Gold Medal of Yesenin

Chairman Kim Jong Il received Gold Medal of Yesenin from the Moscow Committee of the Union of Russian Authors and Editorial Board of Moscoviya Literaturnaya in March 2008. Monthly Journal (753)

C O N T E N T S

3 Into “Gold Mountains,” “Treasure Mountains” In Korea there is under way a vigorous all-people drive

for afforestation and conservation of forests.

5 Forest Resources Increase 8 Forest Designers 10 Efforts Go into Afforestation 12 Planting Trees Personally 13 Product of Growing Demand 14 Makers of Pine Brand Backpacks 16 Light-burned Magnesia Products Grow Popular 18 Talented Young Scientists 20 For Underground Resources Development

Monthly journal Korea Today is printed and posted on the Internet site www.korean-books.com.kp in English, Russian and Chinese.

1 21 High Aim to Beat World 22 Using New Teaching Methods 24 Worthwhile 26 Under Free Medical Care 27 Songyo Koryo Medicine Factory 28 Star of Gymnastics 28 National Intangible Cultural Heritage (28) Koryo Medicinal Dietary Therapy Front Cover: Saplings are tended well at the Mun- 30 Motive Force for Victory dok County Forest Man- agement Station in South 32 Believe in Yourself Phyongan Province 34 Women’s Profi le Photo by Ra Phyong Ryol 36 Patriotic Family 37 Changing Scenery of Taedong River 40 White Herons Fly over Land of Sangwon 41 Country Rich in Mineral Water 42 Mt Kumgang (1) 44 Myongnimdabbu, a Hundred-year-old Veteran Commander 45 To Usher in Heyday of Peace, Prosperity and Reunifi cation 46 Demonstration of Ardent Patriotic Spirit 48 Japan’s Old Crime of Sexual Slavery Revealed (2)

Back Cover: A mass drive Inside Back Cover: National Tree—Pine is under way to plant trees

Photo by An Kang Rim Common Knowledge

4 Forest Fire Extinguishing Agent Developed 13502 ㄱ – 198019 15 Gold Spring Discovered Edited by An Su Yong Address: Sochon-dong, Sosong District, Pyongyang, DPRK E-mail: fl [email protected]

© The Foreign Language Magazines 2019

2 Into “Gold Mountains,” “Treasure Mountains”

A new history of “gold mountains” 1947, and that he would hand down the book from generation to generation. HE EXPRESSION “GOLD MOUNTAINS” Then the leader said: You had better write Tbegan to be used in the country two years after “Gather gold from all mountains,” and hand it its liberation from the Japanese imperialists’ mili- down to your descendants. tary occupation. The next day Kim Il Sung sat to- There was the Kuji village in a gether with the people of the village, valley in Yangdok County, South and taught them how to use moun- Phyongan Province. The valley is OST OF KOREA’S tains to improve their life quickly. deep and thickly wooded, so it is said territory consists Later, the local people carved M on a steep, huge rock near the low- that one cannot fi nd one’s ox when it of mountains. It is one hipped log cabin the leader’s instruc- hides in the valley. Though the coun- of the main policies of try was liberated the village people tion for the old man to write “Gather the Workers’ Party of were still making their living by do- gold from all mountains,” and hand Korea (WPK) to turn all ing farming on slash-and-burn fi elds. it down to his descendants. the mountains into “gold In September 1947 Kim Il Sung, The instruction of the leader be- leader of the new Korea, visited the mountains,” “treasure came a famous aphorism, encourag- village, the poorest one in the county. mountains.” ing the whole country to strive to To go there he had to cross stepping- open a new history of “gold moun- stones covered with fur, cut the way through bushes tains.” And a nationwide campaign was conducted and climb up a rugged mountain slope. He dropped to comprehensively use mountain resources, and in at Ri’s home and sat on a straw mat, having a increase the valuable assets by protecting them talk with the elderly man. When the leader asked well and developing new ones. Ri what kinds of wild fruits, edible herbs and trees were there, he replied that there were wild grape, What is true patriotism? fruit of tara vine, wild pear, pine nut and acorn, and went on to say that they mixed acorns with Socialist patriotism is not an abstract concept, foxtail millet or potatoes to supplement their food, but a specifi c ideological sentiment that sprouts that other wild fruits were used for children’s eat- and develops from treasuring even a single blade of ing between meals, and that medicinal herbs were grass or tree of one’s motherland. Those who are well crushed to stick on injuries. aware of the beauty of their own country and love it Then the leader pleasantly said: Wild fruits, ardently will sacrifi ce their lives for the sake of the edible herbs and medicinal herbs might produce Party and the leader, the country and the people. a great income without investments. If you collect This is an aphorism that refl ects Chairman medicinal herbs, wild fruits and edible herbs and Kim Jong Il’s view of life. He paid deep attention sell them to the state, it will produce medicines and to afforestation of the country throughout his life. foodstuffs needed for the promotion of the people’s On October 10, 1950, during the Korean war, living standards, and thus mountain people can get young Kim Jong Il planted two young pine-nut a lot of income as they only have to gather and sell trees on Mt Jangja to mark the founding anniver- those things without any investment. sary of the WPK. The next morning he watered the Realizing belatedly that the man he was hav- trees, and said to the accompanying offi cials that if ing a talk with was the leader of the country, the the Americans burned one tree, they had to plant old man took out a small notebook from his pocket, ten, even a hundred trees to make the country’s and with a pencil butt suspended with thread from mountains and fi elds greener. the book, neatly wrote something on it while mois- Now lots of saplings cultivated from the seeds tening the pencil on his lips. Then he said to the of the trees have grown in thick verdure across the leader that he had written on the book that General country. Kim Il Sung visited his house on September 29, One day after the war Kim Jong Il planted ►

No. 3, 2019 3 ► various trees around his school together with other of the country and devotes one’s heart and soul to students, and said to them that now there were no looking after them. Forest Resources Increase undamaged trees anywhere in the country, and that they should plant and take care of even a sin- Call of patriotism gle more tree. Once the Chairman visited a unit of the One November day in 2014 Supreme Leader of everything and diffi cult and other provinces also built Korean People’s Army and planted trees together Kim Jong Un inspected the Central Tree Nursery. conditions, they built a modern land-saving and labour-saving with its soldiers. And referring to planting and He said: I remember the General [Kim Jong Il] provincial tree nursery by their tree nurseries to suit their own own efforts. The nursery consists actual conditions. tending trees as a worthwhile undertaking for the saying with great pleasure that he seemed to see of a sapling production district Offi cials and working people eternal prosperity of the country and the happiness the future of the country covered with verdure as with plastic panel greenhouses, of Jagang Province, in accordance of all generations to come, he earnestly said that he saw the proud appearance of the tree nursery. an outdoor cultivation ground, with the characteristics of their they should vigorously wage an all-people campaign He was a peerless patriot who valued and loved the a light substrate production mountainous locality, created to hand over a beautiful land and rich resources to mountains and rivers of the country like his own area, a circular cutting bed, a forests of economic value, the posterity. fl esh. seed selecting and sowing place, reserved forests and scenic During his fi eld guidance he meticulously ex- Then he said that the entire Party, the whole a seedling display ground and forests in a rational way, actively amined long-term plans of afforestation scheme put army and all the people, regarding forest restora- other facilities, covering an area introduced mixed forestry and of scores of hectares. Thus the agroforestry and concentrated up at workplaces, and when he visited factories, he tion as a struggle to improve nature, should turn province laid a solid material efforts on planting trees in was more pleased to see their buildings surrounded out in the forest restoration campaign like the OOKING AT THE and technical foundation for due season, thus fi nishing the by lush verdure with birds chirping on them more whole country had risen from the ashes during the Lverdant mountains in the producing over twenty million province’s task of tree planting than their updated production processes. And when postwar reconstruction. country I, as one of forestry saplings a year. The nursery is in the optimum season and in a he inspected a KPA unit and saw persimmon trees He said: It is the unshakable determination management offi cials, cannot a land-saving and labour-saving qualitative way. encircling its barracks, he pleasantly called it a and will of our Party to turn all the mountains into help but think of the devoted one where saplings are produced Amidst collective zeal for Persimmon-tree Company. He would spoke highly thickly-wooded “treasure mountains,” into “gold effort our people made for forest by scientifi c, industrial and emulation, North and South restoration out of patriotism last intensive methods. Hwanghae and North and South of army units that took the lead in planting trees, mountains,” within the coming ten years, true to year. My General Bureau of Phyongan provinces briskly calling them units of patriots. the intentions of the great President and General. Previously lots of successes Forestry built a forestry conducted a drive to overtake Whenever he saw a poorly-wooded mountain, His earnest call encouraged all the people to had been achieved in forest equipment and materials factory one another, learn from each he was too heartbroken for a long while, and when- turn out in the sacred patriotic undertaking. restoration, but those achieved specializing in the production of other and exchange experience, ever he saw army units and workplaces sheltered Today in Korea modern sapling production last year are greater. various sizes of plastic panels, thus planting trees in a wider by verdure and a vast expanse of fi eld surround- bases have been built according to a national af- In the van of the struggle sapling containers, sunshades area than planned and in a ed by a windbreak, he was so happy that he used forestation plan, and scientifi c, industrial and in- were offi cials and working and so on. qualitative way and thoroughly people of Kangwon Province. to say, “Green mountain” and “Green fi eld.” This tensive methods of producing saplings are being North Phyongan, South ensuring the rate of their Despite the shortage Phyongan, North Hwanghae rooting. ► is why Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un said that introduced. And an all-people drive is under way to Kim Jong Il’s patriotism is genuine patriotism create and protect forests. A mass drive is on to plant trees. that holds dear every tree and every blade of grass Jang Myong Sik

before use. The expansion rate of the extinguishing agent Forest Fire Extinguishing is 100 times, so it is good in multiplication. And it causes no environmental pollution. When it is Agent Developed used in case of a forest fi re, foam and carbonic acid gas come from it by heat, checking the con- ECENTLY RESEARCHERS OF tact between the fl ames and air. RKim Il Sung University have developed If the inhibiting agent is sprayed over the an effective forest fi re extinguishing agent. extinguishing agent or the front edge of a place The agent is divided into the one for extin- where a fi re is spreading, it inhibits the evapora- guishing a fi re and that for inhibiting a fi re. The tion of the foam and generates an inactive gas, extinguishing agent is made with a mixture of thus enhancing the effi ciency of extinguishment. protein waste from foodstuff factories, dust from And the ensuing formation of a fl ame-resisting cement factories, a preservative and a foaming layer inhibits the danger of the recurrence of the agent. And the inhibiting agent is made with a fi re. mixture of protein waste from foodstuff factories, The agents are favourably commented upon dust from cement factories and a reagent. for their utility and low price. The two agents should be mixed with water Sim Chol Yong

4 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 5 ► Successes were made in the of the forest of economic value ingly made in all parts of the manuring and cultivation of the institute of the academy of for- country to reduce dependence planted trees as well. estry under the Ministry of Land on forests. The sectors of build- Offi cials and working peo- and Environment Protection, ing materials, coal industry, ple of the city of Rason made a in close contact with a relevant railway, chemical industry and detailed plan of manuring and unit, replaced a large number of agriculture presented lots of in- cultivation for each season, and Korean evodia trees with choice novative plans for reducing the fi nished the planting of trees in ones, expanded the area of for- consumption of timber as much optimum seasons while meeting ests of new species of pine-nut as possible. The General Bu- the demands of technical regu- trees thrice by using a method of reau of the Tanchon Area Min- lations. And those of Kangdong bud grafting and built by them- ing Industry, in particular, used County took proper measures selves a base for the production light-burned magnesia to mass- for supplying water to cope with of natural sapling nutrition ac- produce wall components, ply- the unfavourable conditions in tivator. And they fi nished the wood, ceiling panels, roof panels, which high temperature and preparation for producing over shutterings and other building drought lasted long, thus pro- one million saplings of choice parts. Technicians and workers tecting the planted trees from species of chestnut trees whose of many other units, through damage by natural factors. per-hectare yield is high. a mass innovation campaign, South Phyongan Province es- Offi cials of ministries and made it possible to do production tablished a section management national organs took the lead in without using timber at all or system and made sure that for- the struggle for forest restora- lessen its consumption remark- est rangers and members of for- tion. Their active efforts helped ably as compared with before. est utilization workteams did create forests of new species of Besides, public interest in the nutritional care of trees in a sallow thorn trees and widely the conservation of forests led to scientifi c and technical way. spread good species of trees the invention and introduction As a result there appeared of great economic value in the of good methods for solving deci- ► relevant production capacity as ence on forests. The production of compared with before. The Son- Thus last year witnessed more than ten thousand hec- Rimyongsu area in Samjiyon sively the problem of fuel without saplings is on the bong District Fuel Company es- many units’ carrying out their tares of forests across the coun- County, and provide a sci-tech relying on wood. The Rajin Dis- increase at tree try last year. guarantee for mass-producing trict Fuel Company, on the basis nurseries created tablished a new brown coal muck- plan of forest restoration, the Afforestation was done thor- saplings of new species of pine- of its experience in making effec- to suit the actual based briquet production process, fruit of the efforts of the whole oughly on the basis of science nut trees by planting cuttings. tive use of various waste to solve conditions of thus making it possible to save country. and technology. Researchers Meanwhile, efforts were vy- the problem of fuel, doubled the ► the localities. thousands of cubic metres of tim- The Workers’ Party of Ko- ber, which otherwise would have rea’s great plan of fi nishing been used as fi rewood. And com- the restoration of forests in ten bustion additive-based briquette years will be realized ahead of production bases were created the schedule thanks to the peo- and coal gasifi cation was realized ple’s devoted efforts. in Jagang and Ryanggang prov- inces, Munchon and Phyongsong Kim Myong Chol, cities, Poptong, Kimhwa, Orang director of the and Hongwon counties and many General Bureau of Forestry, other cities and counties. This led Ministry of Land and to a sharp reduction in depend- Environment Protection

