Bronze Flower Vase

A gift to President Kim Il Sung from Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt (September 1988) Monthly Journal (759)

C O N T E N T S

3 With Due Attention National and public campaigns are going on in Korea to protect rich water resources and make an effective use of them.

5 Minor Power Stations on the Increase 6 Taedong River Changes 8 Popular Taesongsan Mineral Water 10 Life Spent with Water 11 Eternal President of DPRK 12 Thanks to Her Encouragement 14 Our National Flag 16 Main Motive Force for Development of Self-supporting Economy

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

1 18 For Better Quality 20 Distinguished PhD in Materials Science 21 Developers of New Machine 22 New Composite Bacteria Developed 23 Promising Students 24 Developing Dreams 26 Family of Educators Held in Respect 27 Factory College Trains Competent Personnel Front Cover: Production 28 A Day of an Emergency Hospital goes up at the Taesongsan Mineral Water Factory 30 Staffed with Good Doctors 31 Pride of Gymnastics Coach Photo by Ri Song Ik 32 “Little Star of Sinpho”: Today and Tomorrow 34 Gymnastic and Artistic Extravaganza 39 Elderly Woman Grows Nut Pines 40 Family of Artists 42 Popular Roast Chicken Restaurant 43 National Independence Secures Peace and Reunifi cation 44 Milestone in Opening Avenue of National Reconciliation, Peace and Prosperity 45 Watch Out for Japan’s Military Scheme 46 Koguryo’s Famous Commanders—Miru and Nyuyu 47 National Intangible Cultural Heritage (34) Making of Jang (Soy Sauce and Paste)

Back Cover: Pibong Falls 48 Mt Kumgang (7) in Mt Kumgang

Photo by An Kang Rim Common Knowledge 19 Natural Monuments Newly Registered 13502 ㄱ – 1980195 25 Stress and Sporting Activities

Edited by An Su Yong 42 Blueberry Juice Address: Sochon-dong, Sosong District, Pyongyang, DPRK E-mail: fl [email protected]

© The Foreign Language Magazines 2019

2 With Due Attention

OT LONG AGO A KOREA TODAY Nreporter had a talk with bureau director Ri Kyong Sim of the Ministry of Land and Environment Protection about Korea’s protection and effective use of its water resources. Excerpts:

In order to make effective use of water re- sources, priority should be given to their pro- tection, I think. My country is one of those rich in water re- sources. It has thousands of rivers and streams and lakes and reservoirs, and plenty of precipita- tion. The water resources per unit area (1 km2) Ri Kyong Sim, bureau director of the Ministry number 615 000 m3, nearly twice the world’s aver- of Land and Environment Protection. age (315 000 m3). The country has a non-permanent committee for Such plenty of water resources, however, will environmental protection which coordinates coop- run dry unless they are managed properly. erative relations between water resources-using My country already adopted the DPRK Law on units, scientifi c institutes and supervision and con- Water Resources in 1997, the DPRK Law on Pre- trol agencies. vention of Marine Pollution in 1997 and the DPRK Different sectors of the national economy are Law on Rivers in 2002. It amends and supplements striving to make rational use of water resources: the laws in keeping with the present time. The Law Across the country there have been built reservoirs, on Water Resources, for example, was amended in pumping stations, intake works, waterways, bar- 1999. Not a few of its total 37 articles are dedicated rages, power plants and other kinds of water facili- to protection of water resources. ties so that protection of water resources is done on Protection of water resources is a national and a technical basis. public concern at the moment. Rational develop- ment plans have been drawn in full consideration Hydropower stations are making the most of of the amounts of and changes in local water re- water. In recent years 12 power stations have been sources, their local distribution and the demands of built in tiers down the Chongchon River, thus gen- different sectors of the national economy for water, erating electricity. Fish-ways were set in the power and all possible efforts are directed to protection of stations, so the sweetfi sh’s spawning beds are in water resources. good condition. And there have been established In addition, diking, dredging and afforestation fi sh farms, wading pools and boating grounds that for erosion control are done simultaneously, and a make an active contribution to the recreational ac- mass and national drive is under way to manage tivities of people. rivers and streams. And with periods of nationwide The 150-odd-km-long Kaechon-Lake Thaesong general mobilization for land administration fi xed, Waterway was built as the fi rst of its kind. It is an all the people engage in improvement of rivers and example of a large-scale gravitational irrigation streams and so on to protect water resources in system in our country followed by the completion of spring and autumn every year. the Paengma-Cholsan and Miru Plain waterways, I want to know about what is important in making it possible to make effective use of water for making effective use of water resources. grain production. The relationship between relevant units is im- And much attention is paid to protection of wa- portant in making effective use of water resources. ter resources. Industrially-used water is recycled or ►

No. 9, 2019 3 Minor Power Stations on the Increase

OREA HAS MANY for heating of houses and the lo- stations Nos. 1, 2 and 3, Manpho Kmountains and large and cal people’s life. Yonha Power Station and Hui- small rivers, so it has rich water It sparked off a nationwide chon Power Station No. 3. resources. The State has set up campaign to learn from the ex- Kangwon and other provinc- a line of constructing medium- perience of the province. And es are benefi ting from the medi- and small-sized hydropower different kinds of medium- and um- and small-sized hydropower stations on a large scale all over small-sized hydropower stations stations they have built. Reservoirs, waterways, power stations and other the country in accordance with suited to the characteristics of Last year, Ryesonggang projects are carried out to protect water resources the favourable physiographical specifi c areas appeared all over Youth Power Station No. 5 and and make an effective use of them. conditions of the country, and is the country. Thanks to the con- Orangchon Power Station No. putting in efforts to implement struction of power stations, ar- 5 went up in North Hwanghae ► used in a stage-by-stage way from processes that the line. tifi cial lakes came into being, Province and North Hamgyong require that of high purity to those that require As the construction of such adding to the local scenery, local Province respectively. This that of lower purity as required by different pro- hydropower stations can be done factories became able to run at year, too, the construction of cesses. Besides, air is used for cooling, and prod- in a short span of time with less full capacity, and the electrifi ca- such kinds of power stations is uct-washing devices and methods are improved in materials, fund and labour, it tion of rural dwelling houses has ongoing everywhere across the has been an economical and been realized on a high level. country. order to save water for industrial use. And a fi lter rational method of solving the The construction of such The Medium- and Small- fi lm-based biological reaction technology is intro- problem of electricity. A mass power stations is now under sized Hydropower Station Man- duced in dealing with sewage and waste water so movement has been under way way on a nationwide scale, and agement Bureau in each prov- as to establish a water-recycling system. to build similar stations wher- Jagang Province still takes the ince is now striving to ensure the ever there is water fl owing—on lead in the undertaking. The construction and most effective Seminars are held in commemoration rivers and streams, irrigation province has built a hundred use of the power stations so as to of World Water Day. canals and barrages—or by us- and scores of power stations benefi t from them. ing the water from large-sized including Hungju youth power Kim Il Bong power stations. Jagang Province is a good Minor hydroelectric power plants are set example. In the mid-1990s the up to contribute to power generation. country was faced with a dif- fi cult period, that is, the Ardu- ous March, owing to the impe- rialists’ moves of isolation and suffocation and their economic Rural communities clean waterways and tamp sanctions against it. Solving the clay on the waterway surface so as to keep water power problem became a matter from being wasted. of urgency. At this juncture, the The scientifi c research sector is studying sci- workers of the province made tech problems arising in protecting and making ra- generating equipment by them- tional use of water resources. Emphasis is placed selves, and built medium- and on the research to refi ne water at the least cost. At- small-sized hydropower stations throughout the province: Puk- tention is also paid to the task of using no or less chon fl oat-type power station, power to purify water. Janggang power stations Nos. 1 Every year my ministry gives a short course on and 2, and Jangjasan power sta- protection of water resources in which good experi- tion. ence is exchanged. The province built on large We also conduct exchange and cooperation with and small rivers many medium our counterparts of other countries. and small hydropower stations of different kinds with high eco- We’ll keep making every effort to protect and nomic effectiveness, thus pro- make effective use of water resources. ‰ ducing enough power to be used

4 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 5 HE TAEDONG RIVER, mallards come round in fl ocks to river’s ecological system. Twhich fl ows through the inhabit the river from early Sep- The scientifi c research capital city of Pyongyang, is one tember to early April next year. is under way to protect the of the fi ve longest rivers in Ko- In spring and autumn every ecological environment of the rea. year, the country undertakes Taedong. The researchers of As an area of high forest projects for improving river con- the Environmental Sci-tech accumulation, the Taedong ditions and planting trees. The Research Institute, Ministry of River basin is covered with a projects include afforestation for Land and Environment Protec- lot of needle-leaved and broad- erosion control. With the new tion, are engrossed in solving leaved trees like pine trees and appearance of the Taedong year the relevant problems, including oak trees. by year, the ecological system of the research on the technology According to Song Chol Gil, the place is getting better and of purifying industrial waste a section head of the Zoological better. water and depurative materials, Institute, who has been studying “I’m sure that the migratory the research on improvement the ecological system of the birds on the verge of extinc- of biodiversity, management Taedong River for a long time, tion around the world will come of nature reserves and the the transformation of the river to the Taedong in a few years recycling of wastes, and the basin is bringing about changes along with the improvement of authentication of the system of in the ecological system. its ecological system. We are improving the environmental Originally there were some now conducting the relevant management of factories and 60 kinds of fi shes in the river, research,” Song says. enterprises. This makes the and now they are increasing Thanks to the laws such river clear all the time. year by year. This provides as the DPRK Law on Water Toward sunset, there can be migratory birds with a suffi cient Resources (1997), the Law on seen people who are enjoying feed condition, and thus lots of Prevention of the Taedong themselves aboard the general- migratory birds fl y to build their River Pollution and the Law on service ship Mujigae while nests in the area. Rivers adopted by the State, a watching the mallards fl ying Taedong River Changes Among the birds are legal guarantee has been laid about in fl ocks. mallards. Over 20 kinds of to maintain the diversity of the Kim Il Ryong

6 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 7 ► Now I’ve been drinking the Taesongsan Mineral Water Popular Taesongsan Mineral Water for four months, and it has become my favourite drinking water.” It is said that the Taesongsan Mineral Water con- tains plenty of different minerals and microelements state in Korea, was situated in the area from 427 needed for pharmacological action. In particular, it con- to 586. tains a large amount of calcium (49.2mg/L), magnesium According to the State’s people-oriented policies, (11.64mg/L) and acid sodium ion, which have a special the Taesongsan Mineral Water Factory was built in virtue for curing digestive disorders such as chronic gas- the area of Mt Taesong in May last. With a capac- tritis and chronic colitis and cardiovascular diseases. ity of ten thousand litres a day, it is now producing Hyon Myong Hwan, 71, who lives in Neighbourhood bottled mineral water (0.5L) and barrelled mineral Unit No. 82, Unha-dong, Ryongsong District, Pyongyang, says, “For over ten years, I took medicines for reducing water (18.9L). blood pressure every day because my blood pressure The mineral water from the factory is supplied would rise up to 180. But over 30 days after I began to to department stores and shops in Pyongyang, and drink the Taesongsan Mineral Water, my blood pressure it is very popular among the citizens for its good became normal, and my wife (66) also got rid of her chron- taste and quality. ic colitis after drinking it.” As tectonics of the area is characterized by Sin Chun Bok, general manager of the factory, says, T TAESONG HAS BEEN LONG Archaean granites and thick muddy layer, the min- “The Korean people have long regarded good health as one Mregarded as one of the eight beauty spots in eral water from the area is good in taste and quality of fi ve blessings. In the future, too, we’ll regularly supply Pyongyang for its beautiful landscape. for people’s health. the mineral water to Pyongyang citizens, thus making a The mountain is covered with green pine forests Jon Pong Su, 56, who lives in Neighbourhood contribution to the improvement of their health.” all the year round and alive with all sorts of fl owers Unit No. 72, Wasan-dong, Sosong District, Pyong- At present its popularity is increasing day by day. season after season, hence the scenery was called yang, says, “The Taesongsan Mineral Water is very Choe Sol Mi Ryongsanmanchwi. It was also famous for its good good in taste and quality. Previously, I drank differ- water. It can be seen through the fact that the royal ent kinds of famous mineral water like the Sindok palace of Koguryo (277 BC–AD 668), the fi rst feudal Mineral Water and Ryongaksan Mineral Water. ►

8 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 9 Life Spent with Water Eternal President of DPRK

