A bird’s-eye view of Samjiyon city, at the foot of Mount Paektu.
Once a small, remote mountain county in Ryanggang Province, near the China-North Korea border, Samjiyon has undergone a remarkable transformation, now boasting the beauty of a modern mountain city that seamlessly blends tradition with new trends.
In 1967, North Korea began planning to develop Mount Paektu as a tourist destination. This led to the Samjiyon town construction project in 1978, and the area received further attention and development under Kim Jong-un’s leadership.
In 2018, Samjiyon entered a phase of redevelopment, aiming to become a model city. It was officially upgraded from a county to a city in December 2019, becoming a significant cultural, tourism, and sports center in the north.
Homes in Samjiyon city blend traditional and modern architectural styles.
Within just two years, over 4,000 low-rise and high-rise buildings were constructed, along with approximately 380 public and industrial facilities, replacing old structures.
Samjiyon now features modern establishments, including the Begaebong ski resort, the Samjiyon Hotel, and the Mount Paektu Museum. New residential buildings with diverse architectural designs have been constructed, harmoniously blending with the Mount Paektu landscape to create a convenient and modern living environment while preserving cultural traditions.
Samjiyon city puts on a fireworks display. Image: The Indian Express
Neighborhoods like Kwangmyongsong-dong and Pegaebong-dong have become symbols of the fusion between tradition and modernity. Kwangmyongsong-dong features low-rise homes with strong ethnic characteristics, while Pegaebong-dong stands out with its modern high-rise buildings. All areas of the city are meticulously designed, blending natural landscapes with artificial structures.
Public facilities such as factories, schools, hospitals, libraries, and cultural centers are strategically located, creating a convenient and desirable living environment.
Samjiyon city is adorned with lush green belts.
The city is also adorned with lush green belts, featuring white birch and Picea koraiensis trees lining the streets, creating a cool and peaceful atmosphere.
Samjiyon city residents enjoy a celebration.
Moreover, Samjiyon is a vibrant place filled with the sounds of laughter and singing, especially from the youth and students, creating a joyful and lively ambiance. This also stands as a testament to the North Korean government’s success in improving the lives of its citizens.
Samjiyon is not just an emerging city but also plays a crucial role in North Korea’s development strategy. Leader Kim Jong-un has visited and expressed his particular interest in this city.
Leader Kim Jong-un visits and shows special interest in the city.
Samjiyon is regarded as the “model of a modern mountain city under socialism” and sets the standard for future rural development. With its achievements, the city is entering a new phase of development, promising positive changes for its people and the nation. It stands not only as a source of pride for North Korea but also as a testament to the power of will and perseverance in the construction and development process.
