made by Pak Myong industrial method has been de- And different families make pepper if it was for their little must for the table. winter food.” This shows how Sil, head cook of Kallimgil Res- veloped for kimchi making. kimchi of different tastes be- children. And they adjusted the As a main side dish kimchi important kimchi is in winter, taurant No. 5, Mangyongdae cause they are different in liking amount of seasonings and fi sh was usually put on the table for and the Korean people have far District, Pyongyang, has been Different in Taste and palate. for those who liked or disliked a ordinary people as well as royal more kimchi than they do in any rated as excellent at a kimchi The Korean people have long fi shy or pungent taste. families and aristocrats. other seasons. contest, the kimchi event of a Kimchi is somewhat fra- regarded the taste of kimchi as Now there still take place It was also put on the table In Korea winter is a long, cuisine festival and other similar grant, refreshing, sweet yet a criterion for assessing a fam- cuisine shows and festivals for for memorial service. Koryosa cold season, and it is unfavour- contests and festivals. The head sourish, pungent yet pleasant ily’s food. So Korean women, the purpose of preserving the (History of Koryo) and other old able for cultivating and storing cook says, “What is important and palatable. when making kimchi, asked for original taste of kimchi. This books from the feudal Joson dy- vegetables. So the Korean people in making kimchi is to do prop- Kimchi varies in method of advice from their neighbours or also serves as a good opportu- nasty (1392–1910) tell that kim- developed a method of storing erly the primary pickling of bok making, material and taste by the elderly, thus learning the nity to learn one another’s expe- chi was designated as one of the vegetables a lot in autumn to eat choy in salt water, and prepare family and locality. skill of making the dish. And rience. dishes for the table for memorial them both in winter and spring. good seasonings. Red peppers ► The one from the northern after fi nishing the making of Choe Sol Mi

42 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 43 Scenic beauty of Inner Chilbo.

Mt Chilbo ( 2 ) ► Hwanhui Ridge, a horseback- sight of the wonderful scen- the Taeung Hall which is the shaped ridge, lies at the start- ery. Hence the name Hwanho main structure, Simgom Shrine, ing point of the pathway which (cheer). Umhyang Pavilion, Kwanum leads to the Kaesim Temple. See Walk some distance through Hall and Sansin Pavilion. Here Inner Chilbo nine beauty. bul Peak at the centre. eastwards on top of the ridge, a small valley southeast of you can see the Buddhist imag- Inner Chilbo is divided into To reach this section you and high rocky hills will come Hwanhui Ridge, and you will es and other relics, particularly N INNER CHILBO THE four sections–Kaesimsa, Sang- have to cross Paktal Pass with in sight. Then you will exclaim, see Pothak Rock. The rock re- an old birch bell with a curious Imountain ranges are not so maebong, Naewon and Isonam, numerous bends. At the foot “Fantastic!” Hence the name sembles a mysterious gem on a sound. long and the valleys are not so all connected by roads and paths of this pass you will fi nd a zig- Hwanhui (ecstasy). table. Chonbul Peak is situated deep, so it is good for sightsee- for the convenience of tourists. zag belt of white rocks, 10 to There is a group of rocks, Located in the forests of Mt in the heart of Inner Chilbo. It ing. The centerpiece of the scen- 15 metres high, extending from Hwanho Rock, on a hill north Pothak in Inner Chilbo, the is hemmed by such peaks and ery is Chonbul Peak, “guarded” Kaesimsa Section east to west. Cross Paktal Pass of Hwanhui Ridge. It resem- Kaesim Temple was built in 826 rocks as Mansa Peak, Jong- by rocks of various shapes–hu- feasting your eyes on this “snow- bles an array of travellers, who in the period of Palhae (698– gak Peak, Rahan Rock and mans, animals, buildings, etc. It has such low valleys as capped” area, and you will arrive have come all the way to see 926) and repaired on later oc- Wonsungi (monkey) Rock. From olden times the area has Kumgang, Sudoam and Chong- at Kaesim Bridge leading to the the celebrated mountain. They casions. Inscribed on the list of been widely known for its femi- gye, and scenic spots with Chon- Chonggye Valley. ► look like cheering loudly at the national treasures, it comprises Pak Thae Ho

44 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 45 National Intangible Cultural Heritage (51) Ho Jun and Ssolmaethagi Tonguibogam