6 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 7 ► Then they conducted similar In 2015 the country declared they completed a map of the Forest Designers surveys and designing in a forest restoration campaign master plan of the nationwide Pyongyang, Kanggye, Hamhung, as a war to improve nature, forest restoration campaign, and Chongjin, Hyesan and Sariwon, and all the people turned out revised and supplemented South thus making it possible to do in the campaign to turn the Hwanghae, North Hwanghae, afforestation and conserve and mountains across the country Kangwon, South Phyongan forest resources. And by resolving use forests in a far-sighted way. into “gold mountains” and and other provinces’ plans of in a unifi ed way the sci-tech In 2013 when the “treasure mountains.” At that forest restoration campaign as problems arising in designing in construction of the Masikryong time the researchers were at required by the developing era, the forestry sector, it has played Ski Resort was under way in real a loss to know what to begin thus completing a phased plan of a big role in afforestation in the earnest, the researchers were with in making the plan of the the nationwide forest restoration country. tasked to make a scale model forest restoration. Ho Man Sok, campaign on a high level. In its early days researchers of a windbreak to be created to director of the institute, said, “As In the course of this they of the institute conducted a protect the slopes against strong we have a history and tradition computerized the compiling survey of the country’s forest wind and draw up a plan for the of designing the afforestation of of statistics of the general resources in a short span of time, relevant tree planting. It was the country, we will never fail to survey of forest resources and thus laying a fi rm foundation for really hard to survey ski slopes produce an excellent design for the drawing of the map of the mobilizing and using the forest one by one while climbing up and covering the country with trees. nature of the forests, built resources including timber in a down mountain ridges over 1 000 To this end we have to make a a database relating to the planned way during the building metres high on average. They, concerted effort to carry out the forestry sector and developed a of a new Korea. This constitutes however, managed to conduct survey and research for forest forest resources management the beginning of forest survey, the fi eld surveys crossing the ridges restoration.” information system. While basis of forestry management, in scores of times, true to the The researchers developed designing forest restoration, the country. intention of the Workers’ Party of an electronic map of the nature many of the researchers received Later the researchers carried Korea to provide the people with of the forests for the fi rst time in state certifi cates of registration out the survey of forests in a cultured life by constructing the forestry sector as required by of science and technology, Ryanggang Province in contact They discuss how to attain the goal of the forest restoration campaign. a wonderful ski resort as soon the era of science and technology, of introduction of sci-tech with the provincial forest as possible. Thus they made a and made bold plans of forest achievement, and of sci-tech resources survey company, and contribution to the completion of resources survey and technical invention. INCE ITS ESTABLISH- forestry strategy by surveying all thus mapped out the section- the project in a set time. designing. On the basis of this Sim Yong Jin Sment in December 1948 forest resources in the country. It specifi c technical designs the Central Forest Design also surveys and grasps the state related to plantations, natural and Technology Institute has of changes in forest resources regeneration, cutting, prevention actively conducted the work so as to help take nationwide of forest fi re and pest control. ► of establishing a nationwide measures for the management of

8 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 9 ► producing over 5 million saplings a year by scientifi c, industrial and intensive methods. On the basis of this, the station is conducting the sapling production and forest conservation and management in a far-sighted way. Previously it mainly produced saplings of forest trees, but now it is producing those of over ten sorts of fruit trees such as cherry elaeagnus and black chokeberry, and of ornamental and garden trees including Atropurpurea, Korean box tree, lilac and winter jasmine. Especially, it is putting much effort in cultivating oil peonies. As the fruit contains more than 20% of oil, its economic prospect is very good. Fruit can be gathered The interior of a plastic panel greenhouse. from the plant for more than 60 years once it is planted. Now the station annually produces over four million peony saplings to be planted in mountains in the Efforts Go into county. The already-planted trees can bear fruit from this year, and The production Afforestation the station plans to suffi ciently and management meet the edible oil demand of of saplings are the county as a whole as well as under way in a its own. far-sighted way. T IS AN INVARIABLE species of birds surveyed there section over 1 000 square Besides, it has created scores Ipolicy of the DPRK up to now number over 180, metres in area. It also built a of hectares of pine-nut and government to actively conserve and scores of species of useful rearing base for Trichogramma chestnut forests, and properly and manage forest resources animals including roe deer, deer evanescens Westwood, several conserves and manages them, and effectively develop and and hare live in the area. outdoor cultivation grounds and thus profi ting handsomely from use them. The Mundok County In 2015 a State measure was three circular cutting beds on them. Forest Management Station in taken to conduct an all-people modern lines. Ham Song Su, manager of South Phyongan Province has forest restoration campaign. Last year the station built a the station, says, “It is our goal achieved not a few successes in Since then the management plastic panel greenhouse capable to afforest and landscape all the relevant undertaking. station has more briskly been of producing about 180 000 mountains in the county and It has conducted afforestation carrying on afforestation and the saplings a year, and completed turn them into orchards in the in a planned way and created conservation and management a gravitational irrigation future. We will discharge our forests of economic value such of forests. First of all, it is system from the Ryongnam responsibility for turning all as timber forests, forests of accelerating renovation of its Reservoir to the tree nursery mountains in the country into oil-bearing trees and those for tree nursery in earnest. In 2016 and an integrated control ‘gold mountains’ and ‘treasure producing paper on natural alone it spread 2 000-odd cubic system of sapling production. mountains.’” woods and bare mountains metres of earth on the ground Besides, it built a general Thanks to the State measures which had been neglected as to complete the foundation work animal husbandry centre based and the untiring efforts of the useless. And the mountains in and realigned all fi elds in the on a reliable food production workers of the station the forest the county have turned into tree nursery, turning them into cycle of agriculture and resources in the county are habitats and homes of various standardized ones. In 2017 it animal husbandry, a workers’ turning more favourable to its birds and animals. constructed a vinyl sheet-covered dormitory, and a comprehensive economic development and the In June 2003 the State sapling greenhouse covering an welfare service facility. It local people’s life. designated the Mundok area as area of over 500 square metres thus laid a fi rm material a migratory bird sanctuary. The and an outdoor acclimatization and technical foundation for ► Kim Hyon Ju

10 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 11 Product of Growing Demand Planting Trees

Personally CAMPAIGN TO MAKE ernize relevant processes one necessary for making measuring A all goods perfect enough to by one. Skilled workers helped devices. In this way they solved be famous ones is in full swing them. all problems arising in modern- in the Democratic People’s Re- All things went smooth, and izing production equipment and public of Korea. A kind of cross- the project reached the fi nal processes with their own efforts Rustlings of Pyongyang Maple higher middle school. At the talk he said as follows: After the war two willows staunchly stood alive linked polyethylene insulated stage. Then a skilled worker and technology, laying a solid NE DAY IN JUNE 1953, THE LAST YEAR on the Pothong riverside though they had been in power cable (10kv) produced by asked the technicians if it would foundation for ensuring the nor- Oof the Fatherland Liberation War (1950–1953), fl ame and torn during the war. Anyone who saw the Pyongyang 326 Electric Wire be right without a product ex- malization of the power cable President Kim Il Sung came to a stop beneath a them felt a heart-rending pain. Meanwhile, they Factory is gaining popularity. amination system now that the production, and the quality of maple while taking a stroll in the garden—he found were proud of the trees as they had stood fi rmly in The cable has more merits than modernization of the equip- the products. many seeds fallen on the ground under the tree the fl ames of the war. Such a feeling is just patriot- which he had not seen the previous day. ism. Those who have no love for the country cannot other similar kinds, so it is one ment had been completed. He In the fi eld test the cross- It was the season in which other trees were still value every single tree and every blade of grass… of those goods the users have a was right. Modernization did linked polyethylene insulated covered with green foliage, but the tree already be- Look at those trees standing around the school great demand for. not mean just the quality of power cable was recognized gan to shed its seeds—it was quite uncommon. And ground. How laudable and beautiful they are. They The achievement is at- products. As the products were as an ideal product reaching it was commonplace that maples transplanted to are the trees we have sincerely taken care of. They an urban area from a mountain hardly turned red. have grown up into leafy trees together with us. tributable to the efforts of the wrapped with plastic, it was international and national However, the tree was tinged with different colours When we visit our alma mater in the future after factory’s technicians including impossible to verify eccentricity standards. in harmony. graduation and see those luxuriant trees in the Kang Jun Gil, head of the pro- with eyes. The cable received a DPRK Gathering the seeds scattered on the ground the school, we will think of the unforgettable school cess laboratory of the techni- Now the technicians of the certifi cate of recognized product President gave them to an offi cial, saying that they days and keenly feel the great love of the moth- should be planted in a tree nursery to be propagat- erly country which brought us up. Not only today cal development department, laboratory buckled down to the in December 2017. The mem- ed. Thinking that the workers of the tree nursery but also in the distant future we cannot see them and process engineer So Kwang development of the eccentricity bers of the laboratory are pool- had never seen such seeds before, he cut a leafy casually because we planted and tended them and Chol. measuring system. At the same ing their wisdom to develop new branch of the tree and gave it to the offi cial to take in the course of this we implanted patriotism deep In the past the factory was time they pushed ahead with products, with a high sense of it together with the seeds. in our mind and cultivated it. In the trees growing The seeds sent by the President sprouted and thickly in the mountains, streets and villages of the producing different kinds of the work to introduce devices being technicians responsible for grew well, spreading branches. And the trees were country, I see the mind of the new generation of the cable, but they were not good for measuring cross-linking de- an important production sector widely spread across the country, striking their root revolution growing in large numbers. enough to meet the requirement gree and eccentricity. They also in the country. deep in the life of the people. Later, the President of the developing reality, thus developed different kinds of jigs Sim Hyon Jin named it Pyongyang maple. The Most Ardent Patriotism failing to satisfy the demand of Trees Planted in the Days of the War One April day in 1990 Chairman Kim Jong Il the users. The production process of cross-linked polyethylene insulated power cable. went to the April 15 Children’s Botanical Garden to Ten years ago Kang was ap- One day in October 1952 when the war was at plant a memorial tree. pointed head of the process labo- its height, President Kim Il Sung took a stroll for a Seeing a pit dug by the offi cials in advance and long while on the vacant ground around the opera- a sapling put in it the Chairman said that trees ratory. After looking around the tions room of the Supreme Headquarters. The place should not be planted in this way, that originally cable workshop, he was deep in was piled up with debris. He called the soldiers of one should dig a pit by oneself and plant a tree by thought, because it was outdat- the Bodyguard Company, and suggested that they oneself so that one could feel pride, and that only ed. Immediately, he organized a plant trees on the ground. He tasked each of them then was it of signifi cance. He continued to say that with planting fi ve trees. when he planted trees on Rungna Islet in the past consultative meeting with mem- All the soldiers merrily dug pits to plant trees. together with President Kim Il Sung he himself bers of the laboratory and dis- The President, too, planted fi ve trees. While look- dug the pits and carried a sapling on a pole, and cussed about the modernization ing around the place, he said that they should hang that today all the offi cials here should take shovels of the workshop. their name plates on the trees they planted to take and plant trees together with the students and the care of them. Then he hung his name plates on the members of the High-speed Youth Shock Brigade. First of all, they acceler- trees he planted. That day the Chairman said that they should ated the work to make the cable plant even a single tree with sincerity so that it production equipment CNC- could grow well, adjusting the direction of a tree. Tree Planting and Patriotism based. There were many bot- He also said that soil should be put in carefully lest One day in July 1960 Kim Jong Il had a talk the tree roots should be hurt, and that the trees tlenecks, but by pooling their with the students who would soon graduate from the should be watered after planting. wisdom, they managed to mod-

