Pyongyang: North Korea has revealed a new high-rise neighborhood in Pyongyang as it emerges from years of isolation.
Leader Kim Jong Un visited the 10,000-apartment district, Hwasong, ahead of its grand opening.
Photos show tall residential towers lining a broad boulevard in the newly developed area.
The construction is part of a national effort to improve living conditions across the isolated country.
North Korea aims to build 50,000 new apartments in Pyongyang as part of a five-year development plan.
Urban Challenges
Despite modern designs, high-rise living in Pyongyang is difficult due to frequent power outages.
Elevators often stop working, so younger residents live in upper floors, while elderly residents stay lower.
Housing shortages persist, with North Korea estimated to meet only 70-80% of its residential needs.
Many homes outside Pyongyang remain in poor condition, lacking reliable electricity and clean water.
Hwasong includes two connected towers with a skybridge and other facilities, according to state media.
Kim’s Involvement
Kim Jong Un personally reviewed the project and took part in its planning and construction oversight.
The official opening on April 15 coincides with Kim Il Sung’s birthday, a major national holiday.
State media calls Hwasong a symbol of prosperity, marking a new era for Pyongyang’s urban landscape.
Pyongyang has been closed off for years, with limited foreign visitors returning only recently.
North Korea allowed some Russian tourists but blocked access to the capital for other international visitors.
Expanding Projects
The government has also built large residential areas like Mirae Scientists Street and Songhwa Street.
Beyond Pyongyang, thousands of homes are being developed in rural areas and mining towns.
Military and civilian workers handle most construction, often under harsh conditions with little pay.
Housing is allocated by the government, prioritizing loyal citizens, scientists, and engineers.
Officials boast of rapid construction speeds, claiming a 70-story building frame was completed in 74 days.
Safety Concerns
Experts question the quality of materials and safety of these large-scale building projects.
A Pyongyang apartment block collapsed in 2014, but no official death toll was released.
State media blamed “sloppy construction” and poor supervision for the disaster.
North Korea’s military plays a key role in construction, with over 1 million active-duty personnel.
Most men serve at least ten years, often with no contact with their families.
Future Plans
Kim Jong Un has hinted at future redevelopment projects beyond the current five-year plan.
The country continues to push urban expansion despite economic difficulties and international isolation.
State media calls these efforts a sign of North Korea’s progress and resilience.
With Pyongyang’s skyline changing rapidly, questions remain about the sustainability of these developments.
