A dash of Kim-chi at North Korea’s new hotspot

Agencies Seoul

Kim Jong-un is more accustomed to overseeing ballistic missile launches and political purges, but this week the North Korean leader opted for a change of pace with a family visit to a new beach resort – the vanguard in a tourism drive that may one day include foreign visitors.

Kim, who had swapped his trademark Mao suit for a dark suit, white shirt and tie that matched the sandy expanse of Wonsan Kalma, hailed the coastal resort as one of the country’s “greatest feats” of the year, the state-run KCNA news agency reported on Thursday.

Accompanied by his daughter – and presumed heir – 12-year-old Kim Ju-ae, and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, Kim relaxed poolside, a pack of cigarettes, cold drink and towel at his side, as they watched holidaymakers barrel down a pair of waterslides on Tuesday. Kim and his daughter – who is thought to be one of three children he has had with Sol-ju – were also photographed on a 4km-long beach, surrounded by officials and with what appears to be hotels in the distance.

After months of international condemnation targeting Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme and its material support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, the outing marked a return to the occasional soft-focus coverage of North Korea’s first family. Located on the country’s east coast, the resort boasts sports and recreation facilities as well as commercial and public catering services, KCNA said. Authorities hoped the resort would attract 20,000 visitors a year after it opens on 1 July, KCNA said.