DOCSLIB.ORG

Empty Slopes at N Korea's Ski Resort

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Empty Slopes at N Korea's Ski Resort lifestyle WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 FEATURES North Korean visitors at the Masikryong ski resort, near North Korea’s east coast port city of Wonsan. This photo shows a general view of the Masikryong ski resort, near North Korea's east coast port city of Wonsan. — AFP photos This photo shows members of a “ski camp” at the Masikryong ski resort, near North Korea’s east coast port city of Wonsan. Snow business: Empty slopes at N Korea's ski resort utside a large stone tablet acclaims "the work of Dear Leader Kim Jong-Un who devoted hard work and heart Oand soul to make our people the happiest and most civi- lized people". On the ski fields of Mount Taehwa, groomed pistes snake down wooded hillsides to a luxurious hotel and a giant screen showing a North Korean army choir. But the runs are emp- ty. Work began on Masikryong ski resort, the only one in the North and the brainchild of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un, after Pyeongchang in the neighboring South was awarded the 2018 winter Olympics. The impoverished, nuclear-armed nation has ramshackle infrastructure and around 40 percent of its people are undernourished, according to the Global Hunger Index. But the luxurious resort boasts a wood-paneled reception and statues of winter sports athletes. Outside a large stone tablet acclaims "the work of Dear Leader Kim Jong-Un who devoted hard work and heart and soul to make our people the happiest and most civilized people". At a visitor center packed with pictures of Kim - including one of him using a chairlift, although without skis - guides credit him with giving on-the-spot guidance no few- er than 144 times over the course of construction. The resort is a three-hour drive from Pyongyang, down a potholed concrete road that passes through unlit tunnels and which civilian work crews clear of snow and ice by hand after fresh falls. The warm A general view of the Masikryong ski resort, near North Korea's east coast port city of A general view of the lobby of the Masikryong ski resort, near North Korea’s east coast comforts inside are a world away from the scenes outside the Wonsan. port city of Wonsan. entrance checkpoint, where peasant farmers drag sleds loaded with firewood across frozen lakes, and ox-drawn carts are used for transport. And - aside from the nursery slopes - it is deserted. the Democratic People's Republic of Korea - around 100 of whom is for the improvement of the welfare of our people," he said. "We quite a white elephant either. It's going to take time." But Andrei were on the single nursery slope - they are priced at the equiva- do not calculate." Pyongyang has a "byungjin" policy of "simulta- Lankov, director of website NK News and professor at Kookmin Happy lives lent of about $30 at free-market rates. By some estimates that neous development", meaning pursuing both GDP growth and University in Seoul, said Pyongyang's tourism expectations have A second-hand Doppelmayr bubble lift, the ski boxes still sten- approaches an ordinary worker's monthly salary. But most will go nuclear weapons at the same time, even though it is subject to been "absolutely unfounded" and "nearly comical". Kim Jong-Un cilled with 'Ischgl', its original Austrian home, takes visitors to the on group trips organized by their work unit, school or organiza- multiple sets of UN sanctions over its atomic and missile programs went to school in Switzerland, he pointed out. "He just decided top of Mt Taehwa, where a handful of curious Westerners enjoy tion, at zero or minimal cost. After trying skiing for the first time, - among them a ban on luxuries, including snowmobiles and to emulate what he saw there," he said. "He saw wonderful the thrill of having almost an entire resort to themselves. With a ship's captain Kwak Jong-Song said he found it "refreshing". "recreational sports equipment". mountains in Korea, which are indeed beautiful, and he said why 700-metre vertical drop, the skiing compares favorably to other "I would like to thank our Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un who is At a parade this month for the 105th birth anniversary of not make our country into a tourist destination like Switzerland destinations in neighboring China or South Korea. At one point on giving his whole devotion to our people's happy lives," he said. founder Kim Il-Sung it displayed an arsenal of devices, including a so we can make a lot of money like Switzerland does." The incon- a weekend afternoon in peak season, Swede Patrik Hultberg was Ordinary North Koreans normally only ever express officially-sanc- suspected new intercontinental ballistic missile, as well as floats gruity of the situation is not lost on some Masikryong visitors. the only skier on the slopes, he said. "That's