HE MATTER OF PRO- around some workshops of a to a climatic change and the ex- Kim Il Sung was the founding father and leader of the Democratic People’s Ttecting and making effective complex, he noticed oil resi- changing of water was not done use of water resources is a seri- due mixed in the water from properly. He invented and intro- Republic of Korea. Holding him in high respect as eternal President of their Repub- ous one related to the destiny of an outlet of waste water. The duced a method of exchanging lic the Korean people remember his exploits generation after generation. The Korea humankind. water was fl owing into a river water by pumping up clean wa- Today editorial board introduces some of the many anecdotes about the personality Korea has paid a deep atten- without being completely puri- ter of the Taedong River through of the President who devoted all his life to the effort to develop the DPRK. tion to this work, thus it is bring- fi ed. At that time the complex the Mirim Barrage, thus making ing about a great development in was content with the maximum it possible to prevent the water the aspect. permissible limit of water pol- pollution of the river. Servants of the people you. So we deputies ought to be Korea, and striving to introduce Dr. Ri Mun Hyok, 76, re- lution. Though busy on his way, In recent years, too, he ob- their servants. From now on you them throughout Korea; oppos- searcher at the water environ- he couldn’t leave the matter served, examined and analysed N LATE FEBRUARY 1947 should fulfi l your duty with a ing the economic enslavement ment laboratory of the Envi- alone. the water of the whole Taedong IKim Il Sung, leader of the high sense of responsibility and policy of the foreign imperialists ronmental Sci-tech Research Together with workers and River in every May and June new Korea, established the Peo- pride as a deputy from the public to build Korea into a rich, inde- Institute under the Ministry of technicians of a complex, he in keeping with the climatic ple’s Committee of North Korea, health sector that is in charge of pendent and democratic state; Land and Environment Protec- spent several days manufactur- change, and solved knotty prob- the supreme executive organ of the people’s life. and building an independent tion, has been engaged in this ing and installing new facilities lems to make clean water fl ow the people’s government of north He then asked her to help national economy and national fi eld for over 50 years, making a capable of purifying the polluted in the river. And after observing Korea. herself as the banquet was for culture. great contribution to the protec- water at 100%. In addition, he the changes of its water qual- That evening, a banquet was the people’s deputies who had In addition, he expounded tion and effective use of water invented and introduced appro- ity, fi shes and microorganisms, given in honour of the partici- been elected for the fi rst time in concrete targets and methods to resources. priate methods of purifying sew- he developed and introduced a pants in the meeting. While it the country. be pursued by the Government He also examined and ana- age and waste water in many method of protecting its ecologi- was proceeding in an amicable Moved by his great trust and of the Republic in different sec- lysed the water quality of the factories including foodstuff and cal system. atmosphere, the chairman of the care the participants made up tors. He declared: The Govern- main rivers, including the Tu- chemical factories and enter- He is now writing papers Central Committee of the Peas- their mind to faithfully perform ment will train large numbers of man, Amnok and Chongchon, prises, so that only clear water based on his experience and ants Union of North Korea ap- their duty as servants of the peo- cadres needed in all fi elds of pol- and reservoirs in the country, can always fl ow into rivers and research achievements. In his proached the President to intro- ple. itics, the economy and culture; and invented and introduced sig- streams. paper Research on the Envi- duce a woman deputy. direct great efforts to advancing nifi cant things that help make It happened when there ronmental Estimation of the When she made a bow with First political education, culture and the pub- rational and comprehensive use arose a problem in preventing Water Area at the West Sea a high respect, Kim Il Sung programme lic health service to improve the of water, making a great contri- the environmental pollution of a Barrage and Steps for Compre- asked her where she came from people’s level of culture; consoli- bution to the environmental pro- river. Through a detailed exami- hensive Coastal Management, and what she was. Then he On September 10, 1948, the date and develop the organs of tection of rivers and streams and nation of the river, he found out he described in detail the fact warmly told her: Children rep- day after the foundation of the the people’s power at all levels coasts. that the amount of reservoir wa- that the ecosystem of the bar- resent the future of the country Democratic People’s Republic of in every way; and strengthen the One year, while looking ter in the vicinity decreased due rage area has been changing and we should take good care of Korea (DPRK) was proclaimed, People’s Army in every respect for years since the barrage was them. They should be healthy Kim Il Sung announced the Po- to defend the territory of the Ri Mun Hyok (third left). built in the Taedong River, how from their childhood if they are litical Programme of the Gov- country against foreign forces of to deal with polluted materials to grow tall and strong and be- ernment of the Democratic aggression and to safeguard the from land, sea and ships and the come reliable pillars of the coun- People’s Republic of Korea at gains already achieved through steps for different units to man- try. In this respect paediatri- the First Session of the Supreme the democratic reforms in north age the coast. cians have responsible jobs. People’s Assembly. Korea. And the Environmental Dic- Then he asked how she had In his programme, he clari- It was the fi rst historic po- tionary he wrote and his essay felt when she was at a meeting fi ed the tasks relating to achiev- litical programme of the DPRK Natural Environment and Our to discuss state affairs for the ing national reunifi cation, build- Government in which he de- Life are highly appreciated for fi rst time after she was elected a ing a sovereign and independent clared the Government’s thor- their describing what are signifi - deputy of the people. She replied state and keeping the independ- oughgoing conviction and will cant in protecting the water en- that it seemed like a dream that ence in the domestic and foreign to build in the liberated Korea vironment in the country. she, an ordinary doctor, had the policies. a prosperous state that would Like this, he has devoted all honour of participating in such He also highlighted the is- be independent, self-supporting his life to provide a clean water an important meeting presided sues of consolidating and taking and self-reliant in defence. environment. Despite his ad- by the leader. forward the democratic reforms, vanced age, he is still devoting Hearing her reply, such as the agrarian reform, the Policy to make genuine the rest of his life to the work said: All the depu- nationalization of industries, people’s government full of vigour. Kim Il Sung ties here are the representatives the Labour Law and the Law on Sim Yong Jin elected by the people, just like Sex Equality enforced in north On December 15, 1977 ►

10 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 11 ► in 1946 she visited Sinhung-ri River improvement project, the the Pothong River will be free Thanks to Her in Kophyong Sub-county, Tae- fi rst great nature-harnessing from the sighs of grudge and the dong County. Helping the lo- project in Korea after liberation, sound of wailing. Encouragement cal women with their work she was launched. Then the women offi cials ex- had a talk with them. Feeling Previously the river had been pressed their fi rm determination friendly toward her, the wom- a pronoun of misfortune as it to have all women in the city N AUGUST 15, 1945 tention to the endeavour to rally panded. Thus there was organ- en began to ask her what they had annually fl ooded doing dam- turn out for the improvement of OKorea was liberated from broad sections of women around ized the Democratic Women’s had wanted to: A rumour is go- age to crops and infl icting innu- the river. Now she taught them the Japanese imperialists’ the Democratic Women’s Union Union of North Korea. ing around that the General merable calamities upon the lo- in detail how to mobilize the 40-odd-year-long military occu- of North Korea. Under the scrupulous [Kim Il Sung] will confi scate cal people. Washing 18 000-odd women of the city and saw to it pation. In order to free women from guidance and instruction of land from the landlords and give hectares of paddy and dry fi elds that a necessary measure was The Korean people turned feudal fetters, provide them with Kim Jong Suk the union rallied it to peasants. Is it true? Would in the West Pyongyang area, the taken. out to build a new country un- due rights and lead them to the the women in the general ideo- he give land to the have-nots like river used to sweep all ripening She frequented the construc- der the wise leadership of their creation of a new life, it was nec- logical mobilization movement us? They say that land will be crops in the rainy season and tion site herself. Even on a rainy national leader Kim Il Sung. essary to unite them into their for nation building. Meanwhile, given for money. How much do take the properties and lives of day she led the people there in The leader put forward the own political organization as it waged a vigorous drive to abol- we have to pay for a hectare of many people. accelerating the project, saying slogan “Let all women turn soon as possible. ish illiteracy and conduct cultur- land? Will the landlords give up Kim Il Sung proposed to that however hard she worked out for the construction of Kim Jong Suk visited the al enlightenment so as to raise their land for nothing? improve the river in order to she never felt tired as she seemed a new democratic Korea in Pyongyang Cornstarch Factory the women’s level of cultural at- Then she plainly explained: kindle the torch of the effort to to see the day when a people’s solid unity under the banner and different places including tainment and political and ideo- Our General will surely give build a new country by putting paradise would be created on of democracy!” encouraging the East Pyongyang area to form logical awareness and mobilize land to you peasants so as to an end to the calamities of the Thosongrang. One day, when women accounting for a half of local women’s union organiza- them to carry out the tasks of realize your desire. It is the re- river. On May 21, 1946 there a spring abruptly rose from be- the country’s population to take tions. And she made sure that the anti-imperialist and anti- actionaries’ lie that land will be was held the ground-breaking neath the earth interrupting the active part in the undertaking. all provinces, cities and coun- feudal democratic revolution. given for money. There are only ceremony of the project with the work, she was the fi rst to plunge The anti-Japanese war ties accelerated the formation of Kim Jong Suk also went a few landlords, but there are attendance of hundreds of thou- into the knee-deep mud to check heroine Kim Jong Suk, in sup- such organizations in industrial among the women to vividly hundreds or thousands of peas- sands of Pyongyangites. At the it. port of the leader’s intention, led establishments and farming explain to them about the na- ants in each locality. So, if all ceremony, the leader delivered The project, which had been women to be active in building a and fi shing villages, and that tional leader’s idea of building a peasants are fi rmly rallied and a speech of encouragement, and claimed to take more than three new country. She paid deep at- the membership was rapidly ex- new country. One February day ► fi ght with the support of the picked up a shovel to be the fi rst years to fi nish, was completed workers, the landlords will have to break the ground. in a matter of 55 days. This was no other alternative but to give That evening Kim Jong Suk, partly attributable to the wom- ► President Kim Il Sung, in the people. In order to discharge and practical problems in giving up their land. talking to offi cials of the wom- en’s role under Kim Jong Suk’s his speech Let Us Further its mission as the servant of the full scope to socialist democracy, Strengthen the People’s Gov- people, the people’s government including those of enlisting the Her words helped the women en’s union in the city, told them leadership. ernment given at the First Ses- should give full scope to socialist working masses widely in the to get ready for the land reform to call upon the women in the Drawing on her experience sion of the Sixth Supreme Peo- democracy in state activities. work of the people’s government, to be enforced sooner or later. city to turn out for the improve- in the river improvement, she He proved on a scientifi c ba- steadily enhancing their role in ple’s Assembly of the DPRK, pro- And during a visit to a fi sh- ment of the river in accordance visited many other parts of the posed all tasks for the people’s sis that the democracy which state and political life and build- government to fulfi l its duty as the people’s government would ing the socialist economy and ing village in the northern tip with the leader’s instruction. country to lead the Women’s Un- faithful servant of the people, as introduce fully in its state ac- culture effi ciently. of the country she explained the Telling the women offi cials ion organizations to rouse all the well as ways to implement them. tivities means the socialist The publication of the clas- villagers about the leader’s in- that it was the leader’s far- women to the effort to build a In his speech he said: It is democracy whereby the state sic work on strengthening the tention of forming fi shermen’s reaching plan to harness the new country. the honourable mission of the formulates its policies in compli- people’s government provided cooperatives, and during a visit nature of the country to the ben- In those days the Korean people’s government to serve ance with the will of the work- all the government organs with the working masses faithfully. ing masses, carries them out a vital guiding principle in dis- to Yombunjin she, shelling mus- efi t of the people, she said: We women, who had been confi ned The people’s government should according to their interests and charging their duty as a genu- sels together with them, ear- women in the city of Pyongyang to household affairs as symbol recognize its duty to safeguard provides them in practice with ine people’s government, and it nestly asked the women there to should have a correct under- of the weak, developed into mas- genuine freedom and rights and made it possible for the Korean and protect the interests of the conduct the anti-illiteracy cam- standing of the General’s inten- ters and laudable pillars of the working masses, and the offi - a happy life. people to fulfi l their role of mas- cials of the people’s government In addition, he gave a per- ters of the state and society. paign more briskly. tion and take active part in the country. bodies should be the servants of fect solution to the theoretical Yom Song Hui In May 1946 the Pothong project so that Thosongrang on Ri Jong Nam

