Pyongyang beefs up remodeling drive with more parks

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- The North Korean capital of Pyongyang will undergo a major face-lift this year through the development of recreational gardens and the remodeling of public parks, a Korean-language newspaper in Japan said Wednesday.

Choson Sinbo, a pro-Pyongyang paper published by Korean residents in Japan, said
the People's Committee of Pyongyang plans to plant 300,000 trees and build
several "modern" parks across the capital under its 2009 urban management plan.
"The plan is characterized by the construction and modernization of parks and
recreational gardens, and coincides with North Korea's key aim of enhancing the
cultural life and morale of its workers," it said.
A greenspace will be built along the residential Mansudae area, where many
apartment buildings are under construction, according to the report. A "folk
park" and a "modern park" are also being planned for other areas in the city.
Antiquated facilities at a pond park at the edge of Pyongyang will be replaced by
statues, recreation facilities and a beverage store, it said.
The urban remodeling project is being spearheaded by Jang Song-thaek,
brother-in-law of leader Kim Jong-il, who reportedly wields nearly unrivaled
power.
Pyongyang recently resumed construction of its envisioned landmark, the 105-story
Ryukyong Hotel. The building stood unfinished in downtown Pyongyang for more than
15 years due to a lack of capital.
The resumption of the project was made possible with investments from Egypt's
Orascom Telecom, which also launched a mobile phone network in the North last
month.
hkim@yna.co.kr
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