North Korea Opens Five Hotels Simultaneously in Samjiyon... Kim Jongun Makes First Visit to "Sacred Land of the Paektu Bloodline" with Daughter Juae

Focused Development of Tourism Industry with Opening of Five Hotels
Emphasizing Legacy for Future Generations at the Sacred Site of the Paektu Bloodline

North Korea has accelerated the development of its tourism industry by simultaneously completing five hotels in the Samjiyon tourist district near Mount Paektu. North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jongun personally attended the completion ceremony, reaffirming his commitment to making Samjiyon a representative tourist city of North Korea. On December 23, Yonhap News Agency, citing the Korean Central News Agency and Rodong Sinmun, reported that five modern hotels had been completed in Samjiyon City near Mount Paektu. Previously, on the 20th, Ikal Hotel and Milyeong Hotel opened, followed by Sobeksu Hotel, Cheongbong Hotel, and Botnamu Hotel on the 21st. On the first day, Chairman Kim attended the completion ceremony and inspected key facilities such as guest rooms, restaurants, and swimming pools.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jongun attended the completion ceremony of the Samjiyon Milyoung Hotel on the 20th with his daughter Juae, inspecting the restaurant facilities. Photo by Korean Central TV Yonhap News

At the ceremony, Chairman Kim emphasized the importance of the tourism industry, which he has highlighted as a key initiative, along with the "20×10 Local Development Policy." Specifically, he stated, "Establishing tourist attractions in the capital and throughout the provinces is itself clear evidence of our people's rising aspirations and our country's development potential," and stressed, "The position and role of hotels are important in establishing the country's tourism culture and revitalizing the tourism industry." Chairman Kim expressed satisfaction, saying, "Practicality, diversity, and artistry have been realized at a high level," but also noted, "The fundamental aspect of tourism is the quality of service," calling for the enhancement of professionalism among service staff.

First Public Appearance in Samjiyon with Juae... Achievements and Succession Structure Highlighted Ahead of the 9th Party Congress

Until now, North Korea has promoted the Samjiyon area near Mount Paektu as the base of anti-Japanese struggle by President Kim Il Sung and the birthplace of National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il, presenting it as the political background of the Kim family. Kim Jongun has often visited Samjiyon before making major decisions. Notably, in November 2013, just before purging his uncle Jang Songthaek, Kim Jongun held a special meeting with his core inner circle in Samjiyon.

North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported on the 23rd that over two days, on the 20th and 21st, completion ceremonies were held for five "modern hotels" in Samjiyon City. On the 20th, Ikal Hotel and Milyeong Hotel opened, and on the 21st, Sobaeksu Hotel, Cheongbong Hotel, and Botnamu Hotel each opened. Pyongyang Korean Central News Agency Yonhap News

This on-site inspection was accompanied by Chairman Kim's daughter, Kim Juae. It was the first time Chairman Kim made a public appearance with Juae in Samjiyon, which is referred to as the "sacred land of the Paektu bloodline." North Korean media focused on images of Chairman Kim and Juae touring the hotel facilities together, and throughout the schedule, numerous photos were released featuring Juae prominently in the foreground.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jongun attended the completion ceremony of the Samjiyon Secret Camp Hotel on the 20th with his daughter Juae, inspecting the indoor hot spring facilities. His daughter Juae is standing with her hand on Chairman Kim's shoulder. Photo by Korean Central TV Yonhap News

Despite international sanctions, North Korea is strategically fostering the tourism industry to secure foreign currency. Following the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, Yangdok Hot Spring District, and Masikryong Ski Resort, Samjiyon is being developed as a key hub for Mount Paektu tourism. Since last year, Chairman Kim has repeatedly instructed that Samjiyon be created as a "world-class mountain tourism destination." Experts analyze that this move is intended both to highlight achievements from the past five years ahead of the 9th Party Congress scheduled for early next year, and to strengthen the narrative of "Paektu bloodline succession" from Kim Jongun to Kim Juae.