12 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 13 ► said: Kim Il Sung’s instructions giv- their lives: during the war the Our National Flag “One day in my childhood I en to complete the fl ag: Korean People’s Army soldiers painted the national fl ag with The main ground of the fl ag made a breach, holding it high crayon on my drawing and hand- should be red which symbolizes as a banner of victory; patriots icraft book for the fi rst time, and the red blood shed by the anti- made the fl ag with their blood- EPTEMBER 9 IS THE May it keep fl uttering fl ag—Hinomaru—put on their my parents wore smiles, look- Japanese revolutionary fi ght- stained pieces of clothes in pris- Sfounding anniversary of the to the end of this world. bayonet, reduced villages to ash- ing at it for a good while—I can ers who fought for the country’s on before their death; overseas Democratic People’s Republic of es and mercilessly killed inno- never forget it. As a child, I only freedom and independence, and compatriots got aboard a ship to Korea. On the day the fl ag of the The song was carried on the cent Korean people, they had to thought that our fl ag was won- the revolutionary forces fi rmly return to their country, waving Republic is hoisted high in the January 1, 2019 issue of Rodong writhe in the sea of blood. derful and beautiful. In my pri- united around the Party. The the fl ag; and sportspersons held blue sky, and the song Our Na- Sinmun, the organ of the Cen- As they do not and cannot mary school days, together with strip of white colour, which rep- it high on the platform of honour. tional Flag reverberates across tral Committee of the Workers’ forget the bitter history, the Ko- my friends, I used to go up on a resents the homogeneous nation In the days of happiness or the country. Party of Korea, and since then it rean people hold the fl ag of their mountain and fl y a kite painted with thousands of years long and trials the Korean people cast in has become the Korean people’s Republic, symbol of the nation, with the fl ag so many times. glorious national culture, should their lot with the country invari- When our blue and red fl ag favourite song. dearer than their lives, and burn “As I reached the age of dis- be thinner and clearer than that ably, and in the course of this, fl utters high in the sky When our blue and red fl ag their heart with patriotism, feel- cretion, I was wrapped in a sol- of the present design. The one they dedicated their blood and Our hearts are burning with fl utters high in the sky—it is a ing the breathing of the country emn feeling unawares the mo- of blue colour, which symbolizes sweat, kept faith and conscience, the blood of patriotism. simple expression, but it denotes in the fl ag. ment the national fl ag was hoist- the mettle of the Korean people enjoyed happiness and realized Its strong fl uttering is the Korean people’s experience In a village in Sariwon City ed. On each national holiday my fi ghting for the cause of social- their wishes—all of these are re- replete with breathing of scores of years. several years ago, there was an family, too, raised the fl ag. Each ism in unity with the revolution- fl ected in the fl ag. of the homeland, In the early 20th century, they old man who used to hoist the time tears welled up in the eyes ary peoples in the world, and The Korean people’s love And the fl ag as dear as life had to experience the bitter suf- national fl ag up a fl agpole in of my father, a war veteran. the sovereignty of the Republic, for the national fl ag just means bears the destiny fering of a ruined nation under front of his house early in the Many years later he said that too, should be thinner than now. their destiny and life, not merely of the people. the military occupation of the morning on every national holi- he would think of his comrades- And the white circle should not confi ned to the song. We will love our brilliant Japanese imperialists. When the day. He, Chae Jong Thaek by in-arms who asked him to hoist be placed in the centre as now, One can see it in every place national fl ag. Japanese invaders, with their name, suffered the humiliation the fl ag of victory on the top of but put on the side of the fl ag- where the people’s rights are of becoming a stateless man, and a height when they fell in battle pole, and it will be advisable to exercised, for example, schools was subjected to national con- during the fi erce war. Having re- draw in the circle a fi ve-pointed including a branch school on a tempt in an alien land. After the alized that the fl ag is associated star to symbolize the victory of solitary beacon island, workplac- country was liberated from the with the blood of the revolution- the future. es, hospitals including clinics in Japanese military occupation, ary forerunners I began to keep Holding out the design he mountain villages, and polling he served in the army all his life it deeper in mind.” personally drew the President stations to elect deputies of the to defend the country. Like this, the fl ag of the Re- explained to the creators in de- people. The day before a national public is kept dearly in the mind tail about even the ratio of the Under the fl ag they are re- holiday he was bereaved of his of all the Korean people, along fl ag. Thus the fl ag of a new coun- warded according to the quanti- wife. Now the villagers said the with their native places, homes, try came into being, and the fl ag ty and quality of work done, and old man would not hoist the na- parents and alma maters. was as good as a textbook of life ordinary industrial and farm tional fl ag. But the next morning telling the Korean people what workers become Heroes and they saw him in neat costume We will defend the fl ag the country was. deputies to the Supreme Peo- raising the fl ag as usual. See- we have defended Along with Korea’s libera- ple’s Assembly. So all citizens ing him and the fl uttering fl ag generation after generation. tion they became masters of the of the DPRK hear the sound of in tears they seemed to hear the Our national fl ag will be country; to them the fl ag of the fl uttering of the national fl ag as solemn melody of Patriotic Song, everlasting with the Republic was just the fl ourish- a sweet voice of mother, and re- the anthem of the country, and might of love and justice. ing land and factories together call their past and envision their the images of the former genera- Going down in the glorious with the joy of liberation and the future. tions came across their mind viv- history of the Republic beloved schools which taught the Seventy-odd years have idly, who braved through a hail for ever mother tongue to their children passed since the fl ag came into of bullets in the fl ames of war, The dazzling rays of the who did not know A from B. It being, and the generations of the keeping the fl ag in their bosom, blue and red colour was also as grateful as the free revolution have changed. How- and built socialism while tight- will cover the world. medical care system put in force ever, the song Our National Flag ening their belt. We will love our brilliant in the fl ames of the war and as will be sung among the coming Such a warm and genuine national fl ag. beautiful as the looks of the chil- generations as well, invariably feeling of the Korean people May it keep fl uttering to dren getting the universal 12- encouraging the Korean people found its trace in the annals of the end of this world. year compulsory education. to display their zeal of patriot- their life. Having keenly felt the pre- ism, struggle and creation. A weaver Hero whom I met The Korean people ciousness of the fl ag the Korean for news coverage some time ago ► still remember President people defended it at the cost of Yom Song Hui

14 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 15 ► positively encourage scientists and technicians to neers take part in it, almost 1.4 times the number Main Motive Force for Development compete with one another in terms of talent and of the participants in the last festival which was 2.7 practical ability with a fi rm determination to lead times that of the previous one. And over 650 items the world so that they can fulfi l their responsibility of main sci-tech success proposals are presented, of Self-supporting Economy and role as pacesetters in the age of the knowledge- over 20 more than those of last year’s. The detailed based economy. sub-branch proposals number over 2 800, and over ODAY THE BUILDING OF A SOCIALIST has been established. Everyone enrolls in regular, In March this year he went to a polling station 2 400 more items of exhibits of 210-odd kinds have Teconomic power is a major task Korea has set correspondence and refresher course systems, accu- set up at the Kim Chaek University of Technol- been presented than the previous festival. What up. The country is putting in a primary effort to mulating profound sci-tech knowledge and foster- ogy and cast a ballot for a candidate for deputy to draws special attention is that many successes of constantly increase the sci-tech capabilities by at- ing the ability to put it into practice. In particular, the Supreme People’s Assembly. And in his policy more signifi cant importance are put on display as th taching importance to the talented personnel and the State sees to it that people acquire new knowl- speech delivered at the First Session of the 14 compared to the previous one.” giving precedence to science and technology in de- edge and improve their standard of learning cease- Supreme People’s Assembly held in April of the Sector-specifi c sci-tech festivals take place in- veloping a comprehensive socialist economy. Re- lessly in keeping with the developing reality that same year, he said that the main force that propels cluding the sci-tech festival of the Academy of Agri- garding the talented personnel as the core force in the demand for online education increases. the development of a self-supporting economy is the culture, the sci-tech festival of Pyongyang Univer- the development of the self-supporting economy it Conditions of study for the working people are talented personnel and science and technology, and sity of Architecture and the sci-tech festival of the is paying a great attention to the training of them. fully provided. E-libraries have been set up across stressed that attaching importance to the talented State Academy of Sciences. The State set up the training of talented person- the country so that everyone can learn the sci-tech personnel and science and technology should be The scientists and technicians are making a de- nel as a matter decisive of the success of self-sup- knowledge of his or her sector and know the global part of the national traits. cisive contribution to revitalizing the overall econ- porting economy at every stage of the developing trend in the development of science and technology. The zeal for supporting the country’s economic omy and developing hi-tech industry by conducting revolution. Though it was in hard conditions and In this course, people prepare themselves to be in- development with science and technology is soar- researches to solve sci-tech problems arising in had a lot of work to do after its liberation from the tellectual workers and masters of sci-tech develop- ing high day after day, true to the intention of the reality, for example, the food and consumer goods th Japanese imperialists’ military occupation on Au- ment. Supreme Leader. This can be proved by the 34 Na- problem of signifi cant importance in the people’s gust 15, 1945, the country put a lot of work into The strategic policy put forward by the WPK and tional Sci-tech Festival held in May this year. Ro- livelihood, and to making the country self-suffi cient turning Kim Il Sung University, the fi rst of its the DPRK government for developing the country’s dong Sinmun, the organ of the WPK Central Com- in power, fuel and raw materials. kind for the people, into the pedigree establish- economy onto a new stage of growth by expanding mittee, wrote in an article as follows: The Korean people’s strong zeal to accelerate ment for the production of talents. Even in the grim and reinforcing the foundation of the independent “Over 500 units and more than 1 200 scientists, the building of a socialist power with science and days of the Fatherland Liberation War in the 1950s economy is to make the national economy Juche- technicians and offi cers highly appreciated at sci- technology is bringing about a remarkable quali- it took the work of training talents as part of the oriented, modern, IT-based and scientifi c. And this tech festivals at all levels held across the country tative leap forward in all sectors of the national State policies and called student soldiers back to campaign is not conceivable apart from science and are participating in the current festival. In particu- economy. their colleges. After the war they rendered a great technology. lar, a hundred and several ten senior offi cers of the Ri Jong Nam service to building a socialist industrial state with- Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, Chairman of units including general managers and chief engi- in 14 years, crushing the sophism of the imperial- the WPK, is leading the campaign. In 2014 he vis- The venue of the 34th National Sci-tech Festival. ists that Korea would not be able to raise its head ited the State Academy of Sciences fi rst as part of above water again even in 100 years’ time. his inspection of the national economy sectors in In the 1990s, when the country underwent hard the New Year. This showed that sci-tech front is the trials, it reared scientists uninterruptedly, and now front line in defending socialism, and that the rise they are the main force in building a socialist power. and fall of the nation depends on the development At present Korea is propelling the work of train- of science and technology. ing talented persons purposefully as required by In 2016 he participated in the inauguration cer- the era of the knowledge-based economy. The ed- emony of the Sci-Tech Complex and cut the tape. ucation sector has set up a scientifi c educational He said: The inauguration of the Sci-Tech Complex development strategy, and is bringing about inno- shows how much importance the Party attaches to vations in educational contents and methods. And the science front. Operation of the complex, a valu- all the sectors of the national economy are pushing able asset of the country, should be done properly ahead with the work of training talents methodical- so as to make a great contribution to making all ly. This campaign is oriented to helping one’s own the people well versed in science and technology sector or unit make good progress while keeping its and developing the country into a sci-tech and tal- work planted on the reality. What is essential here ent power. The country should be turned into a sea is to thoroughly implement the Workers’ Party of of talents who take a large share in accelerating the Korea’s policy of making all the people well versed building of a socialist economic power. The complex in science and technology. The campaign is in full is just like a ticket offi ce selling tickets of a train swing whose essential content is to improve the sci- going to the bright future. entifi c and technical qualifi cations and level of the Whenever the Supreme Leader gives on-the- people up to those of the scientists and technicians. spot guidance to different sectors of the national A well-ordered educational and study system economy, he always stresses that they should ►

16 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 17 For Better Quality

and college students. The bags were made into vari- ous types and colours to suit children and students’ habit, likings and aesthetic sense. Sewing was done scrupulously lest the thread should get loose or break when bags are handled roughly—through the bags I could see the employees’ meticulous manner of work. The general manager said that her workers were making strenuous effort to make even one bag to be conveniently used by the users. When I went to the sci-tech learning space, Choe Sun Ok, senior engineer, said that the factory was putting emphasis on bag designing to produce multifarious and multicoloured bags. OT LONG AGO I VISITED THE SARIWON The learning space serves as a hub where the workers can improve their special and technical NBag Factory in North Hwanghae Province. In The sample product room. recent years factories for producing bags for school- knowledge and skills. The factory has built up a da- children have been newly built or renovated in all tabase which gives the relevant answers in time on ► to this learning space to learn even one more thing ity of bags are improving day after day. provinces, and the aforesaid factory went up in Un- the current trend in bag production and problems with a thought of making good bags for students The technicians of the factory have introduced byol-dong of Sariwon. arising in the production processes such as cutting, though I am a little exhausted after the day’s work.” into production two innovations, making a contri- When I met Ri Yong Sun, general manager of sewing and fi nishing. She was a married woman, but enrolled at the on- bution to the production of better and smarter bags. the factory, she said, “Built in 2017 our factory cov- Kim Pong Sil, a needle worker, said, “I come ► line college of the Pyongyang Han Tok Su Univer- Seeing the workers striving to make their prod- ers an area of over 4 320 square metres with a pro- sity of Light Industry last year. And most of women ucts into famous ones I left the factory picturing duction building, a sample product room, a techni- workers of her workteam are learning at the online the joy of pupils and students at better and smarter cal preparation room, a sci-tech learning space and college now. bags. cultural and welfare facilities.” Thanks to the efforts of the employees the qual- Kim Il Bong On display in the sample room were different kinds of bags for kindergarten, primary school, jun- ior middle school and senior middle school children Natural Monuments Newly Registered

OME TIME AGO EXCEPTIONAL it is said, lots of people would go to the mountain Sobjects of great utility and preservation val- to drink it. ues in Korea were newly registered as natural The second water, which rises in Hwapho-ri, monuments, namely, Ryongaksan Mineral Water, Phyongsong, South Phyongan Province, is rare Hwapho Gold Mineral Water and Kumya Poplar. water that is actively used for long life in good The fi rst water rises at the foot of Mt Ryongak health. As natural low-molecular water whose in Wollo-ri, Mangyongdae District, Pyongyang. degree of association is 8, it contains small quan- The water has long been widely known to the tities of gold, silver and selenium. public for its good taste and quality. The name of The poplar is the biggest and oldest of its kind Wollo (the elderly) was derived from the fact that in the country. It is 38 metres in height with its from of old the village produced lots of long-lived crown extending 26 metres from east to west and persons thanks to the good water. Hearing that 26.5 metres from south to north. if one drank the water one could enjoy a long life, Rim Ok