12 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 13 ► technical development and in- An innovation is on in the production creased production. Last year she of backpacks for students. Makers of invented a machine connecting the vinyl packing of backpacks Pine Brand and a trademark heater, and de- veloped the embossed trademark of Pine, making a great contribu- Backpacks tion to the factory’s annual pro- duction of 180 000 bags. When asked about the secret of her suc- cess, she always says, “I’m a fre- ODAY THE KOREAN quent visitor to the factory’s sci- Tpeople regard it as their tech learning space.” pleasure and happiness to work and live for the future. Among Experienced “Cutter” them are workers of the Sinuiju A backpack sample room. Bag Factory in North Phyongan Sung Kyong Bok cuts all cloths Province which exclusively pro- and linings needed for backpack duces Pine brand backpacks for production. With her novel idea students. and skilful hand movement the girl swiftly cuts out a huge pile of Young Woman Living cloth. Two years ago she was cho- Gold Spring Discovered in Children’s World sen as the head of the factory’s art circle—it seems she naturally has Myong Il Sim, a member an artistic vision. Today, under ECENTLY A RARE water, corresponding with of the designing section, often her guidance, the artistic ability gold spring has been the pH in the blood of human “complains” that both her family of the workers has become good R members and colleagues treat her enough to put even professionals discovered in Hwapho-ri, body. Its association degree is as the youngest. However, her to shade, and the art circle of the Phyongsong. Rising from a 8, the smallest among those of workmanship always arouses ad- factory is estimated to be the best spot hundreds metres away the famous spring waters in miration from her colleagues. She in the province. from the Taedong riverside, Korea at present. It contains has drawn over 20 of the 210-odd the water, it is believed, forms more bicarbonate than other kinds of bags from the factory. “Eldest Sister” as a combination of the wa- spring waters, and its tem- She always mixes herself with in the Factory ter of the river which passes perature is 12℃. children understanding what pic- through a placer gold layer With no impure taste, it tures and toys they like; what col- Sin Kwang Suk is the leader beneath the Hwapho area and remains unchanged in its ours they like most; what anima- of Sewing Workteam No. 3 and an the underground water which properties despite the pas- tions girls like and what pastimes A-class skilled worker. As she has fl ows along acruist fracture sage of time. The daily yield of boys like. When she is with them, rich experience and high skills zone of Mt Jamo in the city of the water is hundreds of cubic she often thinks, “Can I always she is regarded as a treasure of Phyongsong. metres, and it never dries. live in their world?” the factory. At a national bag ex- The water is the natu- A drink made of the spring hibition held in October last year ral one of many mysterious water has a wonderfully good Frequent Visitor the bag she made was selected as features. According to its taste. the best product. analysis it harmoniously and People say that it not only Everybody is very busy go- I should train all the needle ideally contains gold (0.002 tastes better than others but ing to work in the morning. But workers into those possessed of mg/L) unlike any other spring also promotes urination, and a young woman avidly reads a the ability to do any work—this is water, silver, and 28 kinds of that it is effi cacious in treat- sci-tech book on the way from her goal. She has taken charge of minerals needed for human ing digestive diseases such her dormitory to her workshop. over ten needle workers, and de- health and longevity includ- as indigestion, enterocolitis, Whenever they see her, her col- votes her all to the improvement ing such essential microele- gastritis, hepatitis and chole- leagues think what novel idea she of their technical knowledge and ments as selenium, fl uorine, lithiasis, urinary diseases, is now thinking of. skills. Every day she gives them a iron, manganese, zinc, copper conjunctivitis, allergic diseas- The woman is So Ji Hyon, a task, corrects their mistakes, and and chrome in such a way as es and skin diseases including member of the palette printing takes care of their life sincerely. to be fi t for hygienic safety. cosmetic poisoning, crystal workteam. She has contrived val- So workers of the factory call her As a mild hard water, its rash and eczema. uable things, thus playing a great “eldest sister.” pH is 7.4 in the state of raw Sim Chol Yong role in promoting the factory’s ► Kim Son Myong

14 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 15 Light-burned Magnesia Products Grow Popular

HESE DAYS PRODUCTS so they are earning favour with structure of a service establish- ► with the task of solving the prob- While developing new kinds burned magnesia, says, “Light- Tmade from light-burned the public. At the 33rd national ment in the Wonsan-Kalma lem of avoiding deformation and of products which satisfy all burned magnesia can be an magnesia by the Pyongyang sci-tech festival last year and coastal tourist area project, susceptibility to water, which technical indices, the factory alternative to wood, iron, por- Foam Prefab Factory are grow- some other exhibitions different the serviceable life of the shut- are the bottleneck in using the established advanced technolo- celain, and what else. The pros- ing more and more popular. building materials, furnishings terings made of light-burned light-burned magnesia, but now gies and production processes pect is all the better because These products are known as and furniture articles from the magnesia was four or fi ve times their scope of research expanded fed with light-burned magnesia. our country has world-famous green and energy-saving ones factory were highly rated. Typi- longer than the water-resistant considerably. They had to make Now it is manufacturing what- magnesite deposits and they are board formwork. And the wall a design of each product accord- ever it wants to meet the de- of a high grade. Things made of boards, ornamental panels and ing to their properties and learn mands. light-burned magnesia are fi nd- insulation boards showed no a proper rate of materials to be Ho Kang Jin, a researcher ing their way into people’s life change in different humidity and mixed while fi nding suitable who has played the main role rapidly.” temperature levels while having auxiliary materials for fi lling. in developing products of light- Kim Chol Hyon multi-functional natural effects against noise, fi re and erosion, so they enjoyed great favour at the construction site. Here goes a story about how the idea of insulation board of light-burned magnesia was con- ceived. One day a researcher of the factory who was studying building materials happened to see a street kiosk on fi re. The fi re engine rushed in haste but the counter made of thermal sheets was burnt off, because the foamed plastic which is the material of the sheets was burnt Light-burned magnesia goods are under production. off in an instant. Shocked at the sight, the re- because they emit anions, and cal of them were shutterings, searcher got down to the job of are fi re- and moisture-proof, doors, computer tables, dining studying a fi re-proof insulation highly strong, hard, and highly tables and kitchen utensils. A board and fi nally developed a resistant to noise and erosion. huge number of people were sur- board with the attachment of As it absorbs carbonic acid gas prised to see the smart and light light-burned magnesia. in the air, the application of things, feeling and lifting them As the products got better and light-burned magnesia products with their own hands. They ad- better reputation, the amount of in dwellings is as good as having mired that they can endure in order grew and grew. And their several trees inside the home. temperatures of nearly 1 000 de- demand was diverse and varied. The Pyongyang Foam Pre- grees centigrade and are three Surpassing the range of building fab Factory was not the fi rst times stronger than concrete. materials, furnishings and fur- to develop such products. And A typical product is light- niture, they demanded all kinds yet its products of the kind are burned magnesia shutterings. of products needed for develop- lighter and varied compared According to the verifi cation by ment of the national economy. Some of the goods. with those from other factories, the builders who erected the At fi rst, the researchers began ►

16 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 17 N JULY LAST YEAR THERE detail. The advance party spent sources of fauna and fl ora. It is Talented Young Scientists Iwas held the 30th Session of nearly a year pushing their way a patriotic undertaking for pro- the International Co-ordinating through dense forests to conduct tecting the precious assets of the Council of the Man and the Bio- fi eld investigation, and thus sur- country, increasing its natural sphere Programme in Indonesia. veyed in detail the regional and resources and turning it into a In recognition of the biodiver- spot-specifi c distribution of ani- socialist paradise that is beau- sity of the Mt Kumgang area, mals and plants on the verge of tiful and good to live in. Let us the possibility of sustainable extinction and rare ones in the dedicate our clear conscience to development of the area and its mountain, and laid a scientifi c the patriotic work.” social and cultural values, the foundation for the protection of They continued with the dif- session unanimously decided to them. Later it turned out quite fi cult fi eld survey, whether they inscribe the area on the list of helpful for the fi eld survey and were appreciated or not, in or- global biosphere reserves. The study in the Mt Kumgang area. der to add more brilliance to meeting also conferred the UN- On the basis of the data the Mt Kumgang, a celebrated one ESCO MAB Young Scientist researchers, including head of Korea. They would set up a Award on Ri Kum Hyok and Yun Chol Nam of the institute, tent on the icy ground to camp Ri Chung Song, researchers section chief Ri Kum Hyok, Ri in without lighting up a campfi re of the Biodiversity Institute of Chung Song, Choe Kum Hyok lest a forest fi re should break out. the State Academy of Sciences, and Kim Song Hui, surveyed Sometimes they kept lying prone who presented valuable papers the mountain and pushed ahead on the ground enduring the bit- conducive to the protection and with the relevant study. ter cold all day long so as to pho- sustainable use of Korea’s biodi- Abounding in species of tograph the habitats of nervous versity. plants because of its topographi- migratory birds and their modes It was four years ago that cal, climatic and physiographi- of life. And they had to trek young scientists of the institute cal conditions and diversity, through mountains and fi elds began to study the fauna and the mountain is an unusual carrying scores of kilograms of fl ora of Mt Kumgang in real region where special plants are equipment and materials with earnest. But in fact they started concentrated. It also has not a them. Sometimes they got seri- making necessary preparations few kinds of rare animals. But ously injured tumbling down a a dozen years ago. At that time it was not an easy job to collect slope while clambering up a cliff. they were engaged in the scien- and analyse a huge amount of At last they successfully car- tifi c study of Mt Kuwol’s fauna data not only on biodiversity but ried out the several-year-long and fl ora, so it was diffi cult for also on the actual state of socio- fi eld survey and research. During the institute to do similar study economic and cultural affairs the period they ascertained the in Mt Kumgang at the same in the region. Besides, the re- extent of the biosphere reserve in time with its own force. Besides, gion is several times wider than the region and the function of the rich investigation data on the other reserves as it covers Ko- reserve, and confi rmed that the ecological environment of the song, Kumgang and Thongchon region fully meets the standard mountain were not available un- counties of Kangwon Province, for entry into the list of global til that time. The institute, how- and they lacked research force, biosphere reserves. ever, organized and dispatched equipment and fund. All the researchers are in an advance group of several Yun encouraged his staff, their twenties or thirties. Researchers of the Biodiversity Institute of the State Academy of Sciences researchers to the mountain saying, “Don’t think ours is received UNESCO MAB Programme Young Scientist Awards. to survey its fauna and fl ora in merely a job of surveying the re- Sim Chol Yong

18 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 19 For Underground High Aim to Beat World Resources Development HAT WAS MOST it possible OME YEARS AGO THE To confi rm even a single piece was very useful as it could refl ect Wappealing of the interna- to conquer a SKorea Today editorial board of data, researcher Kim Yun the physical and geometric tional journal Plasmonics pub- higher peak introduced the researchers of Hak went to look round mines properties of pits, and made it lished in June 2017 was a the- of science, so the Mining Environment Pro- with various structures many possible to draw sector-specifi c tection Laboratory of the Envi- times, conducting a geological designs in a short time. sis titled Interparticle Coupling I should keep ronment Engineering Institute survey to ensure its correctness. Kim Kwang Ho, a process Effects of Two Quantum Dots studying hard under the State Academy of Researcher Hong Song Chol engineer of the coal mine, says, System on the Transport Proper- to consolidate Sciences, who had developed a made a tool with which to enrich “Thanks to the scientists, we are 3D underground information and renew the database. able to explore the underground ties of a Single Plasmon. my spring- system, a foundation for realiz- They kept conducting without going into it, and a As it designed a new model board of sci- ing the space subject modelling the research for building the prospect for increasing coal for the development of single ence—this in coal and ore mines. database, completing the control production twice has been photon transistor, the main fo- was just his They have since conducted system, and fi nding the function opened.” the research to further improve for automatically setting up a The system helps make and cus of research in the circle of assertion and the information system, putting ventilation system on the basis save management information quantum information science, target. technology and Scientifi c Report emphasis on the standardization of a planned model pit and for coal mine’s management and proved it theoretically, the In his leisure hours, he vis- for seven years. of the program. realizing simulation. activities in combination with They strove to collect all the At last they completed the space information and thesis attracted the attention of ited teachers to have a heated In 2017 alone, he contributed underground information into the standardization of the conduct easily and rationally the academic world. discussion on the latest science, fi ve theses including Plasmonic a database, which was not easy 3D underground information the scientifi c and technical The fi rst author of the thesis and spent nights reading original Effect on the Population Dynam- as the country has complicated system in keeping with the simulation of the conveying soil conditions and different country’s geological structures, system, ventilation system is Dr. and Associate Prof. Kim texts of science. Once he spent all ics and the Optical Response in geological structures. So they and the system won favour with and mining process which are Nam Chol, a researcher of the his birthday night at the labora- a Hybrid V-Type Three-Level secured one by one the data for the February 8 Jiktong Youth necessary for the production photoelectron institute, Physics tory. Quantum Dot-Metallic Nanopar- synthesizing and analysing the Coal Mine. process in coal mine. stratum structures of all mining Previously several process Now lots of coal mines are Faculty, Kim Il Sung Universi- Even after graduating from ticle Nanosystem and Switching districts by using the data of engineers spent much time to benefi ting from the system. ty. In his mid-40s he is a man of the postgraduate school, he nev- Freely between Superluminal many areas. make even a design for a single Ensuring scientifi c production few words, and is fond of think- er stopped his study and think- and Subluminal Light Propa- Though they failed in pit because they had to conduct and management it enables ing. ing. Three years later, in March gation in a Monolayer MoS some complicated and diffi cult a fi eld survey and make sector- them to increase coal production. 2 calculations, they never gave up. specifi c designs. But the 3DUIS Over the last two years, the In his childhood, he was very 2010, he presented his fi rst the- Nanoresonator to the SCI-level researchers have introduced the clever and competitive. Not only sis Surface Plasmons Amplifi ca- scientifi c magazines, causing a Strenuous research is under way to improve the information system. system in over 30 coal mines. in his primary and secondary tion in Single Ag Nanoring. great sensation. Last year the mining process designing support program they school days but also his univer- As soon as it was published, A few years ago, he developed had developed was awarded sity and graduate school days, it was appreciated by the scien- a cryptocommunication device a certifi cate of excellent IT he was well known as a talented tifi c world as it had opened up a which was the exclusive prop- product. Dr. Ro Chol Jun, head of student. In particular, his out- new path in quantum informa- erty of a few countries. At that the laboratory, says, “With standing faculties of inquiry and tion science, and it was intro- time, Nam Chol said, “I think regard to the underground application always made him an duced in Optics Express in Au- a high aim makes it possible to resources development fi eld we presented 3DUIS Clear Air object of admiration among all gust 2010. achieve a great thing. What is 3.02, conducive for digitizing the his associates. So many teach- Later he, breaking up the important is a determination openings network and modelling ers expected his future research ready-made idea that even a the- and will to advance to beat the coal or mineral veins, putting achievements. sis is diffi cult to write in a year, world.” the underground resources management on a scientifi c But he never wrote even presented over 2.5 theses a year As chief of the quantum op- basis and increasing mineral a thesis in his university and on average. Thus he contributed tics laboratory he is now devot- production. In the future, graduate school days. 18 scientifi c and technical theses ing all his wisdom and effort to we’ll develop exchanges and cooperation with other countries A house with a weak founda- to such international scientifi c attaining his higher goal of over- in this fi eld.” tion cannot last long, and only a magazines as Applied Physics B, taking the world. Kim Il Bong fi rm scientifi c foundation makes Applied Physics Letters, Nano- Kim Hyon Ju

