Pyongyang tees up new theme park to attract foreign visitors

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is launching a mini-golf theme park, among other tourism measures, to attract more foreign visitors, DPRK media reported.

The DPRK government has been improving railway services, and providing flights for tourists "amid growing worldwide interest in this country", the Korean Central News Agency reported.

The number of tourists planning to fly to Pyongyang is expected to double this year, the agency said.

Mini-golf will be played at the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground in Pyongyang.

Media organizations in the Republic of Korea believe that the tourism project was initiated by DPRK leader Kim Jong-un, who is said to be a sports fan with an interest in golf.

"Kim is showing his own style," Lee Wu-yeong, a professor specializing in DPRK studies, was quoted by Korea JoongAng Daily as saying.

"It's seemingly a result of his experience of studying abroad, but he also appears to be sending a message to the outside world that he is open-minded," Lee said.

Besides the sports-themed amusement park, the DPRK authorities have also been building tourist attractions at Kumgang Mountain, Ullim Falls and Songdowon on the east coast.

Through these travel programs, "foreigners can get a deep understanding of the history and culture of Korea", DPRK media said.

Shi Yongming, a researcher in Asia-Pacific studies at the China Institute of International Relations, said Pyongyang maintains an open attitude in terms of reaching out to the world, but its "unwelcome actions", such as its recent nuclear test, offset its good intentions.

"The DPRK hopes to improve these negative impressions by attracting more foreign visitors, including some eminent names," said Shi. "The arrival of foreign visitors will help enhance people-to-people exchanges between the DPRK and the rest of the world."

Anxiety soared among the DPRK's Asian neighbors and in the international community after it conducted its third underground nuclear test on Feb 12.

Policymakers in Japan and the US vowed to impose additional sanctions.

For Chinese tourists planning a DPRK visit, Pyongyang's nuclear test may cast a shadow of uncertainty.

"So far, we haven't received any travel ban from the Pyongyang authorities, but the worry still exists," Yan Dongzhu, director of a travel agency in Yanji, Jilin province, a border city near the DPRK, told China News Service.

"The number of Chinese tourists to the DPRK through the entry port of Tumen alone last year totaled 2,300," Yan added.

Shi did not share Yan's concerns, saying that Chinese tourists comprise a large proportion of all tourists to the DPRK.

"Most of the DPRK tourism services are targeted at Chinese travelers," Shi said. "The nuclear test is unlikely to change the dynamic of bilateral exchanges."

puzhendong@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 03/02/2013 page6)