18 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 19 Distinguished PhD in Developers of New Machine Materials Science ECENTLY, RESEARCH- workers. newly-developed artifi cial lens, Rers of the machine tool labo- There were repeated fail- and it seems as if I put magni- OME TIME AGO I HAD theory by which to take into ratory at the mechanical engi- ures, but they pooled their ef- fying lens on my eyes. Indeed, I San opportunity to meet PhD consideration only the effect of neering research institute, the forts and wisdom, and devoted feel as if I was born again. I can Yu Chol Jun of the Materials oxygen in the air in designing State Academy of Sciences, de- all their energy to the undertak- see the whole world.” Science Faculty of Kim Il Sung a solid surface material, he was veloped a CNC-based artifi cial ing. It was their opinion that the Hong Yong Man, 59, a resi- University, a winner of the Feb- burning with a desire to pioneer eye lens processing machine, machine should have no trifl ing dent of Neighbourhood Unit No. ruary 16 Science and Technology a new fi eld. As the kind of man which makes it possible to con- shortcomings as it was a ma- 26, Rangnang-dong No. 1, Rang- Prize, the highest award for the who persistently delves into a duct the ophthalmic treatment chine to be conducive to the im- nang District, Pyongyang, says, best scientists in Korea. point he once grasps, he contin- on a higher level in Korea. provement of the people’s health. “Previously it was diffi cult for me At the fi rst sight I noticed he ued with the related research was a wise teacher. His gentle day and night. Later he said, The other day Jo Hyong Chol, In July 2018 two years after to distinguish things as my eye- smiles made me feel his kind- “The help of my wife, an alum- head of the aforesaid laboratory, the fi rst trial, they succeeded sight got poor. A few days ago, ness. And he looked very young nus of my postgraduate school, visited the Ryugyong General in manufacturing the machine. I got an operation on one of my for his age of 44. greatly encouraged me.” Ophthalmic Hospital and came The trial production of scores of eyes here, and I’m going to get Hailing from Kumgang At last he developed a new to know the fact that the artifi - times proved the stability of the an operation on the other. At the County, Kangwon Province, that theory capable of dealing with cial lenses were being made by machine and the product. thought that I will have clear boasts Mt Kumgang, he had nev- different gaseous elements for a manual method to be used in It was Choe Kyun Jin, head eyes I feel as if I become a child er been out of his home village the fi rst time. This earned him worked as head of the univer- treatment, thus wasting much of the cataract department of the again. Our scientists are really until he was 16. a doctorate. sity’s materials designing de- time and labour and causing not hospital, who was most pleased the best. When I am out of the But after graduating from Not content with the success, partment. While pioneering new a few bottlenecks in treatment. with the success. He had already hospital I’ll surely thank them.” the Physics Faculty of the afore- he decided to attain a new goal subjects and writing textbooks So he made up his mind to succeeded in operating dozens of The researchers are receiv- said university he obtained a of designing energy materials, and reference books including develop an artifi cial lens pro- patients by inserting such new- ing letters of thanks not only PhD degree in his thirties by in- the focus in the fi eld of materials Applied Quantum Mechanics, cessing machine together with ly-developed artifi cial lenses. from the medical workers of the venting Yu-Emmerich Extended science. He thus designed per- Quantum Theory of Many-body 2 2 his researchers by themselves, Kim Yun Chol, 58, a resident hospital but also patients. And Averaging Approach: YE A , a ovskite solar cell material and System and Materials Simula- new method of materials design- a sodium-ion battery material, tion Experiment, he, in coopera- and his idea was supported by of Neighbourhood Unit No. 52, each time they are unanimously ing that amazed the global circle and put forward a new explana- tion with his students, developed them. Jungdaedu-dong, Hanggu Dis- determined to do another good of science. Thus the method was tion about their working mech- high-performance parallel com- They pooled their wisdom to trict, Nampho, who had once lost thing for the sake of the people. named after his surname of Yu. anism. The research fi ndings puter programs, thus establish- develop a program for control- his eyesight owing to cataract, Soon afterwards, he developed were carried in the international ing a massive parallel sci-tech ling the artifi cial lens process says, “I got an operation using Sim Yong Jin the ab initio thermodynamic peer-reviewed journals scores of computing system and an inte- while manufacturing a CNC- theory which had been able to times, creating a sensation in grated materials designing sup- based artifi cial lens processing Developers of the CNC machine to make artifi cial eye lenses. deal with only one kind of mate- the global world of materials sci- port system. And he, together lathe, blanking lathe and artifi - rial component, into the one ca- ence. with his students, designed new cial lens buffi ng machine. pable of dealing with more than In June 2016 he was invited energy materials. Meanwhile, they conducted two kinds of material component to act as a member of the organ- Not a few of his students are the research to develop nano- to the wonder of the global circle izing committee of the Asian Ad- holders of doctorate and other of materials science. vanced Materials Science Con- academic degrees. He and his grade buffi ng material. It was during his days at ference held in Singapore. In De- students are now conducting Several months later, a com- the university’s postgraduate cember of that year he became a joint research with research plete artifi cial lens processing school that he determined to member of the International As- groups of Imperial College Lon- set was provided thanks to their bring about innovations in the sociation of Advanced Materials don, University of Hong Kong, tireless efforts. There was the theory and method of materials (IAAM) headquartered in Swe- China and Nanyang Technical fi rst trial of the machine, but designing. At that time materi- den. In July 2018 he read a pa- University of Singapore, and the result was not as good as als designing was under way in per at the Thomas Young Centre constantly widening the rel- they expected. Their goal was to accordance with the ab initio Workshop on Energy Materials evant arena. make an advanced machine. He was selected as the best thermodynamic theory, a com- held in London. They then began to develop bination of quantum mechanics He also trained his students scientist of Korea in 2018. such a machine with the help of and thermodynamics. Having into pillars of the materials sci- the aforesaid hospital’s medical grasped the limitation of the ence world. Since 2014 he has Rim Sang Jun

20 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 21 New Composite Promising Students Bacteria Developed N 2017 KOREA SAW TO The teaching of the school is skill. Many of the students can Iit that some senior middle oriented to enabling students to handle such agricultural produc- schools were turned into techni- understand agricultural tech- tion equipment as water pumps compost by using natural a highly-active bacterium cal senior middle schools. Among niques theoretically and scientif- and rice-seedling transplanters. microorganisms, thus making it among separated bacteria. He, them is the Jangchon Technical ically. In many cases lessons are They not only know the struc- Senior Middle School in Sadong given on the farming practice ture of the machines but also are possible to further improve the however, made it possible to use District, Pyongyang. fi eld of the school and on fi elds of able to design simple ones. growth conditions of crops.” ectosymbiosis microbes, which It is located in the Jangchon the local cooperative farm. In this course, they under- One year Kim went to the had been used in mushroom Vegetable Cooperative Farm Last year alone, the students stand that only when they de- Migok Cooperative Farm in cultivation alone, for the growth that specializes in supplying themselves planted and culti- vote their sincere efforts in any vegetables to the city. The school vated crops like corn and veg- case, will they be able to have a Sariwon, North Hwanghae of crops as well, and completed teaches students agricultural etables like cabbage and radish good result. At the same time, Province. Through a talk with the composite bacteria consisting technology in keeping with its on the practice fi eld. Observing they cultivate the spirit of lov- agricultural workers during a of over 20 kinds of highly-active regional characteristics, includ- the growth of the crops and veg- ing and bettering their home break he understood that they bacteria. ing crop cultivation, the ABC etables and manuring and cul- village. felt sorry that they failed to The composite bacteria- of farming process, methods of tivating them in keeping with Next year the fi rst graduates handling and managing crop the scientifi c and technological of the school will begin to work secure much quality manure as based fermented compost he production means and the prac- requirements, they consolidat- on the farm. Choe Kwang Hun, early as possible. Then he had developed has proved successful tical ability to use them in the ed what they had learned, and one of them, says, “Whenever I an idea of solving the matter by in practice. The previously- farming activities. had the taste of gathering the go to school, I look at the crops using bacteria. used blue algae manures were The students are preparing fruits associated with their ef- growing on the farm fi elds. And themselves through the practi- forts. In spring this year, they I am absorbed in lesson with the AST YEAR THE FOURTH In the course of studying the none other than those providing cal activities as well as theoreti- went to the cooperative farm to thought of how to tend better the LNational Meeting of relevant documents and data he nutritive substances necessary cally, from the selection of seeds transplant rice, and now they fi elds that my parents have done Activists in the Agricultural was convinced that it was quite for the growth of crops. But the in consonance with the soil and are picturing a rich harvest in all their life. In the future I’ll Field was held in the capital possible, and buckled down to composite bacteria are an organic climatic conditions of their local- autumn. study hard to be a pillar of the ity to all other processes of farm It is important for them to farm.” the research. fertilizer whose microorganisms city of Pyongyang. Discussed in production. learn more than one technical Rim Ok the meeting were the successes If highly-active cellulose- such as blue algae are active in and experience achieved in the decomposing bacteria were soil and mass-produce humic course of waging a high-yield obtained, it would be able to acid. Its application in the Migok movement true to the Workers’ accelerate the decay of straw in Cooperative Farm shortened the Party of Korea’s policy on natural conditions. Of course it period of manure production by agriculture, and the methods of could be easily done by selecting scores of days as compared to the solving relevant problems. necessary bacteria and mixing past, and increased the yield by Among many speeches the them in laboratory. The scientist, over 30%. And it improved soil one delivered by Kim Chang however, chose to search for structure as it raised the humus Yu, section head of Kye Ung the existing microorganisms content of the soil. Sang Agricultural College of in nature so as to fi nd out Not only the farm but also Kim Il Sung University, left a composite bacteria capable of other users of the composite deep impression. producing high effi cacy even in bacteria are sending letters of In his speech he said, “One unfavourable conditions. thanks to him continuously. of the important matters in In order to select Not content with the improving the fertility of soil microorganisms adapted to success the scientist is working and the rate of grain production different soil environments on agricultural techniques is that of organic fertilizer. he travelled several places more effective in increasing Through several years of including forest and tideland agricultural production. research I ensured a scientifi c to collect samples. What was guarantee to produce fermented more diffi cult was to fi nd out Rim Hye Gyong

22 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 23 Stress and Developing Sporting Dreams Activities

Jo Ung Il. TRESS IS ONE OF THE CAUSES OF Sdiseases in modern times. What takes a ► “You’re my pride” larger proportion in the kinds of stress fac- tors is the occupational stress. According to At the exhibition Jo presented a science the recent research, heavy-burden affairs fi ction model which produces electricity on a mobile lorry by gasifying lignite the country is and responsibility among the brain work- abundant in. As the model requires little invest- ers invite serious diseases such as insomnia, ment and is favourable for environmental pro- anxiety, hypertension, angina cordis and my- tection, it drew the attention of the participants. ocardial infarction. His father is a worker of a thermal power Stress cannot be prevented, but can be plant. He respects his father. The son’s respect overcome by different methods. The most ef- magazines when he was three. Especially, his fac- for the father does not merely originate from the ulty of inquiry and imagination were exceptional. kinship relations. fective one is to do sporting activities good Jon Hwa Jin. He would not neglect any phenomenon but asked Your father is a well-known innovator, and for health. Many researches show that when such questions as “Why?” and “Is it impossible to he keeps the bright light of the capital city. These man does exercises and constantly trains his be done this way?” to the surprise of his teachers. N JUNE LAST THE NATIONAL EXHIBITION sincere words of people made the son feel proud body, he could boost immunity and keep and His imagination got richer after he was ad- of the father. The boy’s father was always at his of children’s science fi ctions and models-2019 maintain a favourable mental state. I mitted to the aforesaid school. One day, when he workplace, saying that he should work harder was held at the Sci-Tech Complex situated on the carefully listened to the teacher’s explanation that for the country which sets up workers as its Those people who keep fi t by doing regu- picturesque Ssuk Islet of the Taedong River. Pre- the steam of boiling water produces electricity in masters—this inspired the boy with respect for lar sporting activities get less undesirable sented to the exhibition were over 400 science a natural science lesson, an idea came across his his father. results caused by stress. Regular and mod- mind. Now he said to the teacher, “My country has fi ctions and models showing the fecund imagina- For this reason the boy conceived a high- erate exercises help improve the ability to hot springs everywhere. Is it impossible to produce tion and talent of schoolchildren across the coun- effi ciency generating system which is easy to overcome the cause of agony, anxiety and electricity by using them?” use, and thus he could present a model of a mo- try. What especially drew the attention of people melancholy more effectively, thus improving Then laughter swept the classroom. Other bile lignite gasifi cation-based generating sys- were two boys mounting the platform of honour classmates said in unison that it was impossible. tem at the exhibition—it was a valuable bud the health condition. together. They were Jon Hwa Jin and Jo Ung Il, Only their class teacher Kim Song Mi had a dif- dedicated to his father and the country. Show- Sporting activities also play a positive fi rst graders of the junior course of Moranbong ferent thought. She wanted to support his dream ing the model to his father the boy said, “In the role in sleeping. The activities should be and give full play to his imagination. Thus the boy, Secondary School No. 1 in Pyongyang. future, I’ll make the system with my own hand done in accordance with age and individual under the guidance of the teacher, could make a to give bright light to the people.” physical preparedness. Man’s capacity for science fi ction model which produces electricity by Embracing his son the father said, “You’re sports reaches the top at the age of 18 to 25, World of Fantasy using hot spring water, and present it to the above- my pride.” mentioned exhibition. gradually decreases after the age of 40 and Jon was unusually intelligent and clever After the exhibition the boy said to the teacher, The two boys are striving to bring their does by half at the age of around 60 as com- from his childhood. He learned counting at the “I’ll surely become a scientist to translate the fan- dreams into reality. pared to the prime of life. ‰ age of two, and began to read newspapers and tasy into reality.” ► Kim Hyon Ju