20 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 21 ► problems arising during lessons. solved general problems through questions suited to the levels of Using New Teaching Methods In one teacher’s plan I saw many discussion. students, how to raise the point pieces of paper inserted between And he had those students, in question and what forms and its leaves. The following was who solved the problems satis- methods should be employed in written on them. factorily, explain to other stu- discussion so as to have a good ODAY THE HERO In the lesson given in the dents, and made the students infl uence upon the students’ Sukchon Senior Middle T form of questions and answers express their opinions on the mental state, and teaching plans School in Sukchon County is rec- the students of high ability un- points in question. As a result, were mapped out and carried ognized as a school of excellent derstood the heart of each ques- students of low ability had more out accordingly. This helped im- academic performance not only tion and gave correct answers. opportunities to express their prove the average ability of the in the county but also in South But those of low ability looked opinions, and their potentiality students and further fi red their A discussion Phyongan Province. bored, giving no answers; they fully developed. This fi red all zeal for study. on teaching When I visited the school, An aids. did not solve properly even the students’ zeal for study. He also The school enlarged the ex- Hong Nam, headmaster of the problems relating to the content evaluated their performance tent of examination questions, school, said, “Almost all teachers of the lesson. When I gave solu- individually or by study group, and invented and set questions of my school are holders of certifi - tions to the problems toward the and organized meetings in which which can be applied in prac- cates of registered new teaching end of the lesson, many copied excellent students talked about tice in connection with the real- method. And the certifi cates of them on their notebooks. The their experience, thus enhanc- ity, not by means of learning by invented experimental appara- reason was that I failed to take ing the students’ enthusiasm for heart. As a result the students tus and teaching aid number over into account the different levels emulation. came to know about their own one hundred.” of the students. When a teacher Such experience was widely real ability and redoubled their From among the teaching gives the solutions to the prob- introduced in the school as a efforts, which was followed by plans put on his desk he picked lems, students think they are whole, which led to the inven- the improvement of their ability. up those of two teachers, who re- Problems all correct, and do not have any tion of many new teaching Last year many students ceived the title of October 8 Mod- are solved doubts about them. As a result, methods that were refl ected in graduated from the school with by study el Teacher last year, and showed groups. they did not try to solve the the teaching plan of each sub- honours and entered schools of them to me. I could see their ef- problems with their own effort, ject in every new school year. In higher grade. And in the estima- forts to fi nd out new teaching and the students have nothing applying the heuristic method tion of the ability of the students methods in their plans where left in their memory. of teaching the school not only of senior middle schools in the they promptly wrote down the ► Students work hard and live in a proper The teacher should not get attached importance to the elo- county the students of the Suk- manner as the heroes did. the students to study, but en- quence of the teachers, but also chon Senior Middle School were courage them to learn by them- mainly appraised the number ranked in the top places. selves. of fresh and unique teaching The headmaster said, “The So he conceived a new teach- methods combined with visual beautiful future is guaranteed ing method and, accordingly, he aids including various multi- by the effort of teachers. In the added new contents to the teach- media. This made some teach- future, too, we will deeply im- ing plan. In order to give all stu- ers, who had clung to their own print in our mind the mission we dents of different levels plenty experience alone, conscious of assume before the era, and fur- of time for thinking he reduced their defi ciencies, and encour- ther improve the teaching con- the time of his explanation in aged them to strive to fi nd out tents and methods so as to better the lesson by having them do new teaching methods. the quality of education.” enough preparations of it, and In the course of this, atten- saw to it that each study group tion was focused on how to give Pak Yong Il

22 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 23 A new teaching method helps students improve their power of cognition.

► for making questions as a wide range of applica- tion problems should be dealt with by the computer. Before making questions I imagined the scenes of students feeling happy or disappointed to see their marks which will be presented simultaneously with the end of an exam. So I made painstaking efforts to make questions in such a way as to judge their abilities impartially without knowing the passage of time. Now it is two o’clock in the morning—a new day. Is this today’s diary or yesterday’s? Anyway I take Tuesday, December 19, 2017 Fine pride in my work because the future of the coun- try is represented fi rst in the students’ academic Worthwhile Panjjakbyol records. Today a good idea came across my mind when I Thursday, July 3, 2018 Fine was using Panjjakbyol, a study support program, in HE CHANGJON PRIMARY SCHOOL IN class, so I went to see its developers. The program Electronic blackboard and TCentral District, Pyongyang, the fi rst to be re- was developed to improve primary school students’ virtual classroom constructed in September 1954 after the end of the ability for taking dictation in mother tongue. Korean war, was newly built in a modern way along They agreed to my opinion that the students’ Some time ago I went to the Pyongyang Teach- with the construction of Changjon Street six years comprehension will be further improved if they ers Training College, where the educational condi- ago. The diary of Kim Myong Sim, a teacher of the were given dictation in accordance with the text- tions and environment have been completely reno- school, tells the change of the school was not con- book for every grade. For a long time I discussed vated and modern educational techniques has been fi ned to its outward appearance alone. with them about a knotty problem I faced in teach- invented and introduced. I learned a lot of things ing the students and a solution to the problem. And there. Sunday, February 5, 2017 Snowy I came back with Soksemuibyol, a study support So I installed an electronic blackboard in my program aimed at improving students’ ability for classroom. Today I began to give lessons using it. For several-minute amusement mental arithmetic. It helps save much effort put formerly in prepar- I wish my effort will make it possible to improve ing teaching aids and making multimedia, and its Though it is Sunday many teachers came to the the students’ ability. visual effect is better. school for the purpose of developing new and su- In the afternoon I went to the venue of the 2nd perior teaching methods to enhance the students’ Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Rainy virtual program exhibition, and the program I pre- cognitive faculty. sented there was considered good. I made a game program helpful to fi nding out Is this today’s diary or yesterday’s? To turn our classroom into a virtual one I myself correct answers to problems during a math lesson. thought a lot and built virtual data. Other classes, Gone are the days when we were satisfi ed with writ- The introduction of integrated examination too, are going to introduce a virtual reality in their ing on the blackboard the solutions to math problems. with the help of the computer has brought about an classrooms. Innovations are made in the education- I racked my brains to make the game interest- improvement in the method of examination and the al work day by day. The headmaster’s suggestion ing lest the students should fi nd it boring. It took appraisal. Only when students learn knowledge in that we carry on the school’s tradition of creating fi ve hours to make the two- or three-minute game. a theoretical way can they have good marks. a nationwide model in education and edifi cation of I did not have the day off, but I felt no fatigue at Unlike the previous examination method where- students makes me more keenly aware of my duty the thought of the students who would be happy to by they wrote answers to limited questions on paper, as an educator. play it. the present one demands much effort and wisdom ► Rim Ok

24 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 25 Under Free Medical Care Songyo Koryo Medicine Factory

them, I meditate on the words free medical care. HE SONGYO KORYO MEDICINE FACTORY ment, developed and introduced in production an Modern hospitals named after the word peo- Tin Pyongyang is not so large, but is well known ultrafi ne powder mill, the fi rst stage for making ple have been built in every corner of our country, among the people as it produces varieties of high- compact Koryo medicines, thus making it possible quality medicines. Especially, the antithrombotic to improve the effi cacy of the medicines while sav- and doctors go to see patients. This cannot be ex- nutritive pills from the factory are winning favour ing much electricity and labour. And Kim Hyang, a perienced elsewhere in the world. In our socialist with the public as they are highly effi cacious in worker of Workteam No. 2, developed a Koryo med- country a whole hospital, an entire village and all treatment and prevention of cerebral apoplexy and icines mixer; she received a certifi cate of registered people dedicate themselves to restoring an ordinary cerebral thrombosis. sci-tech achievement. The factory set it as a main goal to make com- In the course of this the factory achieved suc- patient. pact Koryo medicines on a high level of scientifi c ba- cesses in the work of making the production lines Wondering whether our people fully understand sis, and encouraged all its employees to strive to at- modern, dust-free and germ-free, and thus remark- how happy they are, I found myself implanting the tain the goal. It focused its efforts on enhancing the ably consolidated its material and technical founda- words socialist free medical care deeper in my mind. role of competent pharmacists and skilled workers tions along with the considerable improvement of The universal free medical care system began and improving the technical knowledge and skills the workers’ technical knowledge and skills. of the workers through scientifi c and technical Based on these successes it is conducting re- to be enforced at the state expense in our country study. And it conducted a campaign to learn from searches to develop highly effi cacious Koryo T IS ONLY FIVE YEARS SINCE OUR on January 1, 1953. Many years have passed since one another, overtake others and exchange experi- medicines convenient to eat using various me- Ihospital was established. In those years, we have then, and the system is still in force benefi ting ence in conformity with its actual conditions, and dicinal herbs and materials richly available in the reduced to zero the death rate of children with seri- every citizen. encouraged the workers to compete fi ercely among country. ous abiosis that causes diseases such as children’s Even when the country was undergoing hard- themselves to increase the production of different Hyon To Wan, general manager of the factory, Koryo medicines. says, “The successes we have achieved convince us diarrhoea and pneumonia—it is said that the death ships, the people kept benefi ting from free medical The general manager and other offi cials of the again that our own techniques and strength are rate of such children is high across the world. care, and that in better environment and condi- factory went among the workers to collect their the best and that we can do anything when we be- Recently we have saved children with mal- tions. creative opinions. On the basis of this, they actively lieve in ourselves. In the future, too, we will further formed hearts by operating on them 27 days after Our hospital, for example, has an intelligent introduced valuable technical innovations and in- increase the production of more effi cacious Koryo their birth. At fi rst, we were strange to operating play room for little children, and classrooms for ventions in a pill making machine and a drying medicines for the promotion of people’s health by machine. dint of our own strength.” on newborn babies. But we advanced step by step schoolchildren to keep getting schooling during hos- Kim Myong Guk, an offi cer in charge of equip- Pak Thae Ho through repeated failures for the sake of children pitalization. who are regarded as the kings of the country. Thus, In addition, those who are looking after their in 2017, we operated on 28 newborn babies and in- hospitalized children are treated if they are diag- creased the revival rate to 90%. Last year we saved nosed with diseases they have never known them- more newborn babies by operation. selves. We now perform over 300 heart operations, and At present, the department of neurosurgery is treat more than 3 000 children including school- conducting research on cerebral operation for new- children every year, and that at the state expense. born babies, which will make it possible to save Examination, treatment and hospitalization are all babies with cerebral diseases. And we have made done free of charge. achievements in the treatment of patients suffering All other hospitals provide free medical care, from tolerance paralysis, a pressing issue across but our hospital specializes in treating women and the world. children who are under special protection in the The more successes we achieve, the more bene- country. Bright smiles on the faces of children are fi ts our children will get from the free medical care. the best “doctor’s fee” for us. Whenever I repeat the words free medical care, I Foreign medical workers often visit our hospital take unusual pride in being a medical worker in the and comment that the health system of the country best socialist country. is superior. Medicines are Young patients, who were taken to our hospital Ri Kwang Chon, vice-director packaged. in a critical condition, leave it with bright smiles in charge of technical affairs of on their faces accompanied by their parents. Seeing the Okryu Children’s Hospital

