"Socialist Utopia": North Korea inaugurates a new city
With thousands of people in attendance, Kim launched the city of Samjion, described by official media as the "embodiment of modern civilization." It was one of the flagship projects of the North Korean tyrant, delayed by the economic crisis caused by the crackdown
"Socialist Utopia": North Korea inaugurates a new city
Photo: Reuters, edited by Nir ChenNorth Korea celebrated inauguration of one of Kim Jong Un's flagship ventures - a new city set up near a holy mountain where, according to legend, the ruling dynasty was born in the communist state.
The regime's official media described the new city, Samgion as "the embodiment of modern civilization," and is described as a "socialist utopia" that includes residential buildings, hotels, a ski resort, and commercial, cultural and medical facilities. Yesterday there were big celebrations in the new town, attended by Kim, which included fireworks.
The city was established at the foot of Mount Facto, and Kim was documented by a red ribbon cut at a ceremony attended by thousands of people. The official TV showed green and purple buildings covered in snow. "The city has become the example of a modern mountain town under socialism," the official news agency said, which said it would house 4,000 families. It also says it has 380 blocks of public and industrial buildings.
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Celebrations to mark the founding of the new city of Samgion, North Korea, December 3, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)
The city is one of the biggest economic initiatives launched by Kim as part of its efforts to establish an independent economy in light of the US sanctions imposed on Pyongyang that led to a delay in completing the project mainly due to a shortage of building materials and manpower.
The delays have led the regime to recruit youths who, according to defectors and human rights activists, are "slaves" because they receive no wages or proper food, and are forced to work more than 12 hours a day for up to 10 years, in exchange for improving their chances of being admitted to the university or joining the ruling Labor Party .
4,000 families will live in the city. New City Opening Ceremony (Photo: Reuters)
Celebrations to mark the founding of the new city of Samgion, North Korea, December 3, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)
(Photo: Reuters)
Celebrations to mark the founding of the new city of Samgion, North Korea, December 3, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)
(Photo: Reuters)
Celebrations to mark the founding of the new city of Samgion, North Korea, December 3, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)
(Photo: Reuters)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inaugurates new city, December 3, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)