OREAN CHILDREN LIKE driven at the end. Children at the age of above O JUN (1546–1615) WAS AN EXPERIENCED ssolmaethagi (sledging) Later a sledge with a steer- ten compete with one another K physician and medical scholar. At 30 he was in winter. It was popularized ing part came into being, mak- in sledging—to be the fi rst to H appointed as offi cial of the pharmaceutical agency, in Korea in the Middle Ages. ing sledging more pleasant. It is sledge to and back from a fi xed the organ in charge of preparing medicines to be Ssolmae means sledge. divided into two kinds—one to point, a relay race and tag. used in the royal palace during the period of the Sejong Sillok (Chronicles be steered by hands and the oth- Tag is the most popular with feudal Joson dynasty (1392–1910). During the Im- of King Sejong), a classic of the er by feet. Another kind is large children. When the game starts, jin Patriotic War (1592–1598) he worked as the Korean nation, tells that during enough to carry two or three the tagger chases children by king’s physician. In 1591 he worked out a new pre- the 15th century, when the traffi c children. sledge, and they should avoid scription for smallpox, saving many lives. In his was tied up with heavy snow in There is also oebalgi (a sin- being touched by the tagger, by thirties he compiled medical books. And he wrote the Hamgyong provincial region, gle-blade sledge) to ride on ice. pretending to go right before go- and published Onhaeduchangjibyo, Onhaethaesan- sledge riders were employed to It is faster than a double-blade ing left or in the other way. They jibyo and Onhaeguguppang, helping spread knowl- transport supplies to the region one, and can change direction can raise speed as they please edge of treatment. so as to save the local inhabit- quickly. on ice but cannot easily change In 1596 he started to compile Tonguibogam (En- ants and cattle. The sleigh to ride over snow direction, so the game is more cyclopaedia of Traditional Medicine of Korea). The Sledges are divided into two was usually called jjokbalgu (a interesting than others. This is next year Japan reinvaded Korea, and medical of- fi cials dispersed. Thus the compilation of the book kinds—one to ride on ice and the man-pulled sleigh) or nunssol- why children play the game de- stopped temporarily. Ho, however, did not stop the other on snow. mae (snow sleigh) in mountain- spite the cold weather of winter. compilation. The fi rst kind is usually ous areas. It can usually carry Ssolmaethagi is good for After the end of the war the king put him alone 40cm long, 35cm wide and about four or fi ve persons. helping children not only endure in charge of the compilation of the book, and pro- 10cm high. It has two blades In winter, when the snow cold and train their bodies but vided him with over 500 medical books of the royal made of bamboo sticks, iron wire is coming down in large fl akes, also cultivate bravery and agil- palace to refer to, thus offering the convenience to or metal. children sledge down a hill or ity. him. Two sticks were used for perform skilled movements The play is on the list of na- Without caring for his private life, Ho made and mental culture and regimen in keeping health sledging. The wooden stick was while riding a sledge on ice. tional intangible cultural herit- painstaking efforts to compile the book. But in while regarding it as secondary matter to use medi- around 3cm thick and as long as This adds to the atmosphere of age. 1608, just before he completed the compilation of cines, acupuncture and moxibustion. This principle one’s sitting height with nails winter. Rim Ok the book, the king died, and Ho was exiled to a re- of medicine permeates all the parts of the book. mote place for his failure to save the king as his The compendium describes in Korean the physician. Even in the unfavourable conditions of names of all medicines in the part of decoction to the place of exile Ho continued the compilation of encourage the use of domestic medicinal herbs and the book. At last his painstaking efforts of a dozen medicines, thus making it easy to collect and use years bore fruit—the completion of the book in Au- medicinal herbs; and it gives origins of the theories gust 1610. and prescriptions described in it so as to prove that Tonguibogam of 25 volumes, as a compendium they are not the author’s subjective conjectures. of the Koryo medicine, consists of fi ve parts—inter- The publication of Tonguibogam helped develop nal treatment, external treatment, miscellaneous the Oriental medicine a stage farther, and made a diseases, decoctions, and acupuncture and moxi- milestone to show the extent of development of Ko- bustion. Chapters and sections are set according ryo medicine. to diseases, and the theory of each disease and rel- Ho turned 60 when he completed the book. He evant prescription are written in the relevant chap- still wrote the medical books Sinchanbyogonbang ters, thus making it possible to see the prescriptions and Pyogyoksinbang. The books were compiled for clearly. And it describes single-medicine prescrip- the purpose of treating acute febrile infectious dis- tions and methods of acupuncture and moxibustion eases that were called onyok at that time. The con- for different symptoms, and occasionally Ho’s own tents of the books were correct and concise as com- Children go sledging experience in treatment so that they can be used pared with the existing medical books, thus greatly at the Masikryong practically. Ski Resort in helping treat diseases. December 2018. What characterizes the book is that it fully crys- Ho Jun, who made a great contribution to the tallizes the essence of the existing medical books so development of Koryo medicine, died at the age of that it is convenient and useful as a medical book, 69 in 1615. and that it puts main emphasis on physical training Rim Ok

46 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2021 47 History Denounces Ryongwang Pavilion