26 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 27 ► the full in domestic games. In ships. He also took fi rst place in the championship, thus snatch- Star of such a short period he displayed the event of vaulting horse at the ing two gold medals. his wonderful ability for his age. 5th Artistic Gymnastics Asian The Federation Interna- Later, he became a national Championships held in 2012. tionale Gymnastique offi cially Gymnastics champion, and was recognized At that time experts and audi- designated the two movements as a promising reserve player. ence saw his movements with he performed in February 2013 their eyes wide open. His fi rst and in February 2015 as “Ri Se Rosy Future an horizontal bar. Though the Fly Higher attempt featured a dismount Gwang movement 1” and “Ri Se boy must be somewhat exhaust- with a rotation in a 180 degree Gwang movement 2.” Ri was born into an ordinary ed he persistently strove not to When he was 18, Ri began arc in an outstretched position Ri won medals at the 31st offi ce worker’s family in Tan- fall from the bar performing to take part in international after executing a forward triple Olympic Games, and at the chon, South Hamgyong Prov- movements of his own style in competitions as a member of somersault with an L-shaped 45th and 46th FIG World Artis- ince. His childhood was uncom- which the instructor understood the national team. Coach Song fi gure in the air—it was a high- tic Gymnastics Championships. mon. Since he started to walk he the boy’s zeal for exercise, and Sun Bong, who led him to his grade movement they had never And he won another gold medal often jumped to hang on a win- his clear head and harmonious fi rst victory in an international seen. His second attempt struck at the 48th FIG World Artistic dow sill or other places higher kinesthetic sensation. This is competition, says, “Ri was fully the spectators with greater won- Gymnastics Championships than his stature. In his kinder- how the boy went to the palace prepared in all aspects. I was der. Many people know that the held last year. On the night of garten days he would do a cart- with the instructor and became struck by his fast development. second attempt in the event is the day he won gold medal he wheel and so on to the surprise a member of its apparatus gym- It seemed that he was born to do a repeat of the fi rst attempt in wrote in his diary, “This medal of teachers. Especially, he loved nastics circle. apparatus gymnastics. Seeing general. But Ri performed a belongs to the country which I SE GWANG, A DPRK hanging on horizontal bar. After three years of training him perfecting movements of his more diffi cult movement than has brought me up. I am really RLabour Hero and People’s The following happened in Ri was recognized as the most own style to challenge the world the fi rst one—it was a dismount happy. I will train harder for the Athlete, is an Olympic gold Ri’s days at the then Chukjon promising player of the circle I had confi dence in him.” with a 360 degree sideway rota- country that made me stand on medallist and a thrice world Primary School. and transferred to the April 25 Ri fully demonstrated his tion after executing a backward the platform of honour.” champion. He has won 11 gold One day Jo Hun, an instruc- Sports Club. His inborn talent ability in the world gymnastics twice somersault with a quick He is still engrossed in train- medals in international compe- tor of the Mangyongdae School- drew the attention of coaches of circle as well. In particular, he rotation with the knees bent. In ing true to his pledge. titions, and now is aiming for children’s Palace, visited his the sports club and experts, and won fi rst place at the 4th Artistic the rings event, too, he beat his the 12th. school and saw him hanging on he demonstrated his ability to ► Gymnastics Asian Champion- Chinese rival, the favourite for Pak Yong Il

National Intangible Cultural Heritage (28) ► for any of families in the country to use such Koryo medicinal food- stuffs to prevent and treat diseas- es. For example, when they have Koryo Medicinal Dietary Therapy got cold, they usually eat spring onion root porridge. Here is how to make it: Put rice in the pot and boil it. When it is almost done, add MONG THE KORYO dietary therapies described in in such forms as cooked rice, sliced spring onion root and a lit- medical therapies created the Koryo medical classics Hy- gruel, soup, broth, tea, wine A tle of sugar. Take the hot porridge by the Korean people is Koryo angyakjipsongbang published or roast. Typical examples are once a day and sweat. This is more medicinal dietary therapy. This in 1433, Uibangryuchwi (Man- yakbap, medicinal porridge effi cacious than taking aspirin. therapy is the one whereby one ual of Traditional Medicine of made with pine nut, mussel, Such Koryo medicinal food- can keep one’s health and pre- Korea) published in 1477, and adzuki beans, fi sh or apri- stuffs are easy to make and good vent diseases by regularly eat- Tonguibogam (Encyclopaedia cot stone, tangogi soup, broth to eat. The Korean ancestors, ing Koryo medicinal foodstuffs. of Traditional Medicine of Ko- made of insam and chicken, through their long experience, How long the history of rea) published in 1613. loach or carp, thick broth made knew well about the ingredients the therapy is can be known Many kinds of edible mate- of insam and chicken, rabbit and functions of the materials, through a story of yakbap (glu- rials were used for the therapy or snakehead, jonggwa (a kind and used them in accordance with tinous rice mixed with sugar, including insam, lance asiabell, of confectionery made of broad the treatment principle of Koryo dates, chestnuts, pine nuts, pine nut, ginger, sea tangle, ter- bellfl ower roots or insam), yak- medicine. sesame oil, etc.) from the his- rapin, carp, honey and chicken. gwa (cake made with wheat The Koryo medicinal dietary tory book Samgukyusa (His- And other Koryo medicinal ma- fl our, oil and honey), tasik (pat- therapy was inscribed on the list tory of the Three Kingdoms), terials were also added. terned savoury cake) and yakju of national intangible cultural the oldest of its kind in Korea, Those Koryo medicinal (medicinal wine). heritage. and the data on hundreds of foodstuffs were mainly taken Today it is commonplace ► Rim Ok

28 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 29 WENT TO THE PYONG- At that time the latter beat the analysing a match of the circle I yang Indoor Stadium to see a former by one point. This time, members, she noticed that pass- Motive Force women’s basketball match, one however, the Pyongyang mu- ing between them was not done of the events of the National In- nicipal team beat the South properly because they often ter-Provincial Games 2018. The Hamgyong provincial team by tried to be the fi rst to score. It for Victory event was for basketball circles seven points. Members of the was a serious problem in view of of juvenile sports schools in the winning team embraced one an- the current trend of basketball country. other, sharing the joy of victory whereby success depended on The match was the fi nal be- with the spectators who raised team spirit as the game turned tween the Pyongyang municipal cheers. into a speedy and intense one. team and the South Hamgyong There I could meet Kim Ok She, feeling a great sense of provincial team, and spectators’ Sun, coach of the team and bas- responsibility, tried to fi nd out opinions were different with re- ketball instructor of the Central a solution to the problem. She gard to which team would win District Juvenile Sports School. made effort to not only teach the because the teams took fi rst and She participated in the game circle members basic techniques second places respectively at the with her circle members. The fol- but also improve their physical similar event of the 55th national lowing is what she told me. preparedness and develop their juvenile sports schools’ games. Until several years ago the team spirit and perseverance. In basketball circle of the school the daytime she guided them in A tactical won basketball events of na- their training, and at night she discussion is under way. tional games. Then it began to went to see renowned coaches lag behind. Around that time to learn from their experience, Ok Sun was appointed as an studied videos of domestic and instructor of the school. While international matches and the data on the analysis of the matches, and collected relevant data. Her effort bore fruit. She solved the problem of team- work of the circle members and making them act in concert with one another. This led to their wins in matches.

Training focuses on helping players improve teamwork.

30 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 31 ► succeed, Mr Coach?” Kyong Hwa structor. There is a time for the daughter is not good enough to doubted. team of reserve players as well. be selected to go to your sports “Nothing is impossible in the Kyong Hwa should be guided club. I think you’d better give Believe in Yourself world. I assure you that though by an able coach in a favourable her up lest she should disappoint small you will be able to succeed condition at her present age. you.” if you are ideologically and tech- Only then will she be able to do “You mean you are afraid she (Continued from the last issue) nically prepared,” Kang encour- her bit,” Ryong Un entreated. is young and small?” the coach aged. “Mr Coach, it is a different asked. “Do you mean you can select case with Kyong Hwa. Perhaps “Yes.” me when I am this much short?” she will not meet the require- “Why do you think she is in- Kyong Hwa asked. ments of the coaches there be- eligible? I don’t think so. She teams from the city of Sinpho knockout competition. Different Eyes “Of course,” Kang exclaimed. cause of her physical shortcom- has her unusual forte,” the coach and Sinhung County. He judged Having checked into Ham- “They said like you when ings. Then the result would be stressed. it was just Kyong Hwa. hung Hotel Kang was restless. ENIOR COACH KANG I was selected the other day. I obvious. So I disagree. We should Kyong Chol, however, gave no Kang approached Om Myong He decided to meet Kyong Hwa SRyong Un of the reserve wom- want to go, but I’m afraid of be- still wait and see,” Om said. reply. Chol who was there as instructor this time without fail, and came en’s football team of the April 25 ing rejected again.” “Alright. It cannot be helped Now Ryong Un went to the of the Sinpho team. After intro- out at the thought that he might Sports Club came down to Ham- “I see. Wait without telling if you keep insisting like that. city people’s committee and the ducing himself as coach of the see her in the early evening. hung with a determination to se- anybody else yet,” Kang prom- See you again,” Ryong Un con- city sports guidance committee. reserve women’s football team of Just at the time members of lect fi nally two or three players ised. cluded. But they all rejected his propos- from South Hamgyong Province the April 25 Sports Club, Kang the Sinpho team were chatting The fi nal match took place be- Then Om, with a feeling of al, only saying that they should whose abilities he had observed asked, “Isn’t that small girl of outside after supper. It was be- tween the teams from Hamhung uneasiness, went directly to the wait and see. for some time. your team Kim Kyong Hwa?” fore dark, and Kang soon recog- and Sinpho. city people’s committee and the It took him another week un- Kang was an unusually tena- “Yes, you’re right,” Om re- nized Kyong Hwa, the smallest of After seeing the match Kang city sports guidance committee til he left the city, taking Kyong cious man who never failed to plied. them. So he directly approached decided to select Ri Kum Suk to tell them about the fact and Hwa with him. Thus Kyong Hwa take reserve players he regard- “It’s a surprise. I hear that her. and Kim Kyong Hwa as reserve asked them to support his idea. got on the train to Pyongyang ed as promising whatever hap- she was selected and transferred “You’re Kyong Hwa, aren’t players. He met Kum Suk fi rst, The chairman of the sports for the second time in late June pened. to the Pyongyang Sports Club you?” Kang asked. had a talk with her and meas- guidance committee supported 1993. He had had eyes on Kim some time ago,” Kang wondered. “Yes. What’s up?” Kyong Hwa ured her physical and technical his position. At Hamhung Railway Station Kyong Hwa since the year before, “Right, but she was rejected asked in surprise. conditions. For her age of 15 the Full of self-confi dence Om Ri Kum Suk joined them on the who was well known in Sinpho. for the reason that she is short,” “Nothing much. I’m the coach girl was tall and quick enough in returned to the juvenile sports train. But when he heard that Coach Om explained. of the reserve women’s football movement to become a reserve school and phoned to the hall Sitting beside Kyong Hwa, Ro Jae Ho of the reserve women’s “I see,” Kang nodded with a team of the April 25 Sports Club. woman footballer. Kang could of culture to tell Kyong Hwa’s Kum Suk was glad to see her, football team of the Pyongyang laugh. I want to meet you because I like settle the issue of transferring father about his and the sports holding her hand tightly. Sports Club had taken her to his “You see Kyong Hwa as an you. Don’t you want to join my her in a week without any great guidance committee’s idea re- “Oh, we go together, don’t club, Kang felt quite sorry. object of selection, don’t you?” sports club?” Kang asked. diffi culty. garding the issue of her joining we?” Kum Suk asked. With an unusual power of Om asked looking inquiringly at Without any reply Kyong The next day Kang, on arrival the April 25 Sports Club. “Yes. You, too, go to Pyong- observation and good foresight Kang. Hwa looked steadily at Kang. at Sinpho Railway Station, went Back home in the evening yang?” Kyong Hwa also asked. and judgment, he had noticed “No, I have just tried to learn “What’s wrong with you?” directly to the city’s juvenile Kyong Hwa’s father Kim Kyong “I think I was selected simply that Kyong Hwa would become her abilities to decide if she is Kang asked. “Why don’t you re- sports school. But unexpectedly, Chol found Ryong Un having a because I’m tall. So I know I will an excellent footballer in future. promising.” ply?” vice principal Kang Ho Song and talk with his mother in an ami- train hard at the sports club,” But as she was still young and “She is all right in every re- “I’m afraid it would be impos- instructor Om Myong Chol disa- cable atmosphere. Kum Suk said. too short he had decided to wait spect except her short stature. sible,” Kyong Hwa replied. greed with him. The vice prin- Seeing Kyong Chol, Ryong Ryong Un interrupted, and see for a year. He had never But I hope she will grow tall. “What do you mean?” cipal said that the Pyongyang Un was quite glad and stood up “You’re right. It’s no more than thought that he could be fore- Then, she will be really a promis- “I mean I’m not eligible,” re- Sports Club had already prom- to greet him fi rst. the beginning for you. You stalled. ing player,” Om said. plied Kyong Hwa. ised to take Kyong Hwa, and the “I’m a football coach of the should train hard so as to be- With regret Kang had come Kang nodded wishing Om’s “Why?” asked Kang. instructor stressed that it was April 25 Sports Club,” Ryong Un come aces. I want you to emulate down to see matches between team win in the match. “I was rejected by the Pyong- premature for him to take her introduced himself. each other as reserve players football circles of middle schools Om’s team won the match 2-0 yang Sports Club because I am now as she was still young and Shaking hands, Kyong Chol joining the club on the same day in the province. Then he was probably because of Kyong Hwa’s short. They said they would wait too short. The coach, however, said, “Instructor Om Myong Chol and at the same time.” quite surprised to notice a short conspicuous activity, and thus and see for a year or two. Do you would never give up. phoned me in the afternoon. girl in a match between the was qualifi ed to go on to the next think a short player like me can ► “It would be late then, Mr In- Frankly speaking, Mr Coach, my (To be continued)