24 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 25 Family of Educators Factory College Trains Held in Respect Competent Personnel

IM SUN OK’S FAMILY IN SARIWON, YONGYANG COLLEGE OF chinery he had learnt at college In the college there are many KNorth Hwanghae Province, is called educators’ PTechnology admits workers turned out to be great assets. couples of students, too. Among family by the local people. Since her girlhood Kim from factories and enterprises in With the remodelled machines them is a couple—Kim Chol Jin has worked as a teacher of the primary course of Pyongyang including the Pyong- the weaving speed increased and Choe Kum Ok—who work Sinchang Senior Middle School in Sariwon for yang Kim Jong Suk Textile Mill. more than two times. at the Pyongyang Kim Jong Suk 40 years until now. Her husband worked as a After the day’s work students Not only graduates but also Textile Mill. Both of them major department head of the then Sariwon Medical have lectures from 5 o’clock in the students of the college are taking in textile engineering. In their afternoon and they go through the lead in solving fi eld problems. college days, Kim made a contri- College for dozens of years. Her daughter and fi ve-year courses. Among them is Song In Guk, bution to increasing kinds of teto- son-in-law teach at a primary school and a senior As they are all shopfl oor work- worker at the State Academy of ron-rayon fabrics and solving the middle school in the city respectively. ers, they are interested in solving Sciences. As he was interested in brilliance problem; and his wife A woman of nearly 70, Kim has faithfully scientifi c and technical problems electronics, he majored in com- studied how to prevent printed devoted her life to the education of the rising arising in their own workplaces, puter engineering in the college, cotton from fading, and in this generation with the help of her husband An Jong and the teachers’ lectures are learning knowledge of control course she became a workteam Su. Kim Sun Ok. also oriented to their solution. programming. leader. It happened when the universal 12-year Teachers and students leave the In the course of this, he pro- They work and study together compulsory education was enforced several years and support his daughter, An Kum Ju, developed college together late in the even- duced scores of innovative ideas, with the same major, and they ago. Kim found her ability poor while preparing the into a competent educator, and is now working as ing, when they usually have Q & developing an automatic device are well known as a couple of teaching plans in keeping with the widening range the vice-head of Unha Primary School. The school A about fi eld problems. for controlling the pulp making model students and workers. of the educational content and the rising level of is widely known as a model one in the city. It is not without reason that education. So one evening she told her husband her Her husband Ju Thae Yong, a literature teacher there can be seen many gradu- intention of giving up teaching. Then he encouraged of Tongni Senior Middle School, is training able ates of the college among com- her saying that an educator should live a life to be students while guiding a literature circle. His petent technicians and skilled an example to the students, and that she could do collection of works Sing More Loudly “We Are the workers who are contributing a anything if she made efforts as in her youth. Happiest in the World” was highly appreciated in large share to operation of their plants. Later, the wife made a strenuous effort to the literary world. He says, “What I felt fi rst when I Choe Sun Dok, chief engineer became one of the members of this educators’ family improve her ability continuously, and made of the East Pyongyang Thermal a teaching aid which helps the students fi nd was the feelings of ardent love for and devotion to Power Station, is one of the grad- the principle and formula of motion of a body the students. The fragrance of love emitting from uates. He enrolled at the college, by themselves. The teaching aid made a great our family embraces them warmly and trains them when he was a worker at the in- contribution to improving the students’ cognitive into fi ne pillars of the country. It made us enjoy dustrial laboratory of the station. faculty, and her experience widely spread to the respect as an educators’ family.” Since he fi nished the course of teachers of the school. The family receives letters from their disciples electrical engineering, he has The husband had trained many disciples while constantly. Whenever they read them they solved so many technical prob- teaching younger generations for over four decades. take a pride in being educators and renew their lems arising in the station that He was a veteran educator who compiled nine determination to live keeping the pride as the he is recognized as a man of abil- teaching materials during his 20-odd-year career as greatest wealth of life. ity. A few years ago he received a department head. Under his meticulous guidance Kim Yong Un the February 16 Sci-tech Prize, the top award for scientists given The couple workers of the Pyongyang Kim Jong Suk Daughter An Kum Ju (centre). Son-in-law Ju Thae Yong. by the State, for his transforming Textile Mill attend college. a rotor axis of Generator No. 2. Some time ago, another process and an automatic device Kim Kwan Guk, vice rector graduate, Kim In Chol by name, for protection of dynamotor, and of the college, says, “Scores of visited the college. Because he remodelling a power unit of nu- years ago, the country saw to it was struck with a bright idea of merically controlled paper cutter. that the study-while-you-work remodelling tagger looms of the He left the college this year with system was established and the Pyongyang Kim Jong Suk Tex- an academic degree, and now he factory colleges were established. tile Mill into pneumatic ones. As is held as a treasure of his fac- We are just one of them, and we it was a feasible idea, they soon tory. have taught tens of thousands of formed a research team with the Though different in job and students. The close combination factory’s graduates and teachers position, the students exchange of education with production ac- of the college. In Chol took charge knowledge and experience of their tivity helps train lots of practical of remodelling the mechanism. fi elds during the college days, and talents.” The knowledge of textile ma- in this course they make friends. Rim Ok

26 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 27 ► tal because it was late Sunday TV, but now I keenly felt that in charge of technical affairs of night. However, when I arrived our social system and our doc- the hospital, says, “Protecting A Day of an Emergency Hospital at the hospital, I could see many tors are the best. Really, I can the people’s life is a due duty of medical workers engrossed in hardly fi nd words to express my us medical workers. So we are the intensive treatment for my thanks.” always busy. Whenever we see T 11 O’CLOCK OF was breathing her last. The doc- abdominal surgery department, wife, and thus they brought That night the doctors of the patients recover, we take Sunday night of June 16 tors immediately diagnosed the was organized, and the relevant A her back to life at last—it made the hospital brought two other pride in our job.” last, an emergency call rang at disease as serious intestinal ob- measures were taken to prepare me think a lot. I often see such emergency cases back to life. the reception of the Pyongyang struction. If the intestines rup- the operation. Different kinds of scenes through books and on Ri Kwang Hyok, vice director Sim Hyon Jin Municipal Emergency Hospital. tured, they would infect the ab- transfusion including nutritive It came from a section doctor in domen and the abdominal cav- one, antibiotics and analgesics charge of Neighbourhood Unit ity, so if the operation was not were administered to the patient No. 7, Soryong-dong No. 2, Tae- given in time, the case would go before the operation. donggang District, asking for a from bad to worse. As expected, small intestines sick call for a serious intestinal According to the patient’s ruptured, thus the infected area obstruction case. family members she had often of the abdomen grew large. The With the end of the call, an suffered from chronic intestinal operation went on in a diffi cult emergency bell rang through obstruction, but she would ne- condition—it took an hour and the hospital; doctors and nurses glect it as the pain would stop a half. It was successful, and came in haste and some of them after a while. They said they the life index of the case was re- hurried to get the patient. thought that it would be okay stored to the normal. After a while, the ambulance this time too before the undesir- At the time Kim Nam Chol, returned with the patient who able thing occurred at last. 55, who is the husband of the pa- pressed the stomach with her A treatment team headed tient, said, “I was worried when hands—she seemed as if she by Kim Jong Gil, head of the my wife was sent to the hospi- ►

28 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 29 Staffed with Good Doctors Pride of Gymnastics Coach

HE PAKCHON COUNTY grene, and Kim Sun Chol from from Nieghbourhood Unit No. 88, HE PYONGYANG SPORTS TPeople’s Hospital in North Pakchon Town, who had been in Pakchon Town, who was in high TClub has not a few gymnas- Phyongan Province is not so bed for liver abscess for a dozen fever and shock due to poisonous tics stars including Ri Song Sop, large, the kind of which can be years, got well again. pneumonia, and Ri Ji Un, 15, Choe Jong Sil, Kim Kwang Suk, seen in any of rural communi- So Hyon Il, a physician of the from Neighbourhood Unit No. 5, ties in Korea. Though not so long Koryo medicine department, is Wonnam-ri, who had had great Hong Un Jong, Kim Su Jong, since its establishment, the hospi- also renowned for his expertise troubles with walking because and Jo Jong Chol. Hong Un tal has already won a good fame in dealing with diseases that af- of rheumatism. Jong also goes Jong, Kim Su Jong and Jo Jong as it is staffed with a lot of good fect the nervous system. He has by the title of “publicity agent.” Chol’s rise to fame is attribut- doctors who are devoted to treat- got a special technique in treat- When she has mothers calling able to the unknown efforts of Ri ment of diseases and improve- ing lumbosacral neuromyositis. on her for treatment of their chil- Chol Su, senior coach of the club. ment of public health care. One His technique of applying local dren, she always gives them some Ri is widely known as a vet- of these days I went to interview injection along with traditional hygienic information, like how to eran artistic gymnastics coach some of them for Korea Today. Korean remedies is success- control the nourishment of babies in the sports circle. As a school- ful in almost all cases. Scores for their fi rst 1 000 days, how to Choe Jong Chol, a surgeon in of people who were bedridden give fi rst aid to cases of acute boy in a mountainous village in his 20s, is wont to say, “Human with lumbosacral neuromyositis pneumonia and diarrhea, and so Unsan County, North Phyongan life depends on the ability of the have recovered and returned to on. Some short remarks of hers Province, he was at home in doctor.” And this is a principle their workplaces thanks to his are enough for the visitors to feel sports. In his early middle school he holds fast to in and out of his endeavour. at ease and relieved. days he skilfully performed some life, as well as in his service for Few people have so many They think the busiest per- diffi cult movements on the hori- patients. Though young both in nicknames as Jong Son Suk, son in the hospital is Pyon Sun zontal bar and the parallel bars. Ri Chol Su (centre). age and experience, he is count- chief pediatrician of the hospi- Nam, a physician of the clinical Seeing him the villagers said in ed as one of the most competent tal. She usually goes by the title department. His daily routine unison that “The son of a hum- excellent reserve gymnasts, he tre to the country, the thing he doctors in the hospital. of “our doctor” among the county is usually made of calls on war ble family may rise to glory,” and thought. had failed to do. Whenever I per- One day in June last year he population. On April 7 this year veterans, demobbed army offi c- Now he became a coach and formed wonderful movements, successfully carried out an op- an acute encephalopathic case ers, and disabled ex-servicemen that he would become a sports strove to invent new teaching he was pleased as if his own eration on Ko Jong Ok, a farm was rushed into the hospital. It of special category. He fi nds his master. worker from Maengjung-ri, thus was Kim Ryon A, 7, from Neigh- pleasure in getting on his way to Some time later the boy was contents and methods. daughter had done a good thing. saving her from the jaws of death bourhood Unit No. 295, Pakchon their homes rain or snow. Kim transferred to the then Pyong- It happened when he was Still, he used to say that original due to pancreatic necrosis. This Town. She was in a critical con- In Ho, 87, a war veteran resident yang Municipal Sports Team. guiding Jo Jong Chol in train- movements should be created operation earned him a fame not dition with serious convulsions at Neighbourhood Unit No. 22, He studied in the artistic gym- ing. Jo was a promising gymnast in order to perform high-level only in the province but also all of cough coupled with vomiting. Pakchon Town, says, “I’ve been nastics circle of the sports club who had ranked among the top skillful movements. I won a gold across the country. Thanks to She, however, left the hospital under Pyon’s care for fi ve years. and got the basic education. He three several times at domestic medal by succeeding in doing his enthusiastic and honest ef- in good health six days after she Now the happiest moment in my participated in the DPRK cham- competitions. He had a unique 900° and half back somersault fort which has never dwindled, received treatment from Jong. life comes when I expect him. kinesthetic sensation in pommel in the vaulting horse event, the Ryu Ki Chon from Tongsam-ri, The pediatrician’s hands have Just his presence is enough for pionships and other domestic horse exercises. But he rested on one quite diffi cult even for male Unjon County, who had been saved a lot of lives, including me to feel relieved.” games, and international compe- suffering from spontaneous gan- Kim Chong Il, 11 months old, Kim Son Myong titions such as the Asian Games his laurels, and did not bend his gymnasts to perform, and this several times, demonstrating his energy on training. The coach is attributable to the coach’s ef- Patients are looked after with sincerity. ability to the full. He always had told him that the past successes fort.” an ambition to become a world- were important, but tomorrow’s And it is inconceivable apart famous gymnast. success was more important, be- from his effort that Kim Su Jong One day he was practising cause it was related to the dig- won fi rst places at the seventh different diffi cult movements he nity and honour of the country. Asian championships and the invented when he made an un- Later, Jo completed one af- 18th Asian Games held in 2017 expected mistake, thus becom- ter another diffi cult movements and 2018 respectively. ing unable to act as a gymnast such as a double leg circle and The coach has produced anymore. He then recalled the leg crossing. He thus won fi rst three People’s Athletes and six scene of his school teachers, vil- place at the pommel horse event Merited Athletes. lagers and friends, hoping that of the 15th Asian Games. The male and female gym- he would become a world-class Hong Un Jong, a People’s nasts of the club still take fi rst gymnast by training hard in Athlete, says, “Senior coach Ri place in the domestic ranking. Pyongyang. I cannot give up, and Chol Su always stressed that we I’ll devote everything to training should be successful to add lus- Sim Hyon Jin