really cool. I wish I tioned views when speaking to foreigners. showing mock-ups of prestige property projects. Masikryong was Norwegian Eidnes, 29, said he had been treated "like a king" at could experience it more, hitting new pistes and there's nobody part of a regional development plan and driven by authorities' Masikryong. "It's very opulent, things are very nice," he added. there." Norwegian software developer Lars Eidnes has previously White elephant? view that a prosperous country should have a ski resort, said Nick "That's a sharp contrast to normal life for everyone. It's been on snowboarded in Iran and Kyrgyzstan. "If you want to escalate from Resort executives say it sees 70,000 visitors a year. Such figures Bonner, director of specialist North Korea travel agency Koryo our minds." — AFP there, then you come to DPRK," he said. are hard to square with the uncrowded vistas, but hotel director Tours, which offers it among its destinations. "So they built it." Day passes for foreigners cost almost $100, while for citizens of An Song-Ryol insists it is profitable. "We do not mind the cost if it "It's not busy, it's never been busy," he told AFP. "But it's not Local bulldog named Drake University's beautiful bulldog he blue tutu and diamond necklace that Prudence was wearing helped win over the judges at this year's TBeautiful Bulldog contest at Drake University. The 2 1/2- year-old bulldog owned by Angela and Tom Miller of Des Moines won the contest on Sunday. The tongue-in-cheek contest is the opening event of the Drake Relays, a prestigious track and field meet to be held at Drake Stadium. Drake athletic director Sandy Hatfield, who served as a judge, says Prudence is "just gorgeous." Student body President Thalia Anguiana was another judge. She says there's This Friday, April 21, 2017, shows a 600-year-old white oak tree on the grounds of Basking Ridge Presbyterian just something about Prudence's face that made her beauti- Church in Bernards, NJ. — AP photos ful. More than 1,000 people watched the contest as 38 bull- dogs competed. Another 4,000 watched live online. — AP Max, owned by Katrina Shain, of Sullivan, Ill, waits to be Beloved 600-year-old white judged during the 38th annual Drake Relays Beautiful Bulldog Contest, Sunday in Des Moines, Iowa. — AP photos oak tree takes final bow BERNARDS: A white oak tree that has watched over a New The tree pieces were loaded onto a log truck and taken Jersey community and a church for hundreds of years to an undisclosed site where they will be evaluated and began its final bow Monday as crews began its removal inventoried. Officials still are deciding what to do with the and residents fondly remembered the go-to spot for for- wood and what will be put on the site where the tree mal photos, landmark for driving directions and the stood. The tree has been an important part of the commu- remarkable piece of natural history. Crews at the Basking nity since the town's inception in the 1700s. Officials say it Ridge Presbyterian Church in Bernards began taking down was the site of a picnic Gen. George Washington held with the 600-year-old tree that was declared dead after it the Marquis de Lafayette, and the Rev. George Whitefield, began showing rot and weakness during the last couple of a noted evangelist, preached to more than 3,000 people years. They were due to return to the church Tuesday - beneath the tree in 1740. weather permitting - to continue the process, which is "It's just always been there, it's always been a part of expected to be completed today. my town and now it's time to just say goodbye," Amanda "Over the past few years (the tree's) health has declined Hughes said Monday. "It's dead, it's lived a good life and quite dramatically. Our folks did everything possible to it's time for it to come down, and we will remember it in help its health be restored, but it was just the end of its life different ways now." Arborists say the tree had stood for and it was not meant to be," the Rev Dennis Jones, the nearly 300 years before the church was built in 1717. It church's pastor, said as the work got underway. The stands about 100 feet tall, has a trunk circumference of 18 removal work drew lots of attention from residents of a feet and has a branch spread of roughly 150 feet. Its death bedroom community about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west was likely due to its age.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Marketization of the North Korean Economy 2