32 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 33 ► sake of the people, and with sin- beside themselves with joy shak- training for landing on a fi xed Women’s Profi le cerity at that.” ing her hands. And overnight point. The system is designed she could hardly get asleep for to help parachutists practise Straight Course joy on creating something for the controlling parachutes to suit fi rst time. any conditions including dif- quet moulding machine, an au- scientifi c basis. Choe Hyang Sim, teacher of After beginning to work as a ferent altitudes, distances and tomatic packaging machine and It was her opinion that noth- Pyongyang University of Com- teacher at the university after wind velocities that may hap- a control panel of the ignitable ing is more laudable and worth- puter Science, is very busy now- graduation she still remembered pen in reality. Now parachutists briquet moulding process. while than the job of working adays. Choe thinks that those the workers who had been glad are very pleased to be able to do Her inventions earned her with sincerity for the well-being who feel most pressed for time to see her invention. She further landing exercise on the ground over 20 certifi cates of invention of the people and the promotion are teachers as they have to give delved into the IT fi eld as she regardless of weather condi- and of registration of sci-tech of their health. lectures counting every minute. knew that IT reaches every cor- tions. This equipment based on achievement from different sci- It, however, was not all plain She is busy also because her old ner of social life in the present the system was highly rated at tech festivals, exhibitions and sailing. She experienced repeat- teachers, alumni, disciples and era. several rounds of the national shows. ed failures and manifold diffi cul- Kim Hui Ok. relatives and even acquaintanc- She worked day and night: sports sci-tech achievements ex- In 2014 she won the Febru- ties. Once she worked herself es of hers have been phoning and She gave lectures in the day- hibition. And she gives interest- ary 16 Sci-tech Prize. And at night after night for many days visiting her since she received a time, and conducted research at ing lectures by introducing her the 16th national invention ex- striving to make a new machine. ODAY THE KOREAN doctorate some time ago. night. In the course of this she experience in the development of hibition held last year she won One day she forgot even the women are making a great She looks after her parents- T a gold medal for the fourth time birthday of her beloved daugh- contribution to social develop- in-law with her as well as a two- for her invention and introduc- ter, engrossed in research in the year-old daughter, so she is busy ment and people’s well-being. tion of a scraper carrier. laboratory until the next morn- keeping her family while giving Among them are Kim Hui Ok, A mother of two daughters, ing. lectures. But she manages to manager of the Rangnang Dis- she is always enterprising and Through over 20 years of conduct research to the admira- trict Fuel Company; Yun Yong optimistic. Thanks to her sin- sincere efforts she succeeded in Hui, director of the Pharmaco- cere efforts her company, which making the production of Koryo tion of all people. logical Institute of the Academy had only a small factory ten-odd medicines extract-oriented, and A woman she had gotten of Medical Science; and Choe years ago, now has two ignitable went on to make nano medicines acquainted with on the way to Hyang Sim, teacher of Pyong- briquet factories based on auto- by developing a supercritical na- work asked her how she could yang University of Computer matic production systems and noparticle-making machine. develop a mobile phone opera- Choe Hyang Sim Science. over ten modern petroleum and An anticancer injection, sam- tion system they were using (second right). gas supply stores. hyanguhwangchongsim capsule while working as a teacher. Her She is still striving to fully and bioactive insam solution, alumni also envy her as she was Inventor Manager solve the problem of fuel for the which she developed, are favour- the fi rst to become a doctor. residents. ably commented upon by the us- It was in her university days invented an operation system such systems, and the students Kim Hui Ok is called inven- ers. that she began to approach IT for mobile phones and palmtops. highly appreciate them. tor manager by the residents With Sincerity She is now engrossed in re- problems arising in the real- The system was favourably com- Now she is striving to pio- of the district. The call refl ects search into Koryo medicines for ity. Once she visited the Pyong- mented upon by people as it is neer a new subject for training their gratitude to the manager Dr and Associate Professor children’s diseases. yang Lighting Apparatus Fac- easy to use. All users of mobile talents capable of devising algo- for her efforts to fully provide Yun Yong Hui has been engaged When asked about her view tory where she learned that the phones and palmtops at home rithms and designing programs. them with fuel. in pharmacological research for of life, she says, “Live for the ► production of light bulbs was are benefi ting from her inven- At the age of 31 this year, the Hui Ok, however, is never over 30 years. impeded because the tempera- tion. woman doctor says, “A moment content with what she has done. In her childhood Yun had a Yun Yong Hui. ture control of a sintering fur- In her girlhood she already of hesitation makes one lag far Her mind is always fi lled with dream of becoming a medical nace was not automatic. Then obtained many certifi cates of behind others in the IT fi eld worry—she feels as if she were worker. So, after graduating she strove to solve the problem, registered sci-tech achievement, whose updating cycle is fast. I failing to do her duty toward the from the then Pyongyang Uni- and thus developed a tempera- of invention and of software think I’ve hit the straight course people. So she always thinks versity of Medicine, she became ture control system for the fur- property. now. Without letup I will strive how to satisfy the residents’ in- a researcher of the Pharmaco- nace. The system turned out And she married an IT ex- to be number one at all times. creasing demand for fuel. She logical Institute as she wished. successful: The temperature of pert whose assistance encour- I’m confi dent that I will be able has developed a lot of things At that time she set it as her the furnace was controlled au- aged her to work more enthusi- to make greater achievements including a lean coal burning lifetime research task to put Ko- tomatically, and the quality of astically after marriage. when I combine teaching and re- additive, a closed coal mill, an ryo medicine production on an the products improved. Offi cials Not long ago she developed a search.” overhead crane, an ignitable bri- extract-oriented, standard and and workers of the factory were system of simulated parachuting Rim Ok

34 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 35 Changing Scenery of Taedong River Patriotic HE TAEDONG RIVER IS ONE OF THE a carp was going dead out of the river, a man saved Tfi ve longest rivers of Korea. Its length is over it by washing it cleanly and putting it back into the Family 250 miles, and it fl ows through the centre of Pyong- river. This enabled him to meet the Dragon King one yang. The name of the river comes from the fact that day. The man asked the king to prevent the river it is fed by hundreds of large and small tributaries. from overfl owing. The next day the king had a fold- Its clear water meandering round Juam Hill, Mo- ing screen-like rock wall rise on one side of the river. ran Hill, Mansu Hill, Nam Hill, Mangyong Hill and Since then, it is said, the river never overfl owed. other high and low hills looks like an unfolded roll It is nothing but an old story that refl ected the of silk. And Rungna, Yanggak, Ssuk, Turu, Tudan, people’s desire. RECREATION PARTY to our land his son Ri Tae Il who learned at Pyokji and Konyu islets on the river look like gems Their desire came true only after Korea’s libera- A opened at a site of the Sepho And make each moment Kim Il Sung University and his Tableland reclamation project of our life wife followed suit. set in the silk. tion from the Japanese imperialists’ military occu- one day in early May 2017 when Worthwhile for the prosperity The family visited the con- A tale goes that Kim Hwang Won, a famous poet pation in August 1945, and thus a new history of the birds were singing happily and of our country. struction sites of the Huichon of Koryo, tried to describe the scenery of the river river started. the air was shimmering with the Power Station, Samjiyon County in poetry but broke his brush as he failed to select The Taedong River improvement project was spring warmth. All the partici- The familiar voices of the and the Wonsan-Kalma coastal words good enough to describe the beauty. launched: the endless river was embanked, and the pants were fi lled with pleasure singers reminded the brigade tourist area. So far, they have In the past, however, the river was a byname of embankment was covered with a retaining granite probably because they knew they members of what had happened donated a lot of money, building calamities. Whenever it rained the river overfl owed, wall followed by the construction of promenades had almost fi nished their task of two months before. materials, a good deal of meat the project in a short span. Pun An unexpected thing oc- and foodstuffs to major construc- infl icting damage on local inhabitants. A relevant along the embankments. And measures were taken Hui, called Oriole by her fellows curred at a site where there was tion projects. legend goes as follows. to make comprehensive use of the water of the riv- in the brigade working for the going on a battle of soil trans- The state highly appre- Once upon a time the river was in spate. When er: there were built South Phyongan provincial and ► project, sang a folk song causing port in March 2017. Jong Nam ciated their unceremonious quite a merry and cheerful at- who was there giving a helping dedication and honoured Jong mosphere. Then came a perfor- hand fell down unconscious. He Nam with the title of Man of mance of hand feats by tractor was rushed to a hospital imme- Socialist Patriotic Merit. To top driver Yong Chol who was a fa- diately. He was diagnosed with their honour, Supreme Leader mous model worker. Whenever a cirrhosis of the liver. Kim Jong Un expressed his programme was over, a thunder- Through a three days’ inten- thanks to them in October 2018. ous applause erupted along with sive treatment the patient came Jong Nam often says to his cheering voices. to. He felt dizzy with pains in all children, “Efforts for the country The last programme was a parts of his body, but he strug- are just those for yourselves and chorus by the family of Ri Jong gled to the construction site lest your family. We should continue Nam from Neighbourhood Unit he should be any trouble for the to follow the way of patriotic No. 68, Namchon-dong, Kae- project. Seeing him endeavour to effort for the prosperity of the chon, South Phyongan Province. give what little he could to the country and the wellbeing of the They had visited the site several country rather than seeking his people.” times over the past years bring- own comfort or family welfare, As if to prove the value of his ing a lot of building materials the members of the brigade were words the singing of his children and other aid goods with them. all tearfully moved. reverberated through the sky Now they began to sing a song Over thirty years passed along with the thunderous ap- they had used to do whenever along with his patriotic devo- plause of the brigade members. they were there, striking a chord tion. Though his hair turned with all the brigade members. grey as he turned well over 60, Never could you feel proud there was no change in his life of your life Never could we deem for the sake of the country and If you fail to play the ourselves patriotic the people. If any, it is that the leading role If we don’t plant even a tree ranks of his family have grown. To help the country go To help make mountains His wife, three pretty daugh- through the hard time. greener in our land. ters and their husbands have Let’s dedicate our sweat joined him, and in March 2018 Kim Hyon Ju

36 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 37 ► Kiyang irrigation systems and the Kaechon-Lake On large and small islets on the river were erected ► your eyes on the scenery of Chongnyu Cliff. Thaesong Waterway along with the construction of the May Day Stadium, the Yanggakdo International Spectacular is the night view of the riverside—the the Mirim, Ponghwa and West Sea barrages and Hotel, the Pyongyang International Cinema House red torch of the Tower of the Juche Idea, skyscrapers the Taedonggang and Namgang power stations, and so on. standing in rows on Changjon and Mirae Scientists all adding to the scenery of the river. This also In recent years the Rungna Dolphinarium and streets, the Okryu Bridge, the Chongnyu Bridge and made it possible to prevent any fl ood damage and Rungna Water Park and the Sci-Tech Complex have the Rungna Bridge decorated with illuminations, the ensure good power generation and transport devel- been built on Rungna Islet and Ssuk Islet on the fl oating restaurant Taedonggang and the general-ser- opment. river respectively, along with the construction of vice ship Mujigae. The view seems to be an embroidery The ecological environment of the river has also modern structures such as the Munsu Water Park, of illuminated Pyongyang at night. got better, and thus it attracts different birds in- the Ryugyong Health Complex, the People’s Open- It is not without reason that Korean sportspersons cluding spoonbill, Egretta eulophotes (Swinhoe) and Air Ice Rink, a roller-skating ground, the Pyongyang say that they could exalt the honour of the country in wild duck. And the number of fi shes inhabiting the Baby Home, the Pyongyang Orphanage and the international competitions encouraged by their memo- river has increased, including carp, goldfi sh, catfi sh, Pyongyang Old People’s Home on the best places of ry of the days when they had trained breathing in the mandarin fi sh, eel and minnow. So have the kinds of the riverside. fresh air along the Taedong riverside every morning. trees along the banks, including willow, dawn red- On one side of the river has risen the Pyongyang Therefore, all the Korean people express their love wood and magnolia. Taedonggang Fish Restaurant resembling a cruis- for the river by calling it motherly river or the people’s Around the river were built the Okryu Restau- ing ship. It is a service centre similar to the Okryu river. And they see in the daily improving scenery of the rant, the Grand People’s Study House, the East Restaurant typical of the capital city. The fi sh res- river the future of their country getting younger and Pyongyang Grand Theatre, the Central Youth Hall taurant offers dishes made with live sturgeon and their nation getting more prosperous. and so on, all based on Korean style of architecture. Ryongjong fi sh. Relishing the dishes you can feast ► Rim Ok

