On Monday, the U.S.-based North Korea monitoring website 38 North reported that North Korea is working to transform Samjiyon Airport in Gangwon Province into its third modern commercial airport.
Analysis of satellite imagery from September 20 revealed that the airport’s terminal has taken shape and that supports for a new train station have been installed. The report also noted that construction on new sections of rail bed is currently underway.
At present, Pyongyang Sunan International Airport and Wonsan Kalma Airport serve as North Korea’s modern commercial airports.
Previously, on July 18, Korean Central Television broadcast footage of a state-sponsored music group in Samjiyon City pointing to a three dimension (3D) rendering display depicting the Samjiyon International Airport.
The 3D rendering showcased an international airport terminal connected to a train station with three platforms. Based on the released images, experts anticipate upgrades to the airport’s functions, including repaving the existing 3.3 km (about 2 miles) runway and adding an apron for passenger boarding, cargo handling, as well as aircraft refueling, maintenance, and inspection.
Samjiyon Airport, expected to serve as the gateway for Paektu Mountain tourism, is located approximately 32 km (about 20 miles) from the mountain. However, its single, narrow, and short runway—which complicates takeoff and landing for large aircraft—has prompted calls for improvements to enable its effective use for tourism.
The plan to transform Samjiyon Airport into an international airport is seen as part of North Korean Workers’ Party General Secretary Kim Jong Un’s commitment to expanding the tourism industry. This year, North Korea opened the long-awaited Wonsan Kalma coastal tourism zone in Gangwon Province, establishing new rail lines, power lines, and communication infrastructure.