A series of photos of urban areas in North Korea shared by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and posted on Reuters recently surprised many people with the modernity of the large constructions located in the cities of this country.
After nearly 5 years of complete closure due to the pandemic, the news that North Korea has reopened to tourists has caused a stir around the world. In particular, choosing Samjiyon city as the first destination has further increased the curiosity and anticipation of tourists. With the newly revealed images, tourists cannot help but be surprised by the rapid changes of this country. Will other destinations in North Korea bring similar surprises?
The North Korean Science and Technology Complex in Pyongyang. The atomic-shaped structure is located on Ssuk Island.
Nestled at the foot of Mount Paektu, Samjiyon city has become a new symbol of North Korea, marking its remarkable development in infrastructure and architecture.
Previously, this place was a small and remote mountainous district in Ryanggang province near the border of the two countries, but now it has transformed into a modern urban area, with a harmonious combination of tradition and development. In December 2019, Samjiyon was upgraded from a district capital to a city, becoming a model urban area and an important cultural, tourism and sports center in North Korea.
Munsu Water Park, known as "Pyongyang's Disneyland" with a modern swimming pool system, outdoor water slides, indoor climbing area, lazy river...
Visitors here can experience many destinations and services such as Begaebong ski resort, Samjiyon hotel and Paektu mountain museum. In addition, the city also built many works such as factories, schools, hospitals, cultural houses with full facilities, creating a convenient living space.
A residential development in Hwaseong District, Pyongyang, North Korea. The area is located near the Kumsusan Memorial Palace - the resting place of late President Kim Il Sung.
Ryonpho Greenhouse Farm (Hamju County, Pyongyang) inaugurated on October 10, 2022. The site was built on the site of the country's air force base.
Or more famous is the 105-story Ryugyong Hotel in the capital Pyongyang. According to Business Insider, the 5-star hotel, built 40 years ago, has yet to be completed or receive any guests. The construction cost is estimated to be 5% of the country's GDP. In June 2019, Alek Sigley, an Australian student studying for a master's degree in Korean literature at Kim Il Sung University, posted on X about the new sign above the hotel's main entrance. A month later, the North Korean government accused Sigley of "anti-state espionage" and detained him for a week. He was then expelled from the country.
According to statistics compiled by NK News, in 2019, about 350,000 Chinese tourists visited North Korea, bringing a large source of revenue to Pyongyang. CBS News reported that since 2020, North Korea has been closed to most international tourists. In 2023, some international flights to and from the country resumed. In February, a group of Russian tourists visited the country.
