◆ Markets abolished, businesses banned
In addition, residents are complaining about the market being abolished and businesses being banned from operating. With residents not allowed to trade, food distributions began again to provide food to locals. Residents are not happy with the situation though, as their source of cash income is now blocked.
The reporting partner explained, “Although Samjiyon is being giving special status like Pyongyang and getting modernized, nearby residents of Hyesan city and other local people do not want to live in Samjiyon. It is located very deep in the North Korean mountains, where only potatoes can be grown. If it is cold and businesses are banned, you cannot live there. Even if I was offered money to live there, I would refuse.”
On the other hand, some locals expect to see a rise in the number of Chinese tourists to the area. After Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang last June, unconfirmed rumors flew around that the Chinese President had promised “to send 100 million Chinese tourists to Samjiyon upon completion of the site.” (Kang Ji-won / ISHIMARU Jiro)
※ASIAPRESS contacts reporting partners in North Korea through smuggled Chinese mobile phones.
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Editor’s notes on North Korean reporters
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