North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered the North Korean military to construct a "world-class" ski resort that "will rival the winter sports facilities being built in South Korea to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games," according to Julian Ryall of the London TELEGRAPH. Kim recently visited the location of the Masik Pass Skiing Ground to give "on the spot field guidance" on the construction of the resort, which will have beginner, intermediate and advanced-level routes on more than 68 miles of mountainside. State-run Korean Central News Agency reported that "no expense is being spared on the project and the resort will have a hotel, cable cars, equipment stores and a heliport" (TELEGRAPH, 5/27).
BORDER PATROL: FRANCE 24 reported observers said that the ambitious project "was likely prompted by the intense rivalry between North Korea and South Korea, which is preparing to host the 2018 Winter Olympics in the city of Pyeongchang." KCNA reported that the leader, who spent his formative years in the Alpine country of Switzerland, "gave advice about future construction plans, such as the installation of appropriate draining systems and location of first aid stations." He warned that the construction "should not pollute the natural surroundings." Kim also said that "it would be necessary to take steps to produce skiing equipment and attire domestically" (FRANCE 24, 5/28). CNN's Frances Cha wrote according to a tour agency specializing in North Korean travel, "the new resort will be open to foreign tourists." Beijing-based Koryo Tours GM Simon Cockerell said, "We've known of the plans for this development for a couple of years -- work only began recently though and I've seen the basic plans just last week." No opening date has been given "for the opening of the resort" (CNN, 5/28).
