North Korea opens new 10,000-apartment complex in Pyongyang

North Korea is set to open a new high-rise neighborhood in its capital, Pyongyang. The complex, named Hwasong, will feature 10,000 apartments and is scheduled to launch on April 15. This date coincides with a public holiday celebrating the birthday of Kim Jong Un's grandfather, Kim Il Sung. Recently, leader Kim Jong Un visited the construction site, which includes tall towers and buildings linked by a skybridge. He expressed pride in the development, stating it would be a symbol of the country's progress and socialist values. Photos from North Korean state media show the residential skyscrapers lining a wide boulevard in the new area. The completion of Hwasong is part of a larger plan to build 50,000 new apartments by 2026. However, construction relies heavily on soldiers and civilian workers facing tough conditions and low pay. In addition to urban housing, North Korea is also developing homes in mining towns and rural regions. The new projects aim to modernize the country while showcasing what state media calls “Pyongyang Speed” in construction. The timing of this announcement comes after North Korea briefly reopened to tourism following five years of strict isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, just weeks after welcoming Western tourists in February, the country has once again canceled all trips until further notice.