Kim unveils new master plan to turn Sinuiju into modern gateway city

By Lim Chang-won Posted : November 16, 2018, 10:38 Updated : November 16, 2018, 10:52

[Yonhap Photo]


SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a fresh master plan to rebuild Sinuiju, a northwestern border city which serves as a crucial trade hub and gateway, into a clean new town complete with high-rise buildings, many parks, a perfect heating system and the supply of water on an international standard.

Sinuiju, which faces Dandong, a Chinese border city, across the international border of the Amrok (Yalu) River, is an important light industry center in North Korea. A substantial portion of North Korea's international trade goes through Sinuiju and North Korean leaders have tried in vain to rebuild the city for decades.

During his field guidance in Sinuiju, Kim directed officials to draw up a new master plan for Sinuiju after watching "a diorama of the future city," saying it is necessary to build "many modern and majestic architectures rich in national character in order to build the city befitting to a gateway city."

Kim called for the construction of public buildings such as theatres and sports villages as well as service facilities including hotels and department stores, the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a report on Friday.

Part of Sinuiju is included in a special administrative region designated in 2002 to introduce a market economy and attract foreign capital with Chinese-Dutch businessman Yang Bin being appointed to be the first governor. The project has been almost abandoned since Yang was arrested by Chinese authorities and sentenced to 18 years in prison for tax evasion and other crimes.

The two Koreas have agreed to connect and modernize cross-border railways and roads. South Korea is ready to rebuild North Korean railway stations and related facilities from the border up to Sinuiju.
 
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