The North Korean leader visited Mt. Kumgang on October 23, 2019 (Rodong Sinmun)
Gangwon Province has received an order from the North Korean Cabinet to accelerate the development of the Mt. Kumgang tourist area, Daily NK reported.
An official from Gangwon Province told Daily NK on condition of anonymity on Thursday that the Gangwon Province People’s Committee received instructions on April 18 to take the lead in securing materials and labor for the development project.
The official said, “Since last year, Gangwon Province has continued to receive instructions to make stronger and faster efforts to demolish dilapidated structures in the Mt. Kumgang tourist area and construct new North Korean-style structures.” said.
The North Korean Cabinet emphasized that although the development of Mt. Kumgang tourist destination is important for the development of the local economy, its main value and focus is the development of the national economy. The Cabinet also asked state authorities to regularly report on the construction status.
He also mentioned ensuring a stable supply of construction materials and securing the human resources necessary for the project. In this regard, the Cabinet asked state authorities to ascertain the supply status of necessary materials such as steel and cement, and to notify the Cabinet in advance of what is needed.
The cabinet added that even for projects where the state is supposed to supply materials, the state needs to receive detailed reports on construction progress in order to provide the necessary support.
The Cabinet asked the state authorities to mobilize as many workers as possible in the state on a regular and irregular basis to provide the required workforce for construction projects.
“The Cabinet hopes that development projects in the area will attract foreign investment and revitalize the tourism industry, as the Mt. Kumgang tourist area has a strategic goal of attracting international tourists from countries such as China and Russia. Furthermore, the Cabinet emphasized that the development of the Mt. Geumgang tourist destination will promote economic independence for Gangwon Province and pave the way for Gangwon Province to lead regional development.” Ta.
The official said, “The Cabinet urges Gangwon Province to develop its own ways to strengthen its administrative and economic capacity for the development of Mt. Geumgang tourist destination, while providing the necessary financial and policy support.” We reiterated the government’s determination to do so.”
However, officials from the Gangwon Provincial People’s Committee and the people of the province are fearful of the inconvenience and difficulties they will have to go through before the development of the Mt. Kumgang tourist area is completed.
“Ministry officials and residents fear they will relive the nightmare of the grueling construction work at the Masoku Pass Ski Resort. The Cabinet order has been widely distributed, and the workers of the “storm squad” fear has already been selected. “The people who have complained the most are workers from the Korean Socialist Women’s Union,” the source said.
Translated by David Carruth. Edited by Robert Lawler.
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