    June 2018 Mar ketization of the North Korean Economy A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report Deeper Analyses Produced in support of the Clarifying Insights Strategic Multilayer Assessment (SMA) Office Better Decisions (Joint Staff, J39) www.NSIteam.com Marketization of the North Korean Economy 2 Author George Popp Please direct inquiries to George Popp at [email protected] What is ViTTa®? NSI’s Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa®) provides rapid response to critical information needs by pulsing a global network of subject matter experts (SMEs) to generate a wide range of expert insight. For this Strategic Multilayer Assessment (SMA) Strategic Outcomes on the Korean Peninsula project, ViTTa was used to address eight key questions provided by the Joint Staff project sponsors. The ViTTa team received written response submissions from 50 subject matter experts from academia, government, military, and industry. Each Korea Strategic Outcomes ViTTa report presents 1) a summary overview of the expert contributor response to the ViTTa question of focus and 2) the full corpus of expert contributor responses received for the ViTTa question of focus. Biographies for all expert contributors are also included in each report. RESEARCH ▪ INNOVATIONNSI ▪ EXCELLENCE Marketization of the North Korean Economy 3 TaBle of Contents VITTA QUESTION .............................................................................................................................................................. 4 SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS ............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Fudan International Strategic Report (2018).Pdf
    PREFACE Turmoil intertwined with changes -- a recap of what the year of 2018 has left us. The Trump administration has disrupted the world’s political and economic landscape by frequently threatening to withdraw from international treaties and initiating trade wars with its partners. It was the very first time since the end of World War II that the US has exhibited such a high level of discontent with the world political and economic order, and worse still, has undermined arbitrarily and haphazardly the very rules established by itself. While Washington’s motives can largely be boiled down to the narrow-minded and selfish pursuit of its interests under the “America First” banner, Trump, often as a spoiler, has fully demonstrated how uncertain, unconstructive, and even destructive his actions have been. Current affairs change year by year, and the main causes vary. The US was the primary cause for most of the changes in 2018. Governments of different countries have been eagerly coping with the uncertainty brought about by the Trump turmoil. Major political and economic powers, such as China, Russia, Japan, and the European Union, have stepped up efforts to unwaveringly defend multilateralism and uphold the international free trade system and principles. They have done so by actively promoting bilateral or multilateral free trade arrangements, lessening financial dependence on the US, and strengthening defense and economic cooperation with each other. These efforts reflect that the world has realized the necessity and urgency of self-reliance and self-improvement in the ‘post-America’ era. From a long-term perspective, the current turmoil is the continuation of international political and economic changes since the 2008 financial crisis.
    [Show full text]
  • The Newly Created Economic Development Zones in the Democratic People’S Republic of Korea: in Relation to the New Economic Policy Under the Kim Jong Un Government
    The Northeast Asian Economic Review Vol. 3, No. 1, June 2015 27 The Newly Created Economic Development Zones in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: In relation to the new economic policy under the Kim Jong Un government Mitsuhiro Mimura* Abstract On March 31, 2013, at the March 2013 plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), Kim Jong Un, the first secretary, stated in a report that economic development zones were to be set up and promoted having the local character of each province. The Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK promulgated a decree on the DPRK Law on Economic Development Zones on May 29, 2013. It also issued a decree to set up thirteen economic development zones in various provinces on November 21, 2013. Six more economic development zones were added through a decree on July 22, 2014. This rapid expansion of economic development zones in the DPRK signifies that the country is seeking ways to attract foreign investment not only at the central government level but also at the local government (provincial) level. One of the key factors for the establishment of provincial economic development zones might be to set up “incubators” for foreign investors. At least within the zones the laws on foreign investment are in force. For middle- to large-scale investment, however, many of these provincial economic development zones are too small, too little populated or too far from the major cities. Therefore establishment of these zones does not mean that the DPRK has a mature investment climate, but rather that they have just started to seek ways to be more attractive to foreign investors.