30 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 31 ► years before becoming a senior coach. She is con- “Little Star of Sinpho”: vinced that win and defeat in a match depend on a coach’s tactics and strategy and competent leader- Today and Tomorrow ship. So, when she has any spare time, she maps out tactics or contrives training apparatuses. And she strives to train her players into those possessed Pyongyang, and ended in success. of forte and strong physique. Football keeps its Everyone believes or wants to believe that place in her brain. Kyong Hwa now enjoys a beautiful, happy life. She, Whenever she has hard and diffi cult times, she however, is not sure of her success yet. th often thinks of the people in her hometown. When The 16 Asian Games held nine years ago was she visited her home after being awarded the title the last opportunity for her as a footballer. In the of DPRK Labour Hero, there took place a ceremony fi nals of the games the DPRK team allowed a goal at the then Ohang Senior Middle School to register to its opponent, thus it failed to mount on the plat- her as the 12th Hero of the school. The people in her form of winner. home village greeted her as the pride of the village, After the games the girl wrote on the last page embracing her in pleasure. Then they asked her to of her training diary as follows: “I never thought train many famous footballers like her. that the fi nal match which can be said to be the Kyong Hwa regarded the request as that of the farewell match to me in the national women’s foot- country, not merely the people in her hometown. ball team would end like this. This will be recorded Coaches Kim Kwang Min and Choe Kwang Sok as an unforgettable shame in my football career.” who helped her lead a successful career as a foot- This memo left an indelible imprint not only in baller still support her. HE KOREA TODAY EDITORIAL BOARD the diary but also in her mind. Now she lives in an apartment house, which Tintroduced Kim Kyong Hwa, DPRK Labour So she determined to train players who would was allotted to her by the State, in downtown Hero and People’s Athlete, through eight issues in- restore the honour, and is dedicating all her life to Pyongyang. Whenever her neighbours worry that cluding the last one. People loved to call her “Little the purpose. The fi rst page of the training regis- she would miss a chance of marriage, she replies, Kyong Hwa” No. 20—she was master of powerful ter she always carries reads, “So far I have never “I’ll think of and love only football today and tomor- middle- and long-range shot, and corner kick. thought that I’m a Hero. The gold-star medal of a row.” She left so many anecdotes for her small stat- Hero should give brighter light today and tomorrow There is no change in her appearance—train- ure, but it can be said that she acquired all the as before. The road to success was not as short as I ing uniform, sunburned face and short hairdo. But honours to be envy of others. Because her child- had thought. But when I believe in myself, a short- she burns with the zeal to add lustre to the country ish dream of becoming a footballer started from a cut will come into existence, and it will encourage with football. small school ground in Sinpho, South Hamgyong me.” Yom Song Hui Province which is far away from the capital city of She worked as an assistant coach for several ►

Kim Kyong Hwa trains fi ne footballers.

No. 9, 2019 33 N EARLY JUNE THIS YEAR PYONGYANG, ing the fame as one of the “Eight Wonders of the Icapital of the Democratic People’s Republic of World” and the “masterpiece of the century. ” It was Korea, opened the grand mass gymnastics and ar- a world-famous attraction over the whole period of Gymnastic and Artistic tistic performance “The Land of the People,” which ten years of performance. is staged day after day. Last year another performance of the kind was The country’s tradition of mass gymnas- put on the stage with the title of “The Glorious Extravaganza tics dates back scores of years. In particular, the Country,” demonstrating a new phase of develop- Kim Il Sung Prize-winning grand mass gymnas- ment. tics and artistic performance “Arirang” in 2002 This year is seeing a new one titled “The Land was listed in the Guinness Book of Records earn- of the People,” presented by a huge number of peo- ►

34 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 35 ► of Merited Artist Han Chol, 70, February 16 Art Sangmo since he was a teenager. At the moment he Prize-winning Kyong Nam Chol, 42, and 9-year-old swings the tape as long as 60 fathoms. Ri Ju Sang; the performance of more than 1 200 The background display is just the cream and kayagum players and national percussion instru- symbol of the performance. It is presented by over mentalists evokes national sentiments. 17 000 senior middle school students in Pyongyang. Sangmo Dance is the point of the traditional Through concerted and diversifi ed acts they un- peasants’ music and dance programme of Korea. In fold dynamic and static scenes which are similar the programme the farm workers with drums and to computer-made things. Showing the ideological large and small gongs wear a hat whose top is deco- and thematic message of the performance through rated with a short bamboo stick or gem fi xed with a large, symbolic, rhythmic and 3D pictures, the white heron feather or long white paper tape. This background display is more than enchanting. kind of hat is called Sangmo in Korean, hence the The attraction of the entertainment is enhanced name of the dance “Sangmo Dance.” Sangmo danc- with the application of unmanned planes, 3D im- ers show their skills by turning the feather or the ages, laser projection, different kinds of illumina- tape round and round. The dance is not only a piece tion and other latest means. of folk art but a traditional item of national art which The chief director of the performance is Kim Su is representative of the talent of the Korean people. Yong, head of the direction department of the Man- It is a typical thing of the Korean art, which enjoys sudae Art Troupe. He directed a number of acts and a big hand in the international arena. Merited Ar- scenes of last year’s grand mass gymnastics and ar- tiste Hong Jong Guk of the Phibada Opera Troupe, tistic performance, including the prelude “Sunrise who plays the main role in the Sangmo Dance in the on Mt Paektu.” ongoing extravaganza, is famous for his turning the He says, “The performance refl ects the whole ►

► ple, many of whom are professional entertainers Happiest in the World” is unfolded by children of from the Mansudae Art Troupe, National Folk Art under ten. The children who do the rope skipping Troupe, Phibada Opera Troupe, National Acrobatic come from the Ponbu Kindergarten in Sinuiju, and Troupe, Wangjaesan Art Troupe and other troupes. the children who perform on a monocycle are twin There are many celebrated entertainers among girls Om Kang Un and Om Ryong Un from the Kae- the performers, like those who have been honoured son Kindergarten which is affi liated with Pyong- with the titles of Merited Artiste, Merited Artist yang University of Education. Earlier in the grand and February 16 Art Prize laureate. Especially, the mass gymnastics and artistic performance “The pianists Pak Kon Ui, Han Si Nae and Choe Jang Glorious Country” they already enjoyed a big hand Hong who play in the second scene “Defending for their wonderful performance. the Cradle” of the fi rst act are famous artists who More than 1 000 children show different gym- cut their fi gure at international piano contests in nastic movements in complete unity, drawing great their childhood. The other performers are all young admirations and praises from the audience. Their workers, students and children. Staging a complex cute acts enrapture people instantly, helping them of all types of art like music, fi ne art, dancing and to see the bright future of Korea clearly. This is one acrobatics, the performers present a marvellous of the most impressive scenes of the performance. and original entertainment, largely divided into What is spectacular is the kayagum ensemble mass gymnastics and artistic performance, through and the Sangmo (white feather) Dance. Kayagum well-coordinated acts and enthralling techniques is a national instrument of Korea, which was in- and skills. vented by Uruk, a talented musician in the early The third scene of the second act “We Are the 6th century. Attractive is the performance of a trio ►

36 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 37 ► history of our Republic from its foundation up to now, instead of a certain period of the history or a Elderly Woman Grows Nut Pines certain stage of its social development. It unfolds a grand epic image of the socialist country which was once a colony but is now translating the dream and ideal of the people who are masters of the coun- NE EARLY SPRING DAY job. Once the couple was so tired try. How we have built a people’s country and what in the late 1990s a woman with weeding all day long that kind of country it is that we are building up is to O in her mid-fi fties climbed up Mt they sank to the ground while be seen through organic combination of pictorial Jangja in Jangja-dong, Kanggye, descending the moonlit moun- art, music, formative art, illumination, rhythms Jagang Province. She dug up tain. They never had carefree and latest science and technology. It is in no way the roots of grass and trees and days as they always had to an easy job for tens of thousands of performers to stones, and sprayed humus soil worry about the saplings lest make a perfect presentation in wonderful coopera- to make a small-sized nut pine they should droop in drought or tion, but we have reached a high artistic phase by nursery. freeze in winter. working together in one mind. The performance She was Kim Ae Ok who had She fi nally succeeded in cul- is good enough to show the image of the single- retired on a pension some time tivating the fi rst saplings in four hearted Korea.” before. She had worked as the years, thanks to her painstak- The grand entertainment is going on with large head of the children’s health ing efforts all year around. She audience at the May Day Stadium on the pictur- care department of the Jagang planted them on Mt Jangja and esque Rungna Islet. The stadium can seat 150 000 people, and it is fi lled to the capacity evening after Provincial Children’s Hospital. in other places of the province. evening. It is one of the greatest attractions to the She was not a farm worker or Several years passed, and people around the world, to say nothing of the Kore- a forest ranger. She could enjoy the trees grew in thick verdure, ans. Some people are so captivated that they come to the rest of her life in comfort un- bearing fruit. Seeing the fruit see it twice or thrice. der her children’s care. Why was she decided to spread the nut The performance will be on till mid-October. she working so hard unnoticed pines across the country. She and in the deep mountain? her husband carried knapsacks Rim Ok The old woman had an idea. with saplings in them on their It was just after the Ko- backs and travelled throughout rean people had overcome the the country. With the passage of County, and acclimatized nut Arduous March and the forced time, nameplates inscribed with pines there to be planted on march. Owing to the imperial- “Kim Thae Ho and Kim Ae Ok’s Mt Paektu. In the course of this, ists’ economic sanctions and the family in Neighbourhood Unit she left many anecdotes: she lost consecutive natural calamities No. 8, Sinmun-dong, Kanggye” her way, wandering all night as they had suffered lots of losses increased everywhere. After she worked late at the tree nurs- in human lives and materials. planting trees the woman used ery unaware of sunset; she fell Forest resources were no excep- to say about the noble patriot- asleep on the way to Mt Paektu tion. Seeing bare mountains she ism of the People’s Army soldiers as she was exhausted carrying was sorrier than anyone else. who defended every inch of the the acclimatized saplings on her Now she was determined to country with their blood during back; and a driver kindly carried spend her remaining years in the Fatherland Liberation War, on his car her boxes of saplings planting even a single tree on and that patriotism is just love to the mountain. the mountain of her village. Her of every blade of grass and a sin- Her efforts bore fruit. Five husband Kim Thae Ho was the gle tree in the country. years later she could plant nut fi rst to support her determina- And she often sang songs or pines in the Mt Paektu area, tion. He said, “If the nut pines recited her own poems. especially on the shores of Lake we plant make a forest, nothing Thus she planted nearly Chon at the top of the mountain. will be a greater wealth than 200 000 nut pines at Recalling those days she it.” Thus she began to plant and 260-odd units across the coun- says, “Everywhere I go, people tend nut pines. try. She received letters of are glad to meet me, saying, ‘The At that time Mt Jangja had thanks from here and there, and Nut Pine Grandma in Kanggye two nut pines planted by young she began to be called Nut Pine has come.’ The nickname is the Kim Jong Il and his sister on Grandma in Kanggye. dearest I won’t barter for any- October 10, 1950, the fi rst year Not content with this she thing.” of the Fatherland Liberation planned to plant nut pines on Mt This year she is 73 years old, War (1950–1953), while envi- Paektu (2 750 metres above sea and her husband passed away. sioning the future of the country level), the sacred mountain asso- Nevertheless, she is still putting after its winning the war. ciated with the nation’s soul and in efforts to plant and cultivate She decided to gather seeds spirit. To this end she prepared nut pines together with her chil- from those trees to cultivate a new tree nursery on Hwang- dren and grandchildren. saplings. But it was not an easy cho Pass (1 208 m) in Rangnim Kim Son Myong

38 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 39 Family of Artists

HERE ARE MANY COMPETENT ARTISTS Tat the Korean painting production unit of the Mansudae Art Studio. Among them are Merited Artist Choe Yong Sik and his two sons Choe Kang and Choe Chol. They have created lots of distinc- tive and vivid masterpieces. Choe Yong Sik has so far presented more than a hundred works at etude exhibitions and individual artistry presentations held under the auspices of the Central Committee of the Artists Union of Ko- rea, and many of the works, including the Korean paintings President Kim Il Sung’s Birthplace at Mangyongdae in Spring, News of Spring in Wol- jong Temple, The Ryesong River in Early Morning and Hyangsan Village in Spring, and the folding screen Mt Kumgang in Four Seasons were awarded certifi cates. Recently he has created the folding screen A Grand Flower Garden of Love for the People, dem- onstrating his ability once again. With delicate colour, graceful composition and broad strokes, the work shows well the happiness of the Korean ► in the Morning and the landscape A Scene of the ing the attention of the art circle as he always cre- people who are enjoying themselves at the Man- Orangchon Power Station. This is because he inher- ates novel works unique in composition and harmo- gyongdae Children’s Camp, the Okryu Children’s ited his father’s creative attitude. “I can’t forget my nious in colour. Hospital, the Central Zoo, the Yonphung Scientists father who travelled different rural places for sev- “From my childhood, my father often told me Holiday Camp, the Masikryong Ski Resort and the eral months to fi nd out even a single detail,” Choe that an artist without ardent love for the country Mirim Riding Club that have been built or reno- Kang says. could neither feel its beauty nor create a master- vated in recent years. His second son Choe Chol, who grew up under piece. Now it has become the tradition of my artists’ Choe was fond of drawing in his childhood. his stern father’s education, has presented many family,” the second son says. Once he drew a bird he had just seen so vividly, Korean paintings including The East Sea of Korea The father and the two sons are now engrossed which surprised people. He began to learn the ABC in the New Morning, Mae Rock in Mt Chilbo, Mt in creating new masterpieces keenly feeling the re- of drawing at middle school. In his days at Pyong- Jangsu in Summer and Okryudong in Autumn to ality of the country changing for the better day by yang University of Fine Arts, he created fi ne works national art exhibitions, all of which were highly day. of pine trees and cranes, distinguishing himself appreciated for his unique techniques. He is draw- Sim Chol Yong among the students. Choe Yong Sik is engrossed in painting. Choe works together with Chinese artist Li Chen. It was not merely thanks to his natural abil- ity that he could become an artist of dignity in the circle of fi ne arts in the country like today. All his works are associated with his unusual meditation and effort. In creating even a single work, he made scores of exercises and went round the country to fi nd out vivid details. He is of the opinion that if one intends to create better works than others’, one should meditate and walk more than others. His tireless creative attitude is just inherited by his sons. His fi rst son Choe Kang is being rec- ognized as a promising artist by creating excellent works like the Korean painting The Pothong River ►

