North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was recently spotted smiling while overseeing a women’s spa pool in peculiar new images. He made an appearance at the grand opening of the Onpo Workers’ Recreation Centre in North Hamgyong Province, a revamped resort dubbed the ‘North Korean Benidorm’. Despite the warm spa environment, Kim chose to keep his heavy winter coat on during the event but seemed genuinely pleased with the facilities.
The hot spring spa underwent a complete renovation following harsh criticism from Kim Jong-un in 2018 for its poor management and outdated facilities. During the opening ceremony, Kim praised the new design, stating that every aspect was thoughtfully planned to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. He expressed pride in the transformation of the holiday camp into a top-notch relaxation spot for the people.
After a thorough inspection in 2018 where Kim Jong-un voiced strong disapproval of the site’s conditions, describing it as ‘worse than a fish tank’ and ‘shabby’, he instructed officials to expedite the opening process. The spa now offers trips to North Korea’s elite and tourists from China and Russia, with tour prices ranging from $1,000 to $1,350 for a week-long stay, excluding airfare.
Kim Jong-un appeared content as he interacted with the guests and inspected various facilities at the Onpo Workers’ Recreation Centre, which is primarily aimed at attracting Russian and Chinese visitors. The official photos were released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency, showcasing the leader’s visit to the revamped spa resort.