    [Show full text]
  • Beyond Borders 14 Days / 13 Nights on Site Guaranteed Departure from 2 People with a Maximum of 16 People 2
    1 VOYAGES COREE DU NORD CONTACT US : [email protected] Beyond Borders 14 days / 13 nights on site Guaranteed departure from 2 people with a maximum of 16 people 2 TRAVEL GUIDE TO NORTH KOREA The capital of the Democratic as making comments on negative HOW TO GET THERE? Companies People's Republic of Korea Presidents Kim Il Sung and Kim liaising with North Korea is Air (DPRK), Pyongyang has about 4 Jong Il, or any other member of Koryo (JS) and Air China (CA). The million inhabitants. the Government or the Party. only international airport is GEOGRAPHY LANGUAGE Korean is the official located in Pyongyang, and the The country covers a total area of language. A guide is mandatory boarding main hub is Beijing 120.538 km2. Located in for the duration of your stay. Few (Peking). northeastern China and adjacent Koreans speak foreign language. PASSPORT AND VISA A visa or extreme southeastern Russia, CURRENCY The won (KPW) is the tourist card are required for North Korea also shares borders official currency. At the time of entering North Korea. To get it with South Korea. North Korea is writing, the exchange rate is 1 please first make sure of the lined with about 1000 km of EUR = 1.006 KPW and USD $ 1 = validity of your passport for at coastline, to the West by the 886 KPW (May 2016). Foreigners least 6 months after your return Yellow Sea and the East by the are not allowed to use the won. date. Phoenix Voyages can take East Sea. However, the euro, the US dollar care of your visa (period: from 3 POPULATION There are and the Chinese yuan are weeks to 1 month).
    [Show full text]
  • MA Thesis Culture and Politics 5184VCP01Y * * * Pyeongchang
    s2126125 MA Thesis Culture and Politics 5184VCP01Y * * * Pyeongchang 2018 and Inter-Korean Relations An analysis of inter-Korean relations and sports diplomacy leading up to, during and following the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea Thesis Research Paper MA Culture and Politics Thomas Roberts s2126125 [email protected] Word Count - 14,994 Examiner: Dr. E. Veldkamp Submission Date 04/01/2019 1 s2126125 Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3 Literature Review ........................................................................................................................ 8 Section 1 – The Beginnings of Sports Diplomacy .................................................................................. 8 Towards a “New” Sports Diplomacy – Emerging Powers ....................................................................... 9 A “New” Sports Diplomacy ................................................................................................................... 10 Section 2 - Sporting Mega-Events ........................................................................................................ 12 Challenges of Hosting Sporting Mega-Events ....................................................................................... 14 North Korea and Sporting Mega-Events ............................................................................................... 15 South Korea and Sporting
    [Show full text]
  • Imaginaries of Tradition and Technology in the Three Kims
    S/N Korean Humanities, Volume 5 Issue 2 (September 2019) https://doi.org/10.17783/IHU.2019.5.2.59 pp.59~86∣ISSN 2384-0668 / E-ISSN 2384-0692 ⓒ 2019 IHU S/N Korean Humanities Volume5 Issue2 Hapkak and Curtain Wall: Imaginaries of Tradition and Technology in the Three * Kims’ North Korean Modern Architecture Jelena Prokopljević2) International University of Catalonia/Pompeu Fabra University Abstract The architecture developed in North Korea since its foundation in 1948 but especially since the proclamation of the Juche thought as the unique state ideology in the early 1960s, has included two major referential imaginaries: the Korean traditional architecture and the expression of the economic and technological progress. The presence of these imaginaries, mediated by the architectural language but also by the production policies, have oscillated throughout decades with varying intensity under the rule of each of the three Kims. The paper analyses different elements of traditionally and technologically inspired architecture, resumed in the title in two significative elements, the hapkak roof and the glass curtain wall, and looks into their transformation and modern interpretation in different times. The aim is to link the dominance of either of those imaginaries with the epoch and political discourses of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un, as tools for establishing the periodicity of contemporary North Korean architecture despite the omnipresent discourse of the national character of North Korean architecture. All three leaders have had strong influence on the architectural creation, understood as regimes’ most valuable propaganda device and have preferred one over another imaginary.