40 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 41 Popular Roast Chicken National Independence Secures Restaurant Peace and Reunifi cation

OW MANY OF PYONG- in cooking the dish for over 20 faculty head of Pyongyang Uni- HE WILL OF THE KOREAN NATION IS rean people’s strong will to reunify the nation by Nyang citizens think they years. She explained: To cook versity of Transport, who was Tgrowing stronger to write a new history of peace, re-linking the broken vein and territory of the na- should go to the Roast Chicken roast chicken well, chicken awarded the degree of professor. reunifi cation and prosperity on the Korean penin- tion and demonstrate its dignity and mettle to the sula through national reconciliation and unity. world. And the declarations also show the nation’s Restaurant in Changgwang Res- should be kept spiced and roast- He said that the restaurant was The nation wants to solve the problem of the in- unanimous aspiration for reconciliation, unity, taurant Street if they want to ed properly. In particular, it is the best in cooking roast chicken ter-Korean relations on the principle of national in- peace and prosperity, as the nation of the same have roast chicken. important to observe well the and that the dish of the restau- dependence. The reunifi cation of Korea is the cause blood that has lived on the same territory while cre- Some time ago I visited time of keeping it spiced. Be- rant was really unique in taste. of realizing the sovereignty of the nation from A to ating time-honoured history and brilliant culture the restaurant in the centre of cause when the time is too short I also met Kim Yong Mi, a Z, so any interference and obstructive moves of for- spanning 5 000 years. Pyongyang. When Changgwang it will not be evenly spiced, and worker of the Taedonggang Bat- eign forces are absolutely intolerable in this regard. The validity and vitality of the declarations The road the Koreans should always take is the one have been proved in reality. Street was built in the 1980s, when it is too long it will lose its tery Factory and a customer of of independence and unity, that is, of By our nation After the adoption of the historic Panmunjom over 20 restaurants appeared on original fl avour. the restaurant. She said that itself, which makes it possible to reject foreign forc- Declaration, dramatic changes occurred in the both sides in one section towards The restaurant uses natural good service of its waitresses es and join the will and efforts of the entire nation. inter-Korean relations. Multifarious dialogue and the Pyongyang Railway Station. aromatic spice like orange peel seemed to add the taste of the This is the truth all the fellow countrymen learned contacts took place between the north and the south The Roast Chicken Restaurant in cooking roast chicken so as to dish. in the struggle to carve out the destiny of the nation in different sectors, and valuable successes for the and reunify it in an independent way. future of peace, prosperity and reunifi cation were is one of them. stimulate visitors’ appetite, she In the visitors’ book of the The nation’s current growing desire for develop- gained, giving pleasure to the entire nation. Amidst Yu Kum Sun, head of the res- said and added, “As I’ve done restaurant, I read the following: ment of the north-south relations and national re- this atmosphere the September Pyongyang Joint taurant, said that it is frequent- it very much, I am now able to “Feeling kinship in the wait- unifi cation requires that the nation, with concerted Declaration was adopted, which indicates practi- ed by lots of people every day. sense all the processes of the resses’ good service, I had a meal efforts and on the principle of national independ- cal measures to develop the inter-Korean relations Thinking the dish was popular job. I cook the dish every day as comfortably like at home.” and ence, should frustrate the obstructive moves of the onto a higher stage, realize stable peace on the Ko- thanks to its cooks, I met the sincerely as I should do for my “I’ve been accorded hospitable anti-reunifi cation forces at home and abroad, and rean peninsula and further promote reconciliation open up a broad avenue to peace, prosperity and and reunifi cation. This made it possible to consoli- head cook, who had experience family.” treatment. Next time I’ll bring reunifi cation. date the already-achieved successes and accelerate in cooking various dishes as she At that time some people my family. See you again.” The historic Panmunjom Declaration and Sep- the development of the inter-Korean relations on a worked in different restaurants came into the restaurant. Among The restaurant also under- tember Pyongyang Joint Declaration adopted last new track of peace, reconciliation and cooperation. on the street for over 30 years. them were intellectuals—sci- takes invitation and mobile ser- year, which refl ect the requirement and desire of And the declarations were anything but those Explaining that their roast entists, technicians and educa- vices for innovators in institu- the era, imbued the fellow countrymen with great adopted under the approval of anyone else. The chicken was characterized by tors—who had taken part in a tions and enterprises, Yu said. hope of and optimism about a bright future of the Korean nation itself is the master of the inter- nation. The declarations were those of national in- Korean relations. Therefore, all problems of the inter- softness, pleasant taste and national academic degrees and The harmonious combination dependence whereby the nation can decide on its Korean relations and reunifi cation should be solved fragrance, she introduced me to titles awarding ceremony. They of the delicious dish and good own destiny and carve it out by its concerted efforts. on the principle of national independence—this is Kang Yong Suk, who was said said they visited the restaurant service—this was the secret of The Panmunjom Declaration clarifi es issues the main spirit of the abovementioned declarations. to be a leading cook in cooking to have a good time together the restaurant’s popularity. of making an all-round and epochal improvement There will be no problem diffi cult to solve when roast chicken. there on the rare opportunity. and development in the inter-Korean relations the north and the south have a fi rm stand of na- so as to reconnect the severed blood vessel of the tional independence. Through the three rounds of Kang has been specializing There I met Jong Kang Ho, a Rim Sang Jun nation and bring earlier the future of co-prosperity the north-south summit talks and meetings last and independent reunifi cation and of easing the year the fellow countrymen keenly felt again that acute military tension, substantially removing the when they join their mind and strength, they can danger of war and building a permanent and du- turn the Korean peninsula into the true home of the rable peace mechanism on the Korean peninsula. nation, which will be the most peaceful and prosper Blueberry Juice Thus it is a historic landmark signalling a new start forever. The unforgettable scenes made during the of peace and prosperity on the peninsula. period built up their confi dence in the future of a The two declarations denote the nation’s burn- reunifi ed country. he blueberry juice improves children’s memory and concentration. According to some research ing aspiration for reunifi cation. The interference of foreign forces in the prob- the result of examination of word memorizing and concentration of those children who drank It is none other than the Koreans who keenly lems of the inter-Korean relations and reunifi cation T feel the tragedy of territorial partition forced by for- should never be allowed. The north and the south, the blueberry juice was higher than those who did not. In particular, the score of those children who eign forces and always yearn for reunifi cation. Over on the principle of national independence, should drank thicker juice was higher, and the amount of drinking at a time was about 1.5 teaspoonfuls. 70 years have passed since the division of Korea. join hands together and rely on the concerted The secret lies in fl avonoid which is a constituent of different kinds of fruits, berries and vegetables. The Korean nation, however, has never forgotten strength of the nation, not foreign forces, so as to Flavonoid promotes the blood circulation in the brain and accelerates the information transmission about reunifi cation even a day. frustrate all sorts of obstructive moves of outside between cells. ‰ The Panmunjom Declaration and the Septem- forces, and open up the road to national prosperity. ber Pyongyang Joint Declaration refl ected the Ko- All the Koreans should hold fast to the principle of ►

42 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 43 Milestone in Opening Avenue Watch Out for Japan’s of National Reconciliation, Military Scheme Peace and Prosperity APAN’S SELF-DEFENSE FORCES (SDF) giving spurs to its realization. Meanwhile, they are Jare widening the scope of their military activi- examining the plan of increasing the expenditure N SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR PYONGYANG valuable achievements gained by the north and ties on a worldwide scale; they conclude agreements 1.3% by 2023, though it is not allowed to surpass 1% Iwitnessed the fi fth north-south summit the south in good cooperation and in opening the with foreign counterparts, do joint military exer- of GDP. Actually, it is a general view of the experts meeting and talks. At the talks the principle of heyday of reunifi cation by developing the north- cises, and conduct overseas military activities under that the regulation of 1% of GDP as the military ex- national independence and self-determination south relations rapidly along the new road of peace, the disguise of ensuring “peace and security.” penditure has long been eliminated. was reconfi rmed and an in-depth exchange of reconciliation and cooperation. Last year there took place joint military exercis- Japan’s Defence Ministry demanded that 5 257. opinions was made on various issues arising in It is a steadfast stand and will of the DPRK es between the Maritime SDF and the UK’s Royal 4 billion yen should be spent as the military expend- further accelerating the development of the north- to push the inter-Korean relations forward south relations by honestly implementing the dynamically in the eye of the world and write a new Navy, and between the Ground SDF and the UK’s iture for the 2019 fi scal year, which is the remarka- Panmunjom Declaration (or April 27 Declaration) history of peace, prosperity and reunifi cation on Royal Army. And now the insular country is plan- ble increase as compared to the previous fi scal year. in an all-round manner. the Korean peninsula. On the occasion of the 23rd ning to conclude an agreement of good-will visit sta- The unlimited expansion of the military expenditure The talks reaffi rmed the will of both sides to Winter Olympics held in south Korea, the DPRK tus with the British forces, and the plan has already made the SDF grow into huge aggression forces. implement the historic Panmunjom Declaration sent large-sized delegations including athletes, a been under examination. When the agreement is Not content with that the reactionary ruling cir- to the letter and formulated important issues cheering group, an artist troupe and a Taekwon- concluded offi cially, it is said, the SDF will get legal cles of Japan are investing a colossal sum of money and detailed measures to be maintained in Do demonstration group to the south regarding treatment at the time of a joint military drill in the in introducing the ground-based missile defence sys- implementing the declaration and agreed on a the games as a festival of the compatriots worth territory of the counterpart. tem Aegis Ashore and the up-to-date fi ghters, and series of immediate practical measures to be taken sincere help, and thus gave a powerful momentum by the north and the south. to improved inter-Korean relations and fuel to Japan is also sending its troops to different re- developing a next-generation radar system. They The north and south top leaders had an in-depth national reconciliation and unity. gions. The SDF’s moves of frequent occurrence are have intensively deployed the SDF in western Ja- discussion of ways of steadily taking measures Since the adoption of the historic Panmunjom evoking due precautions among Asian countries, pan near the Northeast Asian countries, waging meeting the requirement of the era of reconciliation Declaration the north and the south pushed and others in different regions in the world. The military drills time and again. and cooperation and fi rmly guaranteeing the dialogue and cooperation programmes in different Japanese reactionaries, however, are claiming that Now the country is conducting joint overseas nd current development of the relations in the future, fi elds, thus holding the 2 round of the north-south such kinds of activities are aimed at ensuring secure military rehearsals with the forces of other coun- too, on the basis of the precious success and high-level talks, general-level north-south military environment in their country and making a contri- tries. This is aimed at enhancing the SDF’s opera- experience that dramatically changed the inter- talks, north-south Red Cross talks and other talks Korean relations from those of extreme hostility in different fi elds successfully, leading to diversifi ed bution to ensuring global peace in the front line as a tions capability and expanding its scope of activity, and confrontation and brought about startling contacts and exchange. member of the international community. and honing the method of unexpected preemptive changes and fruitions through sincere efforts with North-south basketball games for reunifi cation The SDF’s military activities are part of the strike at the same time. the view and stance of pooling mind and intention took place in Pyongyang and Seoul drawing great schemes for overseas expansion. This means the It is indisputable that the expansion of the SDF’s and respecting and trusting each other. public attention, and the north-south single team country is trying to realize its old dream of the military activities is aimed at reinvasion. It is a mat- The September Pyongyang Joint Declaration won in the mixed doubles of the Korea open “Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere.” ter of time that Japan embarks on the road of aggres- served as an important milestone in further table tennis games of the 2018 world meet of The overseas military actions of the SDF are be- sion again. To this end the Japanese reactionaries accelerating the development of the north-south the International Table Tennis Federation. The ing carried on in accordance with the national secu- are running amuck to instill militarism constantly relations and ushering in a new golden age of north-south single team also performed well in a reconciliation and unity and peace and prosperity number of events at the 18th Asian Games held in rity law. The Japanese media commented that the into the people, and adopt a war constitution. of the nation by faithfully implementing the April Indonesia. SDF has become able to participate in the “interna- Abe and his clique are taking the lead in adding 27 Panmunjom Declaration in full measure, as A reunion of separated families and relatives tional peace-keeping activities” thanks to the law. fuel to militarism. The Japanese politicians swarm unanimously desired and demanded by all the took place at the Mt Kumgang resort. This means the insular country has become able to to the Yashukuni Shrine to pay homage and offer fellow countrymen. The 5th north-south summit meeting embark on the road of overt aggression. tribute to it, and force the educational institutions The September Declaration carries the spirit of demonstrated that the Koreans will be able to The Japanese reactionaries, based on the supe- to hoist Hinomaru and sing Kimigayo. This is all the nation pulsating with a new hope, their burning open the road of improved inter-Korean relations riority of military strength, are trying to control the aimed at having the Japanese people take pride in desire and the dream of all the compatriots. and peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula neighbouring countries and to achieve the ambition the country’s past history of aggression, sympathize The historic Pyongyang meeting and talks when they join their will and efforts. marked an epochal watershed in consolidating the An Nam Hui of reinvasion. They have long raised the military with militarism and nurse feelings of revenge for its expenditure systematically, and squandered a huge past defeat. sum of money in developing and producing new The Japanese reactionaries’ schemes for reinva- armed equipment. sion are destroying peace and stability in Northeast ► national independence and pool their efforts to pio- under the banner of national independence. In December 2018 the Abe clique announced a Asia and the world. Any country that wishes for re- neer the road to independent reunifi cation, peace The fi rm unity of all the Koreans will guaran- and prosperity on their own initiative. tee the development of the inter-Korean relations, newly-adopted defence programme and a midterm gional peace and security should fi x its eyes on Ja- No obstructive moves of outside forces or chal- peace on the Korean peninsula and independent defence capacity maintenance programme. And pan which dreams about war of aggression. lenges cannot check the Korean nation’s vigorous reunifi cation. having overtly revealed their scheme to increase advance toward peace, prosperity and reunifi cation Kim Kwang Song the military expenditure drastically, they are now Kim Kwang Song

