Kim Jong Un Pursues 'Two Birds with One Stone' in Tourism and War: Inspects Coastal Missiles and Beach Resort

[Financial News] North Korean State Affairs Commission President Kim Jong Un continued to inspect tourism projects while also expanding military power. Building new weapons and developing tourist complexes are the two main pillars of the new initiatives he has placed special emphasis on. Marking the anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, Kim observed weapons tests on the 25th, including new multiple rocket launchers and missiles designed to strike key facilities in South Korea.
According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 26th, Kim watched major weapons tests organized by defense science research institutes the previous day under a plan to modernize artillery and missile forces for the five-year defense development goals.
The tests appeared to focus on improving strike systems capable of reaching South Korea. North Korean media released images of Kim touring weapons systems lined up along the coast with senior military officials. Shells and missiles were also filmed from multiple angles as they were launched from self-propelled artillery and transporter-erector-launchers, kicking up dust and massive flames.
In contrast, two days earlier Kim inspected the construction progress of newly built railway and medical facilities at the beach resort complex, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area. He toured the newly built Galma Tourist Railway Station and reviewed construction and operational readiness. He also called for measures to secure the rolling stock and equipment needed to manage the station, along with steps to specialize the organization and operation of tourist trains.
Photos released by North Korean media of the interior of Galma Tourist Station show a casual restaurant and souvenir shop on the first floor, while the second floor houses convenience-store-style shops.
The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area is a large resort complex opened by North Korea in July last year and one of Kim's signature projects. Built to accommodate up to 20,000 people, it was designed with foreign tourists in mind. Until now, it has only accepted Russian visitors on a limited basis. Analysts expect North Korea to move soon toward a full-scale tourism reopening this summer peak season, including efforts to attract Chinese tourists.


rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter