North Korea has completed its Construction of 50,000 Housing Units in Pyongyang project, which began in 2021, ahead of the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party. The country has now launched a new construction initiative. As confirmed on Thursday, North Korea continues to expand Pyongyang’s influence through construction projects, similar to its previous five-year plan.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Phase 5 Construction in the Hwasong District held on Wednesday, Secretary Kim Jong Un stated that in line with the visionary plan to transform Pyongyang into an even more magnificent city, they’rre once again embarking on construction projects in the new year.
He explained that this Phase 5 construction will move beyond merely addressing housing demands. Instead, it will focus on elevating the overall structure and appearance of the capital to a higher standard.
Since the 8th Party Congress in 2021, North Korea has been undertaking a large-scale development project in Pyongyang’s outskirts. The Hwasong District, east of Pyongyang, has been identified as the primary development area. It’s estimated that approximately 40,000 housing units have been constructed through four phases of the project.
In total, it’s believed that up to 60,000 housing units have been built across Pyongyang. This effort aligns with the regime’s vision of modernizing underdeveloped areas to provide ample housing for residents while transforming Pyongyang into a contemporary metropolis.
Based on the perspective drawings of the Phase 5 construction released by the newspaper and Secretary Kim’s speech about moving beyond addressing housing needs, it appears that North Korea plans to construct buildings resembling state institutions rather than residential units in this phase.
Related to this, Rodong Sinmun reported on April 17 last year that the Party Central Committee intends to actively promote its grand plan to expand Pyongyang’s street layout towards the Kangdong direction. It also plans to construct major scientific research institutes and technical universities in the Taesong area. This suggests that North Korea aims to establish research facilities and universities in the Taesong area, located east of Pyongyang and home to the Taesong Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery, as part of the Phase 5 construction in Hwasong.
North Korea is expected to announce a new five-year construction plan, which includes the Phase 5 construction in Hwasong, during the upcoming 9th Party Congress.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for the Phase 5 construction, Secretary Kim outlined the goals and plans for the next five years, stating that it if it can eliminate elements that don’t align with the capital’s character from the city’s overall composition within a few years and construct new streets, Pyongyang will once again transform its image. This will also strengthen its strategic position and role.