38 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 39 teeming with fi shes—all are as White Herons Fly over beautiful as a picture. Country Rich in Mineral Water Some time ago, white herons began to settle in the area. Now Land of Sangwon the number of the birds has in- creased remarkably. At about 5 OREA THAT HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN AS ters in Korea—Kangso Mineral Water in Yaksu-ri, p.m., tens of white herons ap- Ka beautiful country is rich in mineral water. Kangso District, Nampho; Myohyangsan Mineral pear on the Sangwon Stream. There are more than 170 mineral springs in Ko- Water in Hyangam-ri, Hyangsan County, North LIGHTS OF WHITE forests in different districts and They stroll there until dusk rea, and water from over 110 of them is mineral Phyongan Province; Chojong Mineral Water in Fherons fl y over the Sang- began to plant fruit trees and when they go to sleep on the water. What is characteristic of the distribution of Chojong-ri, Unchon County, South Hwanghae Prov- won Stream curving round the good species of trees around the branches of scores of years-old mineral water in the country is that there is no re- ince; and Sambang Mineral Water in Sambang-ri, Sangwon Cement Complex, factory and on the surrounding poplar trees in the compound gional one-sidedness. The mineral water resources Sepho County, Kangwon Province. and thickly wooded mountains mountains. Now over 5 000 fruit before fl ying somewhere early are widely distributed in all parts of the country in- The country has been long conducting a nation- are scattered with fl ocks of the trees of scores of species and tens in the next morning. Then they cluding not only Pyongyang and every province but wide undertaking to use the mineral water resourc- birds. This is the scene of a photo of thousands of other trees grow come back in the afternoon. also mountainous districts, fl at areas, inland zones es for the people’s well-being and the treatment of taken by Kim Yong Ha, a pho- in the compound of the complex Ri Kyong Chol, a member and coastal areas. diseases. And many sanatoriums and rest homes tographer of the complex in Oc- and around it. of a literary circle of the com- In Pyongyang alone there are Okryu, Samma, were built near mineral springs across the country. tober last year. The local people relish the plex, wrote a poem describing Kobangsan, Konguk, Songbuk and many other Typical of them is Kangso Mineral Water. Be- It was 30 years ago that a sight of not only a forest of aro- the white herons fl ying to their mineral waters. All provinces and regions are also fore the nation’s liberation (August 15, 1945) from cement factory was built and matic acasia trees but also that workplace. rich in mineral water resources like Yangdok and the Japanese imperialists’ military occupation, the inaugurated in the area called of a chestnut tree forest where Rangnim mineral waters in South Phyongan Prov- mineral water and its locality were used as a means Sinha-ri which means that it’s squirrels play about and that of Is it an excellent location as ince, Paegun and Ryongchon mineral waters in of moneymaking and a pleasure resort by the ex- often foggy there. deer moving about in a thick for- birds have settled there? North Phyongan Province, Kobo and Chongun min- ploiting classes, but at present, a modern sanatori- At fi rst, the workers of the est. Is it an excellent location as eral waters in Jagang Province and Chojong Min- um and a bottled mineral water factory can be seen factory planted fast growing A few years ago, they built its environment is clean? eral Water in South Hwanghae Province. in the place. trees around it and on moun- up a dam on the lower Sangwon It is an excellent location The mineral waters in the country contain a Now the mineral water has reached a world tains in its vicinity and tended Stream to make water fl ow even as we have secured large amount of minerals needed by an organic standard for its effi cacy for longevity and medical them. Later they felt a lack of in a dry season. happiness there body, and various gas constituents, organic mat- treatment and for its unique taste, and the locality something while observing the The compound of the factory With one mind and purpose ters, microelements and radioactive substances, has changed into a sanatorium area and recreation trees growing year after year. is full of fruit aroma, the moun- for the sake of the country. and have unique tastes and special effects on the ground for the working people. Afterwards, they set a con- tains are covered with thick for- treatment of diseases. Today the mineral waters in Korea are making crete plan to create different ests and the Sangwon Stream is Kim Hyon Ju The Okryu Mineral Water near the Okryu a special contribution to the health and longevity of Bridge on the bank of the picturesque Taedong the working people. River contains a large amount of chloride ion, ion Choe Sol Mi bicarbonate, calcium ion, sodium ion and so on. As it regulates gastric secretion, it is good for the treat- ment of chronic gastritis and other chronic diges- tive diseases, diabetes and anemia. The Kumgok Mineral Water in Hoeyang Coun- ty, Kangwon Province, is very good for the treat- ment of skin diseases. It contains 0.3 grams of min- erals per litre, and about 9 mg of sulfur per litre. When you drink or apply it to your skin, it makes your skin elastic and soft. As it helps accelerate the process of cornifi cation, regeneration of epidermal layers and blood circulation of the skin, it is widely used for the treatment of chronic skin diseases like eczema, impetigo and psoriasis. The Okhodong Mineral Water in Sonchon Coun- ty, North Phyongan Province is well known as it is good for health and the treatment of diseases. The locality is called Okho-dong as it is surrounded with picturesque hills resembling a jade pot. It has three springs whose mineral waters are called Sin, Jung and Ku, respectively. Their ingredients are all similar, and belong to simple carbonated spring rich in free carbonic acid gas, hydrogen carbonate and iron. They are widely used for the treatment of diseases like chronic gas- tritis, a gastric and duodenal ulcer, chronic entero- colitis, nephrolithiasis and chronic pyelocystitis. Besides, there are world-famous mineral wa-

40 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 41 Mt Kumgang (1)

T KUMGANG SOARS IN THE Mnorthern Thaebaek Mountains in the middle of the East Sea coast of Korea. It extends for 60 km from south to north and 40 km from east to west, covering a total area of 530 sq km. For its multi- farious, magnifi cent and graceful natural landscape, the mountain is long known as one of the six cel- ebrated mountains and one of the eight scenic spots in Korea. The mountain is as beautiful as a picture with a wonderful harmony of 12 000 high peaks, mysteri- ous rocks, gigantic rocky cliffs, deep valleys, numer- When the beautiful autumnal tints cover the whole ► it was widely known at home and abroad. When phrase “Don’t talk about the beauty of mountains ous pools and ponds, crystal-clear streams meander- mountain with clear streams, it goes by the name of Buddhism began to spread in Korea, the mountain and waters before seeing Mt Kumgang.” And other ing precipices and rocks, lots of waterfalls, diversi- Phungak. When it presents a snowscape with snow- counted as one of the Buddhist “holy places” in the scenic mountains across the country are nicknamed fi ed fauna and fl ora and thick woods. The mountain fl akes and ice pillars visible everywhere Kaegol is East. The mountain was more widely known to the after the mountain, including Haeso (Hwanghae) boasts beauties of mountain, valley, plateau, bird’s given in winter. As the mountain constantly chang- public as it became a place of pilgrimage for many Kumgang (Mt Jangsu), Hamgyong Kumgang (Mt eye view, lake, sea and coast, so it presents a har- es in appearance by season, time and weather, there Buddhist monks and believers from across the Chilbo), Uiju Kumgang (Mt Soksung) and Tongnae mony of all beauties of nature. Hence the mountain is an old saying, “Stones do various tricks, water country. Kumgang (Mt Kumjong). And a foreign poet said has long been called Phungak, Kaegol, Sangak, Son- does all sorts of cute things and trees are also laud- The mountain has numerous Buddhist temples that he had no more desire even though he died if he san and Pongnae. able, so it seems that all superb scenic beauties have including Yujom, Phyohun, Jangan, Singye and saw Mt Kumgang of Korea once. In spring, when various kinds of fl owers are in gathered in the mountain.” Jongyang, and other cultural assets such as Bud- Characterized by diversifi ed beauties of nature full bloom and emit fragrance, it is called Kumgang From primitive times people lived in the area dhist sculptures, pagodas, monuments and stupas. and special landscapes by section, the mountain is (Diamond Mountain). In summer its high peaks of Mt Kumgang surrounded by river, sea and fi eld. Countless are legendary tales, poems, songs, and mainly divided into Outer Kumgang, Inner Kum- and sheer cliffs are enveloped by drifting clouds They often passed high peaks of the Thaebaek pictures relating to the mountain. gang and Sea Kumgang, and they are subdivided and in verdure full of bird songs and roaring sounds Mountains to conquer nature, thus developing From the late 16th century progressive schol- into scores of districts and dong (ravines and of cascading waterfalls, hence its name Pongnae. Mt Kumgang. From the end of the seventh century ► ars started studying the mountain’s history, geog- peaks). raphy and culture. So there came into being the (To be continued) Fantastic rocks in Mt Kumgang.

42 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 43 Myongnimdabbu, To Usher in Heyday of Peace, a Hundred-year-old Prosperity and Reunifi cation