FTER THE END OF THE suspending “free access” to the the Korean volunteers as the HE RYONGWANG PAVIL- decorated with morutanchong, ion on the bank of the Taedong ARusso-Japanese war in palace, and entrust the “guard” main culprits of the local distur- Tion in Taedongmun-dong, or a moderate form of traditional River he, captivated by the sur- 1905 the Japanese imperialists of the imperial palace and the bance and suppress them merci- Central District, Pyongyang, is decorative painting, as a whole. rounding scenery, tried to com- occupied Korea militarily and emperor to the Japanese police. lessly. one of the most excellent pavil- And its beams are gorgeously pose a poem but wrote only the ions remaining in Korea, a relic decorated with silk-texture pat- two lines and snapped his brush, buckled down to establishment And they saw to it that the Ko- Meanwhile, the Japanese representative of the pavilion terns. tearfully lamenting that his tal- of colonial domination over the reans could not meet their em- imperialists cooked up the “Law architecture in the middle ages. From ancient times the pavil- ent was too poor to describe the country. Under the pretext of peror without their approval. on Mining” and the “Korea- Built in the period of Kogu- ion has been well-known as one scenic beauty of Pyongyang. “protection” they fabricated the By doing so they left no freedom Japan Fishing Agreement,” ryo (the fi rst feudal state in of the eight scenic spots in North The Ryongwang Pavilion illegal and invalid “Ulsa Five- of the Korean emperor, and put plundering gold, silver, copper, Korea that existed from 277 BC and South Phyongan Provinces is also associated with the Ko- point Treaty” by means of threat him under their control. At that coal and other underground re- to AD 668), it was reconstructed and Jagang Province. It was also rean people’s patriotic struggle and intimidation, coercion and time the supreme ruler of Korea sources and marine resources in the period of Koryo (another called Jeil (Number 1) Pavilion against foreign invaders. A story deception. In December 1905, Ja- was not the emperor of the feu- of Korea on a large scale. They feudal state that existed from and Manhwa (all kinds of fl ow- tells that before the pavilion fa- 918 to 1392) and the feudal Jo- ers) Pavilion. mous general Kim Ung So and pan, under the cloak of the trea- dal Joson government but Ja- also organized the “Oriental De- son dynasty (the last feudal It is exciting to mount the pa- the famous kisaeng (entertainer) ty, proclaimed “royal ordinance” pan’s “resident-general,” and the velopment Company of Japan” state in the country that existed vilion with a calligraphic hang- Kye Wol Hyang beheaded the No. 267 on “Regulations of the ruling organ was not the feudal to wrest land from Korean peas- from 1392 to 1910). The present ing board which reads Chonha- chief of the Japanese invaders Residency-General and Board of Joson government but Japan’s ants randomly, and established building is the one rebuilt in jeilgangsan (the most pictur- by employing a crafty trick dur- Directors” consisting of 33 arti- “residency-general.” the Bank of Korea, seizing the 1670 after its predecessor was esque place in the world) and see ing the Imjin Patriotic War. cles. On February 1, 1906 they During the rule of the “res- fi nance of the country and hin- burnt down during the Imjin the scenery of the Taedong River At present the pavilion is be- offi cially set up the “residency- ident-general” over the coun- dering the development of the Patriotic War (1592–1598). below. ing preserved as a national treas- general in Korea” in Kyongsong try the Korean people suffered national capital. Besides, they The pavilion has a unique The pavilion has a board in- ure, and serves as a cultural rec- (Seoul at present), and imposed indescribable misfortunes and issued the “Ordinance on Prima- layout. With a ㄱ-shaped layout, scribed with two lines of a poem reation ground. There are other it looks like two lofts connected composed by Kim Hwang Won, cultural relics including the Tae- rule by the “resident-general” sufferings. The Japanese im- ry Schools” and the “Ordinance obliquely. With a traditional a poet of the Koryo dynasty. dong Gate and the Pyongyang over the country. perialists mercilessly cracked on Public Schools” to enforce co- Korean-style gable roof, it is Standing on the Pubyok Pavil- Bell in its vicinity. ‰ The “resident-general,” be- down on and killed the anti- lonial slave education, and for- longing directly to the Japanese Japanese patriotic Koreans who cibly closed public schools that king, was empowered to suspend they saw as a hindrance to their had patriotic and anti-Japanese and cancel Korean ordinances colonial rule. On the pretext of tendencies. and treaties relating to diplo- “suppressing rioters (righteous Moreover, the Japanese im- matic relations on behalf of the volunteers)” they intruded even perialists destroyed and plun- Japanese government. And by remote mountain villages of the dered a tremendous amount of issuing “orders of the residency- country as well as its major cit- cultural assets of Korea. general” he exercised the power ies, conducting brutal “punitive They committed unprece- to detain Koreans, order the use operations” against anti-Japa- dentedly hideous and inhumane of armed forces, and the like. nese volunteer corps, burning crimes against the Korean na- The Japanese imperialists down all villages where the vol- tion during their 40-odd-year- hurled huge armed forces into unteers had once camped and long colonial fascist rule. Korea in an attempt to consoli- shooting to death uncondition- Japan, however, is distorting date the rule of the “resident- ally those who had been related and whitewashing its history general,” and weakened the with them. of crime, far from making apol- power of the Korean emperor The ringleader of such mas- ogy and reparations for its past systematically in his feudal gov- sacres was the “resident-gener- crimes. It is natural that the in- ernment. They forced the feudal al.” The fi rst “resident-general” sular country is now shunned by Joson government to proclaim Ito Hirobumi ordered the offi c- the Korean people and the other the ordinance on “forbidding ers of the Japanese ground force sectors of the international com- approach to the imperial pal- who had been mobilized for the munity. ace” for the so-called purpose of “suppression of rioters” to treat Kim Kwang Song

48 KOREA TODAY