On October 23, 2019, Chosun Central TV reported that Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, inspected the Mount Kumgang tourist area and ordered the demolition of South Korean facilities. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Signs of North Korean authorities infringing on South Korean property have been detected by foreign media. It appears that key facilities within the Mount Kumgang tourism zone, owned by our government and private companies, have been arbitrarily dismantled without consultation.
Recently, the U.S.-based North Korea specialist media NK News reported this after analyzing photos of the Mount Kumgang area taken by the private satellite company Planet Labs from July 15 last month.
The dismantling is estimated to have started at the end of July. According to the report, between July 15 and August 4, the roof colors of Onjeonggak and the Mount Kumgang Cultural Center changed, and objects presumed to be interior furnishings were moved outside the buildings. Signs of phased dismantling of mobile homes within the Kuryong Village, owned by Hyundai Asan, were also detected.
NK News also reported similar movements at the separated families reunion center during the same period. Objects began to accumulate in the reunion center’s parking lot, suggesting that internal clearing was likely underway ahead of facility demolition or remodeling.
The separated families reunion center was completed through inter-Korean agreement in 2008 amid calls for regular reunions of separated families. According to the Ministry of Unification, at that time, our government provided 55 billion won from the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund to the Korean Red Cross for the construction of the reunion center.
However, following the fatal shooting of a Mount Kumgang tourist by North Korean soldiers in the same year, our government suspended Mount Kumgang tourism, causing disruptions in the operation of the reunion center. Subsequently, in April 2010, North Korea froze (confiscated) buildings owned by our government and Hyundai Asan, including the reunion center.
Although family reunions were held three times at the reunion center in 2009, 2010, and 2014, it is known that rapid deterioration occurred due to inadequate management.
A panoramic view of the Kumgangsan Tourist Area featured in a report by Chosun Central TV on October 23, 2019. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Meanwhile, this is not the first time signs of North Korea infringing on South Korean property have been detected. Earlier in March and April, unauthorized dismantling of South Korean assets such as Hotel Haegumgang and Ananti Golf Course within the Mount Kumgang tourism zone was observed. At that time, the Ministry of Unification requested explanations and consultations regarding North Korea’s facility dismantling through the Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office, but North Korea did not respond.
Last month, unauthorized operation of a vehicle presumed to be a Kaesong Industrial Complex bus within Kaesong city was also detected through North Korean broadcasts. North Korea’s Korean Central TV reported on the heatwave conditions in Kaesong and showed a Hyundai Motor-produced Kaesong Industrial Complex commuter bus operating in the city.
In response, the government expressed regret on the 11th of last month, stating, "These actions by North Korea are clear violations of inter-Korean agreements and illegal infringements on our property rights." It emphasized, "North Korea must immediately cease these actions, and all responsibility related to this lies entirely with North Korea."
These infringements on South Korean property by North Korea are analyzed as follow-up measures under the directive of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un. In fact, Chairman Kim inspected the Mount Kumgang tourism zone in October 2019 and ordered, "Remove all the shabby South Korean facilities that make one feel unpleasant just by looking at them."
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