Veteran Commander ET US USHER IN A HEYDAY OF The surprising changes which took place in in- “Lpeace, prosperity and reunifi cation ter-Korean relations convinced all the fellow coun- of the Korean peninsula by thoroughly im- trymen that when they join minds and efforts, they plementing the historic north-south dec- can turn the Korean peninsula into the true home YONGNIMDABBU (67–179) WAS A it was more advantageous to capture and subdue larations!”—this is a slogan Supreme Leader of the nation, which is the most peaceful and will minister of Koguryo, who distinguished him- the king of Koguryo with a vast territory to make M Kim Jong Un put forward in his New Year prosper forever. self in the fi ghts against the foreign invaders. In the other walled cities, fortresses and feudal states Address this year. Now the Korean people have turned out as one 166 he became the prime minister of Koguryo and surrender for themselves. held the prerogative of supreme command over all In addition, they calculated that the problem The slogan refl ects the desire of the Korean na- to make greater strides in their efforts to boost in- armed forces. of provisions for their army would be easily solved tion for peace and reunifi cation. ter-Korean relations, achieve peace and prosperity In the fi ght against the invading enemy troops because now, just after the harvest time, the fi elds Last year was a stirring year which witnessed and reunify the country on the basis of the priceless in 172, he fully demonstrated his mettle and spirit would be studded all over with stacks of grain crops. a dramatic change unprecedented in the history of achievements they made last year which was won- as a military man. In November 172 large enemy Therefore, it was as good as the enemy had left national division spanning over 70 years. derfully adorned with unprecedented events. forces intruded into Koguryo. The king consulted their fate to the strategy of surprise attack, and this With a determination to usher in an era of na- It is the steadfast will of the DPRK to remove the ministers for measures to deliver the country meant that Koguryo’s key to victory lay in frustrat- tional reconciliation, peace and prosperity by put- military hostility between north and south and out of the crisis. Looking out over the vassals, the ing this strategy of the enemy. Now the best course ting an end to the abnormal state on the Korean make the Korean peninsula a durable and lasting king asked, “Large enemy forces are invading our was to employ the empty-earth and holding-out- peninsula which had suffered a constant war crisis, peace zone. country and which do you think will be better, as- the-fortresses tactics, surrounding them with deep the DPRK took proactive and bold measures to ef- Being conscious that the master of peace on the suming the offensive or the defensive?” Many of his moats, building strong defences and leaving not a fect a great turn in north-south relations from the Korean peninsula is the Korean nation, all the fel- ministers were whispering and nodding in consul- grain of cereals in the fi elds, making the hungry and tation among themselves. tired enemy troops retreat helplessly. Then, large outset of last year. low countrymen turned out in the struggle to check Now a minister rose and gave his opinion, “Your armed forces would be sent out to chase and smash Three rounds of inter-Korean summit meetings and frustrate all the moves that wreck peace and Majesty, I think the enemy is making little of us the enemy. The king and all the ministers gave their and talks were held in the year amid great expecta- incite military tension on the peninsula. relying on their large numbers. So I suggest meet- approval to this plan of Myongnimdabbu. tions and interest of peoples at home and abroad, The DPRK put forward practical measures ing and driving them back. If we avoid fi ghting, the Immediately the king took necessary measures and thus the north-south relations entered a com- aimed at expanding and developing inter-Korean enemy will regard us as cowards and frequently and ordered many army units to assault the ene- pletely new stage. cooperation and exchanges in an all-round way so make inroads into our country in the future. In ad- my’s logistic units and cut off their supply line. As The Panmunjom Declaration, the September that national reconciliation and unity can be con- dition, we have the advantage of steep mountains a result, the commanders and soldiers of the enemy Pyongyang Joint Declaration and the north-south solidated and all the fellow countrymen can practi- and narrow paths, so ten thousand enemy troops who had intruded deep into Koguryo had no other agreement in the military fi eld, which were adopted cally benefi t from improved north-south relations. won’t be able to get over our barrier guarded by just choice but to retreat, hungry and frozen with cold. by refl ecting the fi rm resolve and will to usher in For the present, it expressed its willingness one man. So I think it the best policy to check them As planned, Myongnimdabbu started in hot chase an era of peace in which war exists no longer on to resume the Kaesong Industrial Park and Mt by sending out our troops.” To his words the king of the routed enemy. It was important in this battle responded with a dry cough. The other ministers to wipe out the enemy to the last man to cut down the Korean peninsula, are of great signifi cance as Kumgang tourism without any precondition and guessed that his opinion failed to gain the favour their strength never to try to make a comeback. He a virtual nonaggression declaration in which north in return for nothing, in consideration of the hard of the king. formed a pursuit unit with thousands of elite cav- and south have committed themselves to terminat- conditions of businesspersons of the south side who At this moment, Myongnimdabbu opened his alrymen and led the van of the battle to chase the ing fratricidal war based on force of arms. had advanced into the Kaesong Industrial Park and mouth. He said in a low but forceful voice, “Your running enemy, ordering his soldiers never to let While sportspersons of north and south dis- the desire of southern compatriots who are eager to Majesty, I consider it inadvisable to go out and en- the invaders escape alive and to show the mettle of played the wisdom and strength of the nation by visit the nation’s celebrated mountain. gage the enemy head on.” “Why?” the king asked in the Koguryo people. jointly entering international competitions, artistes This presupposes no toleration of the interfer- a consenting tone. Myongnimdabbu answered, “The At the time, he was aged 106. About this a his- came and went to Pyongyang and Seoul to fi re the ence and intervention of outside forces who stand enemy’s land is vast and it has a large population. tory book says that the enemy forces suffered a enthusiasm for national reconciliation and reunifi - in the way of national reconciliation, unity and They are coming a long way in an assault on us crushing defeat, so that not even one horse went cation. reunifi cation with the design to subordinate inter- with a huge force. So there’s no breaking the brunt back home. The empty-earth and holding-out-the- North and south took the signifi cant fi rst step Korean relations to their tastes and interests. of their attack. It is often the case in war that the fortresses tactics employed by Myongnimdabbu in superior force attacks and the inferior one defends.” this battle in combination with the exterminatory towards common prosperity of the nation by pro- If north and south join minds in the spirit of By With this, he explained his plan. The enemy war method were widely used later by many fa- moting cooperation projects in various fi elds includ- Our Nation Itself, they will surely usher in a hey- was invading Koguryo with the design of all-out mous patriotic army commanders of Korea in the ing railways, road, forestry and public health while day of peace, prosperity and reunifi cation on the surprise attack. As the enemy had many experi- battles to defend their country against foreign in- resolutely overcoming manifold obstacles and dif- Korean peninsula. ences in winning by surprise attack they thought vaders. fi culties. Kim Il Bong

44 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 45 ► description; they bayoneted the overseas Korean residential tional consciousness of the peo- Demonstration of demonstrators to death or killed quarters. The rapid spread of ple. The patriotic desire of the them by hanging.” the uprising turned the whole forerunners who shouted, “Long The Japanese imperialists, country into an arena of the anti- live the independence of Ko- Ardent Patriotic Spirit however, could not depress the Japanese resistance for national rea!” while shedding blood was Korean people’s intention to salvation against the Japanese realized by the anti-Japanese achieve independence. The up- imperialists’ colonial rule. And revolutionary struggle led by HE KOREAN PEOPLE’S gled against tax payment. At brandishing bayonets and iron rising that started in four prov- the struggle grew more intense: Kim Il Sung. history of national liberation that time the working class in hooks recklessly, attacked the T inces on March 1 expanded to The peaceful demonstration for Today the Korean people struggle is replete with events in the country was still young, peaceful demonstrators, killing, 12 provinces by March 11, and independence gradually began have turned out for the struggle which they fully demonstrated but they walked out and fought arresting and detaining them. a similar struggle occurred in to turn violent. to build a prosperous and power- their fi rm spirit of independ- bravely in the van of demonstra- The demonstrators, however, North Chungchong Province on The uprising demonstrated ful reunifi ed country displaying ence, indomitable spirit and ar- tions and riots, displaying their did not yield but fought coura- March 19. Thus it spread across the Korean people’s ardent pa- their fi rm spirit of independ- dent patriotic spirit. stubbornness, militancy and geously against Japanese troops 13 provinces at last. The fl ame triotic spirit and revolutionary ence, indomitable spirit and ar- On March 1, 1919 they un- united force in anti-imperialist and policemen. Though empty- of the anti-Japanese resistance ardour, dealt a telling blow to dent patriotic spirit. dauntedly launched an uprising struggle. Meanwhile, youths handed, they threw stones to- swept through 229 of the total the Japanese imperialists’ colo- against the Japanese imperial- and students fervently called wards the enemy. When the fi rst 232 administrative units, and nial rule and heightened the na- Rim Hye Gyong ists, shouting, “Long live the for people of all walks of life to rank fell down, the other ranks independence of Korea!” and turn out for the anti-Japanese behind would advance without “Japanese and Japanese troops, national liberation struggle, and letup. When a girl student had get out!” This is recorded in the demonstrated and struck, deal- her right arm that held the na- history of Korea as the March ing a fatal blow to the Japanese tional fl ag cut off by an enemy First Popular Uprising, a na- imperialists’ educational policy sword, she took the fl ag in her tionwide anti-Japanese patriotic for colonial slavery. Artisans left hand, and when she was struggle of the Korean people and shopkeepers, too, joined the unable to move any further hav- to take back their country from patriotic struggles closing doors ing had her left arm cut off, she the Japanese imperialists and or breaking off transactions with continued to step forward shout- achieve sovereign independence. Japanese. ing, “Long live the independence Early in the last century the The uprising was also joined of Korea!” making the Japanese Japanese imperialists occupied by petty offi cials and clerks imperialist soldiers and police- Korea militarily and enforced a working in government offi ces men shudder. medieval oppressive rule, turn- and organs of the Japanese im- Even Shinobu, a hired schol- ing the whole land of Korea perialists. In three months from ar of the Japanese imperialists, into a giant prison and a hell its start to late May over two said in astonishment, “The Jap- on earth. This made the Korean million Koreans of all strata anese military policemen were people give vent to their pent-up joined the anti-Japanese upris- dead set on cruel crackdown resentment and anger. ing, and there were more than that one could not see with one’s The popular uprising started 3 200 demonstrations and riots eyes open….The atrocity of the with a large-scale anti-Japanese across the country till December Japanese policemen was beyond ► demonstration in Pyongyang on of the year. The Japanese imperialists brutally oppressed March 1, 1919, sweeping through Taken aback by the Korean and killed the participants in the March First Seoul and almost all other parts people’s struggle for national Popular Uprising. of the country and spreading dignity and sovereignty the even to the Korean compatriots Japanese imperialists launched in Manchuria, Shanghai, the brutal repression. On the fi rst Maritime Territory of Siberia day of the uprising they urgent- and Hawaii, and thus developed ly dispatched countless military into a nationwide patriotic re- police and policemen and mo- sistance. bilized a fully-armed garrison Most of the participants in to suppress the uprising. The the uprising were peasants. Japanese army stationed in Ko- While demonstrating against rea also joined the crackdown, the Japanese imperialists, they and the elite troops from Japan refused to supply cereals and proper were sent to the country. fi rewood to Japanese and strug- The Japanese imperialists,

46 KOREA TODAY No. 3, 2019 47 Japan’s Old Crime of National Tree—Pine Sexual Slavery Revealed (2)

HE KOREAN PEOPLE HAVE LIVED IN wrapped in a grayish brown scale leaf cover unlike close connection with pine tree since the early other kinds of pine trees. Nature of Sexual Slavery they had nowhere to appeal even Nevertheless, the Japanese T stage of human culture. Indigenous to Korea pine As a sun plant, it has a cloud-, cone- or umbrel- for Japanese Army if they were killed for their re- politicians are clumsily denying tree has existed in its territory since the origin of la-shaped crown. Its aroma is strong, and the ends fusal to satisfy the sexual needs. or feigning ignorance of their mankind. It was over 5 000 years ago that pine tree of its leaves are as sharp as a thorn. With a strong LAVE MEANS THE MAIN When there was revealed predecessors’ extra-villainous forests rapidly spread in the country. The botanical ability to stand winter it grows well in a harsh producer in a slave-owning the fact that during the Soviet- inhuman crime, insisting that name of the Korean national tree is Pinus densifl o- condition with a low temperature like in Hyesan, S ra. Worldwide known species belonging to the pine Ryanggang Province, Korea. society who, as property of an- German war a Nazi “doctor” tat- the “comfort women made kind number over 110. The Korean people like the tree very much as it other person, had no right or tooed an eagle and other things money,” and that the “army’s Korea is the original home of pine and centre of is always fresh green even in snow and frost. means of production and was on the body of a Chinese girl engagement was aimed at pro- worldwide pine distribution. Ri Kwang Ho, director of the Botanical treated like an animal. staying in the Soviet Union, the tecting the rights of the comfort With great vitality and capability to root, pine Institute of the State Academy of Sciences, says, grows well in a place where it has rooted fi rst even “When seeing an aged pine tree with graceful foli- The sexual slaves subordi- international community indig- women.” Besides, they are as- though it has poor soil. This can be known from the age growing steadily on the top of a rock, you can nantly condemned it as a great serting that the issue of sexual nate to the Japanese army were fact that a pine colony has not been replaced by that notice that the tree is a wonderful harmonious in the status of the slaves that insult to the dignity of women, slaves should be discussed in a of other species for hundreds or thousands of years combination of fi rmness, gentleness and beauty. could be seen in ancient Greece and made an issue of the matter. quiet place by historians or ex- since it was formed. The Korean people love the tree particularly per- and Rome, nay, they were in a The sufferings and shame perts and that it should not be Its trunk bark is darkish brown in the lower haps because they think it refl ects their character- part, and reddish brown in the upper part. The istics—broad-minded and strong-willed and mod- more deplorable state. The only the Korean sexual slaves under- regarded as a political issue and plants belonging to the pine kind has 2- to 5- est and gentle—and their detailed sentiments.” went were incomparably worse. a diplomatic issue. difference, if any, was that they needle leaves, but the national tree of Korea has were forced to give their sexual While eating a rice ball and pick- Regarding this, the interna- 7- to 12-centimetre-long two-needle leaves, each Sim Chol Yong “service” alone. led radish for a meal they had to tional community is demanding The sexual slaves for the undergo physical and mental that Japan take the responsibil- Japanese army were, in essence, agony. If they tried to fl ee or ity for the crime of sexual slav- slaves forced into sexual acts. disobeyed, they were subjected ery and atone for its past as soon They were not those who, as the to harsh punishments or killed. as possible. Japanese politicians describe, When they were defeated on Statues of a young sexual consoled troops on the front August 15, 1945 the Japanese slave girl and memorials are ap- mentally and psychologically. imperialists massacred or left pearing in succession in differ- According to the testimony of the sexual slaves to death in bat- ent countries and regions of the the survivors of the sexual slav- tlefi elds or uninhabited regions. world, and a website has been ery for the Japanese army, the They never left a single one of opened in the US which is aimed sexual slaves were mercilessly the slaves intact to be alive. For at educating students in Japan’s denied not only their dignity as example, they killed scores of history of crimes of sexual slav- women but also their elemen- Korean sexual slaves on one of ery. tary human rights and even the the South Sea Islands, and they The Japanese imperialists’ right to existence. Women in the used hand grenades to murder crime of sexual slavery remains “comfort stations” for the Japa- other Korean sexual slaves in a painful memory despite the nese army were each subjected an air-raid shelter in Yunnan, passage of time. As long as Ja- to sexual cruelty by scores of China. Survivors of the sexual pan cunningly keeps trying to Japanese soldiers a day. They slavery testifi ed that whenever conceal its old heinous inhuman were quite often whipped or they lost a battle the Japanese crime, such statues and memo- their lips and bodies were tat- soldiers, on return, vented their rials will continue to appear tooed, but they could not help anger on their sexual slaves, around the world. but bear the maltreatment. And sometimes killing them. Rim Hye Gyong

48 KOREA TODAY