North Korea has unveiled the completion of the Yeombunjin Coastal Park District on its eastern coast, following the development in Wonsan, Gangwon Province, showcasing its achievements in tourism development.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Friday that the inauguration ceremony for the Yeombunjin Coastal Park District took place on Wednesday. Key officials from the party and government, including Prime Minister Pak Thae-song, were in attendance.
The newspaper touted the successful construction of comprehensive amenities, including a marine hotel, beach, accommodations for hundreds, a cinema, shops, an arcade, and a water park. It claimed that this area, long renowned for its scenic beauty, has become another cultural retreat where citizens can fully enjoy socialist civilization amidst the coastal region’s charm.
The article further emphasized that this location has been transformed into a modern facility under Kim Jong Un’s vision, describing it as a monumental creation embodying the regime’s people-first ideology.
At the inauguration ceremony, Park Myung-ho, chairman of the North Hamgyong Provincial People’s Committee, stated that the coastal park district, featuring a marine hotel reminiscent of a large cruise ship and advanced, diverse facilities, will provide ample rest and satisfaction to both local residents seeking to enjoy the unique seaside atmosphere and travelers passing through.
Park added that Kim personally named the Marine Hotel, noting that this reflects its leader’s profound intention to create a cultural hub that is convenient for local operation and accessible to visitors from various cities and counties, thereby promoting regional development and benefiting the people.
Construction of the Yeombunjin Hotel began in July 2011. The area boasts a sandy beach near the famous Chilbo Mountain and is close to Cheongjin Airport. In July 2018, Kim criticized the slow progress during a site visit, stating that the hotel construction is dragging on.
In October 2019, he ordered an expansion of the project, instructing the construction of additional coastal park accommodations and service facilities along a 600-meter (about 0.4 miles) stretch centered around the hotel. However, it appears that construction has been prolonged due to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last June, North Korea opened the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area and also announced the inauguration of Jasan Beach in Tongchon County, Gangwon Province, in July of the same year. These developments indicate a strong push to transform the east coast into a tourist destination.