44 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 45 Koguryo’s Famous Commanders— National Intangible Cultural Heritage (34) Miru and Nyuyu Making of Jang (Soy Sauce and Paste)

HE KOGURYO PEOPLE this adversity?” Then Nyuyu proposed to ANG IS ONE OF THE any other kinds of grain. Boiled growing in them. Tfought a war against for- “Your Majesty, it’s not right. take good dishes to the enemy Jcondiments indispensable beans digest at only 70 percent, About March of the next year eign aggressors in the 240s. In It is a subject’s duty to give him- commander and give a party be- to the Korean people’s dietary and bean-curd does at 90 per- crush the dried balls, put the February 246 tens of thousands self up for the sake of the coun- fore stabbing him. habit. Jang is a general word cent. But the aforesaid bean- powder in a sterilized jar, pour of troops of an invader nation try. But you’re in charge of the Out of a doubt, the king meaning soy sauce, plain paste based condiments digest at al- salt water in the jar and leave the thronged as far as to the Piryu state affairs,” said Miru. asked, “Do you think you will be and peppered paste altogether. most 100 percent. jar open to clean air and sunlight. Stream availing themselves of “Thank you. But how can I able to get away after stabbing Soy sauce is used to fl avour food- And the condiments produce Two or three months later their superiority in number de- face the sky after I survive alone the enemy commander in their stuffs and soy paste is eaten as a unique savoury taste which is there comes black liquid in the spite wholesale deaths. with all the subjects dead?” camp?” it is, or used to cook soup, and known as the sixth taste adding jar. Pour it in a saucepan and Tongchon, the 16th king (227– “Your Majesty, subjects’ “The subjects and soldiers peppered paste is used as a spe- to the original fi ve tastes—salty, boil to make soy sauce. And fer- 248) of Koguryo, mobilized infan- death will be worthwhile only here will survive, then, I’m cial condiment to ensure a good sweet, bitter, sour and hot. ment the leftover in the jar to try and cavalry to raid the en- when their country remains se- sure,” said Nyuyu. appetite. In the past each family used make paste. emy, thus killing and capturing cure, so I wish you to escape “What? Wouldn’t you be sorry These soy condiments have a to make such condiments in Ko- Mix the paste with red pepper more than 6 000 enemy troops. soon so that the subjects’ death for your death?” the king urged. long history in Korea. So it is not rea, so the preparation methods powder and other seasonings and The king then began to be intoxi- would not turn out worthless.” “How could I feel sorry about fortuitous that there came into and the tastes were different. ferment to make peppered paste. cated with self-complacency. Now tears began to fl ow from the my death when I know it will not being such proverbs as “Sweet And the nobility of a family de- The condiments contain vari- He said, “The enemy’s large king’s eyes. be worthless?” jang, sweet home” and songs of pended on the taste of its condi- ous nutritional ingredients such force is no better than our small “Thank you, Miru. As there “Are you sure your death the condiments like the Song of ments. So the Korean ancestors as protein, sugar and minerals. one. The enemy commander is are loyal subjects like you, I be- will not be worthless?” Bean Paste. said that women were compelled In particular, it has been sci- a famous general, but his life is lieve Koguryo will never be ru- “Your Majesty, please allow In Kangso District, Nampho, to learn 33 methods of condiment entifi cally proved that the paste now at my disposal.” ined. I’ll leave here as you wish,” me to do what I propose. If a Korea, there is the Tokhung-ri making before they got married. is one of health foods that fi ght Underestimating the enemy, the king promised. subject lays down his life to save Mural Tomb from the period of The following is the general cancers. he had the armoured cavalry, Miru ordered Ryuokku, one his country from crisis, it will Koguryo (277 BC–AD 668), and method of making the condi- At present relevant facto- 5 000 strong, attack the foe in of his soldiers, to escort the king remain an honourable deed for- part of the inscriptions on its ments: ries built across the country are front. This was his gross error. through woods to cross Juk Pass. ever, I dare say,” Nyuyu replied. tombstone reads: The people At the beginning of winter producing jang in an industrial As the saying goes that “He And he, together with merely Now the king raised him to mobilized to build the tomb con- (in early November) put well- way, thus meeting the demand that slights his enemy dies by his 20 to 30 soldiers, fought a hard his feet, embracing him, and sumed a store of soy condiments ripened beans in water for a day. of the people. hand,” his reckless attack ended fi ght frustrating the enemy in said, “Your sacrifi ce will never as well as white rice, meat and Boil them perfectly and pound in The Korean people regard in a bitter defeat. His troops dis- their plan. be worthless.” liquor. a mortar. Then make it into balls the condiments as the most im- persed. When it was diffi cult to At the news that Miru fell in Nyuyu prepared and took a According to the Chronicles 10 to 15 cm in diameter. Such a portant of the kinds, and the gather soldiers, he had to retreat battle, the king ordered Ryuok- spread to the enemy commander. of the Three Kingdoms, a speci- ball is called meju in Korean. condiments are widely known as to Amnokwon (a plain area down ku to go and bring him even if Satisfi ed that Nyuyu, a fa- ality of Palhae (the late 7th cen- Wrap each of them in straw those symbolic of Korea’s nation- the Amnok River) with only over he died. mous general of Koguryo, had tury–the early 10th century) was separately and hang them in a al foods and dietary habit. 1 000 armoured cavalry soldiers. Back to their camp on the brought a spread to him, the the soybean malt of Chaeksong, well-ventilated place at a certain After taking the Hwando Fort, back of Ryu’s, Miru gradually enemy commander came up to and people of Silla (the early temperature to dry with maltase Kim Chol Hyon the then capital of Koguryo, came to. the table. At the moment Nyuyu mid-fi rst century–935) chose the enemy continuously chased At the moment, Nyuyu and swiftly took a dagger from under these condiments for wedding him. By the time he retreated his party, who had got lost dur- a plate and stabbed the com- presents to be sent to the bride’s to Namokjo (South Hamgyong ing a battle, got back to join mander in the chest. Then he family. Province at present), reaching the king. Thus the king’s party also got rid of some other com- The Korean ancestors, who Juk Pass, almost all his cavalry increased in number to some manding offi cers of the enemy had started bean-farming in the soldiers had dispersed and he extent. But it was too small as before dying a heroic death. closing days of the primitive so- himself was in danger. The en- compared with the enemy force Having lost their command- ciety, used boiled beans as feed emy encircled and closed in upon that was in hot pursuit. When ers, the enemy force was torn for cattle, horses and other do- them in order to capture him the king’s party reached Namok- apart. mestic animals in winter. When alive. jo the enemy rushed in, putting The king of Koguryo mobi- they found stray mouldy beans Then Miru, a general of the Koguryo king in danger lized his government and lo- from the feeds, the animals Koguryo, entreated the king, again. At this juncture Miru en- cal troops to destroy the enemy turned to them, which aroused “Your Majesty, I wish you would treated the king to escape saying units one by one, thus changing the people’s interest. Now the escape from here.” The general he would lead a death squad to the situation radically. Koreans began to make boiled went on to say he would check check the enemy. At last the Koguryo army re- beans fermented to make such the enemy’s advance. Moved by his loyalty, the king covered all the territory from the sauce and paste. The king, however, said, “No! said, “I won’t let you die. Don’t aggressors, and won the war. Beans, which have long been How can I try to be alive alone you have any idea to escape from referred to as “meat” from the when my mistake has caused the crisis safe and secure?” Rim Ok fi eld, contain more protein than

46 KOREA TODAY No. 9, 2019 47 A range of peaks in Outer Kumgang.

► a place to fl ow down into the pool. Kumgang. Kori (ring) Falls fl ows down round a fantastic In Kuyondong of the gourd-shaped valley there rock that looks like a stone tomb before tilting in are many tilted waterfalls and pools, rocks of fan- Mt Kumgang (7) the shape of a ring and then gathering in a place tastic shapes resembling turtle, dragon and pheas- under the rock to cascade down. ant, fi ne views and beautiful plants. Next to Kori Falls is Sibi Falls, whose water In the valley there are Son Pool looking like a from the valley between Chaeha Peak and Soban ship and Huinbidan (white silk) and Tujul water- for its clear water and stone and its beautiful scen- Outer Kumgang (6) Height falls down zigzag twelve times along the falls. The pool of fantastic shape is lined with tilted ery. The surface of the big rock is inscribed with the southern cliff of Chaeha Peak, hence the name Sibi waterfalls on its upper and lower sides, adding to words Songnimjeilchonsok. ONGNIM DISTRICT IN OUTER KUMGANG (twelve in Korean). To see the total view of Sibi the scenery. It is also called Outer Sondam to be Mansangdong, situated in the upper valley of Sincludes noted spots in the Paekchonchon Val- Falls hundreds of metres high, one should stand in distinguished from a pool of similar name in Inner Songnimdong, is a valley of myriad forms. On a ley between Ilchul Peak, one of the central peaks of Unsondae and Puljongdae on a cliff opposite. Kumgang. The aforesaid two waterfalls look like a Mt Kumgang, and Janggun Peak. sheer cliff of the valley are fantastically-shaped Unsondae district, situated in the southernmost roll of silk hanging down and two lines of pearly In its valley there are magnifi cent and fantas- rocks like Pom (tiger) Rock and Mae (hawk) Rock, part of Outer Kumgang, is divided into Ryongchon- drops, hence the name Huinbidan and Tujul. In the tic steep peaks beyond imagination, making the and waterfalls of various shapes like Hamnyu Falls dong, Hyoundong and Kuyondong. In Ryongchon- surrounding area there are growing tall alpine rho- second in beautiful scenery to Sonchang Valley. It whose clean water cascades down step by step dong there is a site of Yujom Temple, one of four dodendrons. is divided into Songnimdong, Mansangdong and round a tremendous white rock, Kodun Falls, Idan famous temples in Mt Kumgang. There are also big In Kuyondong there is Mangyong Valley of Songmundong. Falls and Mansang Falls and pools like Ryong, Pok- and small pools like Sonyon Pool and Panyadae on beautiful scenery. Its bottom is covered with white Songnimdong is covered with beautiful pine for- sunga and Mansang pools. which scores of people can sit. millstone-shaped rocks going well with forests at ests all the year round, hence the name. There can In Songmundong, one can hear the pouring Hyoundong has scenic spots like Kuryong Pool, the brook. Its right side is surrounded with a steep be seen waterfalls and pools including Songnim, sound of Sibi Falls like a downfall of water from Ssanghwak Pool, Pari Falls and Unsondae looking rocky wall, where there is Kuryon Falls whose wa- Kophum, Paekchon and Chongsong pools, Songnim the heaven, hence the name. There are Songmun, like a rocky peak. On the top of Unsondae one can ter falls down in nine currents when there is much Cave, Songnim Rock, the site of the Songnim Tem- Segallae, Kori and Sibi waterfalls. At the entrance see a round and hollowed big rock standing cross- water but in two when there is little water. Above ple and Chima Rock. On the left of Songnim Pool, to the valley is Songmun Falls looking like a roll of wise, and a pillar-shaped rock on one side. Unson- the waterfall is Kuyongyejol Falls whose whole a typical one in Songnimdong, is a not so high cliff silver thread falling down from its narrow throat dae looks like two palms facing each other with an rock face is all covered with falling water, making a and on the right a rock as big as a house. And the and a round pool beneath the waterfall. Passing enough space between them to hide only one per- spectacular sight after it rains so much . bed of the pool is covered with white and long rocks. it one can see Segallae Falls whose three currents son, hence the another name Unsindae. It is a fa- From of old the pool is well known as a noted spot slide down along the rocky cliff before gathering in ► mous place where one can enjoy a fi ne view of Outer Pak Thae Ho

48 KOREA TODAY