North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, was captured smiling while overlooking a women’s spa pool in new and unusual photos. The Supreme Leader made an appearance at the grand opening of the Onpo Workers’ Recreation Centre in North Hamgyong Province recently, a resort that had been dubbed the ‘North Korean Benidorm’. Despite the warm setting of the spa, Kim opted to keep his large winter coat on during the ribbon-cutting ceremony and throughout the visit, showcasing his delight at the sights before him.
The hot spring spa underwent a complete transformation following severe criticism from Kim Jong-un in 2018 for its poor management and outdated facilities. Addressing the audience at the opening ceremony, Kim expressed satisfaction with the revamped facility, praising its practical and harmonious layout that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings. His previous scathing remarks about the site being ‘uncultured and unhygienic’ were overshadowed by the pride he felt in witnessing the establishment now serving as a top-notch rest destination for the people.
During a previous inspection in 2018, Kim Jong-un had strongly condemned the operations at the spa, labeling it as worse than a fish tank and in shabby condition. Following his recent visit, Kim instructed resort officials to hasten preparations for the full reopening scheduled for the next month.
The spa now offers trips to North Korea’s elite and foreign tourists from China and Russia, with tour prices ranging from $1,000 to $1,350 for a week-long visit, excluding airfare. The images of Kim Jong-un at the spa were released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency, showcasing the Supreme Leader’s engagement and oversight of the facility’s transformation.