    [Show full text]
  • Child Labor” 12
    Xqhqglqj#Wrlo=## Fklog#Oderu#zlwklq#Qruwk#Nruhd## ⌿㬚#⬂ᦗ#ᇓⷚ᜶ᦗ#⊲ኞ⛚# # # # # # # SVFRUH# Shrsoh#iru#Vxffhvvixo#FRuhdq#UHxqlilfdwlrq# ♪,#⛯ኳ⶿ⴶ#㝳ⴺⴂ#ᾊ᪢⭲ᆾᡒ#♪ᵊ᪢ #%-019.'&)'/'065 We would like to thank the following people for their contribution to this report: Authors Lim Hyo-Kyung (Jenny), Chang Heidi Hee- Kyung, Nam Bada Interviewers Nam Bada, Lim Hyo-Kyung (Jenny), Chang Heidi Hee-Kyung, Kim Young-Il Copy Editors Soamiangaly Zafimboahanginirina Rakotobe, Brendan McCormick, Chris Buchman, Hana Bradshaw Other Shin Young-seo (Joyce), Contributors Koh Eunbyul (Abigail), Jack Halliwell, Lucille Savournin, Hyungwon Jang, Kim Soo-Hee, Shin Soo-Kyung, Ryu Ji-Sun, Lee Young-Hee Editor in Chief Nam Bada Publisher Kim Young-Il Korean Names mentioned in this report follow the format surname and then hyphenated given name. ⁧㇦# WDEOH#RI#FRQWHQWV# ### Sduw#Rqh=#Lqwurgxfwlrq# 1. Background 2 2. Methodology & Interviewees 5 3. Definitions & Terminology 11 3.1 Definition of “Child” 11 3.2 Definitions and Regulations of “Child Labor” 12 # # Sduw#Wzr=#Fklog#Oderu#lq#wkh#Hgxfdwlrq#V|vwhp 4. Overview of Child Labor in the 20 Education System 5. Agricultural Labor Support 23 5.1 Local Agricultural Labor Support 29 5.2 Long-term Agricultural Labor Support 51 5.3 Comparison of Local and Long-term Agricultural 64 Labor Support ͑ 5.4 Accidents during Labor Support 66 5.5 Punishments for Failure to Complete Labor 70 Support 6. Item Collections 78 6.1 Government-Run Children’s Initiative 78 6.2 Other Government-Run Collections 88 6.3 School-Run Item Collections 97 6.4 Schedule of Item Collections 110 6.5 Accidents during Item Collections 115 6.6 Punishments for Failure to Complete 116 Item Collections 7.
    [Show full text]
  • Informational Materials
    8/9/2017 Beware a Second Korean War Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 08/09/2017 9:53:26 AM The National Interest Published on The National Interest (http://nationalinterest.org) Home > Beware a Second Korean War Beware a Second Korean War Donald Manzullo These are difficult times on the Korean Peninsula. With North Korea’s second test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and newfound ability to produce a miniaturized nuclear warhead that can fit inside an ICBM, Kim Jong-un and the North Korean regime continue to demonstrate their persistent and determined effort to become a nuclear threat, in spite of coordinated international efforts to stop them. These actions have raised tensions on the peninsula to a high and dangerous level, potentially leaving the United States and its allies with few options. To forestall this possibility, there are increasing considerations of turning to a military option with some suggesting that the United States engage in a preventive strike to thwart North Korea from succeeding. http://nationalinterest.org/print/feature/beware-second-korean-war-21824 1/2 8/9/2017 Beware a Second Korean War At times like these it isReceived the duty of any by commander NSD/FARA and chief to Registrationensure the safety and Unit security 08/09/2017 of his citizens which 9:53:26 is why o verAM the years neither Republican nor Democratic administrations have taken the military option off the table when it comes to North Korea. However, the United States also has a duty to work with its allies to ensure that its actions do not sacrifice their safety and security unless there are truly no other options available.
    [Show full text]
  • RM-World-Report-2020
    2020 International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism Overview of the key industry figures for ski resorts t t a a n n a a V V t t n n e e th r r 12 edition - April 2020 u u a a L L Table of contents Glossary...........................................................................................- 6 - Foreword by Jimmy Petterson............................................................- 8 - Introduction .....................................................................................- 9 - The best season of the current millennium...................................................- 10 - The world ski market ......................................................................- 12 - Participating countries.................................................................................- 12 - Ski resorts and infrastructure ......................................................................- 14 - Evolution of worldwide skier visits ...............................................................- 16 - Market share of worldwide skier visits..........................................................- 16 - Skiers per region of origin ...........................................................................- 17 - International skiers flows ............................................................................- 18 - Future trends .............................................................................................- 19 - Country benchmark - top 20........................................................................-
    [Show full text]
  • 2018 Asia Society Korea New Ambassadors Welcome Dinner
    January - April 2018. Issue No. (30). A Newsletter Published as a Membership Service of Asia Society Korea Asia Society Korea Become a Member Now! Lotte Hotel Seoul, Suite 615 For more information about our membership, 30 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu please contact us or visit our website at Seoul, Korea 04533, CPO Box 3500 www.asiasociety.org/korea. Tel: 82 2 759 7806 Fax: 82 2 757 0034 Email: [email protected] 2018 Asia Society Korea New Ambassadors Welcome Dinner 아 시 아 소 사 이 어 티 코 리 아 소 Asia Society Korea held its New Ambassadors Welcome Dinner at Signiel Hotel on March 7, 2018. The ceremony welcomed thirteen new diplomats who have been in Korea since April 식 2017. The welcoming remarks were delivered by Asia Society Korea‘s Honorary Chairman Dr. Hong-Koo Lee. Lee emphasized the importance of cooperation between civil agencies and diplomatic officials. (Continued on Page 3) Future of the U.S.-led Alliance HONG KONG System in Northeast Asia HOUSTON LOS ANGELES Asia Society Korea held its third Monthly Luncheon MANILA of 2018 on April 26th. This month‘s luncheon took MELBOURNE place on the eve of the inter-Korean summit. As North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and MUMBAI South Korean President Moon Jae-in made their final preparations for the historic meeting, a number of NEW YORK distinguished and informed guests attended the SAN FRANCISCO luncheon held at the U.S. Ambassador‘s official resi- dence. SEOUL Daniel Russel This month‘s speaker, Daniel Russel, is a career SHANGHAI member of the Senior Foreign Service at the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 5 Kim Jong-Un's Economic Policy As a Means to Secure His
    77 Chapter 5 Kim Jong-un’s Economic Policy as a Means to Secure His Regime1 Dongho Jo I. Introduction The observers on the North Korean economy have faced the following three basic questions. Even though these questions are the ones which have been typically asked during the last several decades whenever we try to explain the North Korean economy, it gets much more difficult to answer them than before because fundamental changes have been made and deepened since the Kim Jong-un regime was launched. The first question is how we evaluate the economic condition of North Korea. Of course, assessing the North Korean economic situation has not been easy due to the lack of data and information. But it becomes more difficult recently since we observe conflicting signals and reports concerning the North Korean economy. For instance, all experts were able to agree in the 1990s that the North Korean economic condition was very bad. In the last several years, however, some experts say that the North Korean economy has continued to decline while others insist that it has achieved considerable growth. Then, what is the real picture? The second one is about the responses of the North Korean leadership or economic policies of North Korea. The most remarkable phenomenon of the present North Korean economy is the expansion of markets. The North Korean authority still argues that North Korea is and will be maintaining a socialist planned economic system. However, market activities have been growing rapidly and even official sectors are now dependent on markets. While markets are contributing to economic growth, the economic system itself has been collapsing due to markets.
    [Show full text]
  • Wonsan Kalma Tourism Zone
    Wonsan Kalma Tourism Zone large-scale tourist zone on the eastern coast of North Korea The centerpiece of the project is the redevelopment of the Wonsan-Kalma Airfield and Kalma Peninsula into a modern airport and a tourist area with multiple high- and low-rise buildings along a 4 km beach new airport opened in September 2015, construction of the resort started in 2018 and was planned for an opening in 2019 but setbacks and the pandemics have stalled construction till now. 38north.org Wonsan- Kalma Transition from military to civilian tourism - Kalma peninsula was home to a few KPA facilities - Wonsan Air Base, Kalma Rest House, a theater, a palace and a KPA artillery testing ground - 2002-2009: rest house converted into the Saenal Hotel and the palace into the Kalma Hotel. A gymnasium was built on the site of a KPA sports ground and what appears to be a new rest home was built for the KPA - new chalets were constructed Wonsan-Mt. Kumgang International Tourist Zone June 11 2014, the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK issued a decree on naming the Wonsan-Mt. Kumgang International Tourist Zone the zone would become an international tourist destination with beaches, the recently-opened Masikryong Ski Resort, natural attractions such as the Ullim Waterfall and Mt. Kumgang and other historical spots Other plans included underwater hotel, flower park, international meeting hall, exhibition and exposition hall and stadium Planned capacity for 100,000 people Early reports on the plan say one of the reasons Wonsan was chosen was because it’s less than two hours flying time from major cities in China, Russia and Japan.
    [Show full text]