North Korea’s state-run media recently unveiled images of Kim Jong-un’s visit to a newly developed urban area in Pyongyang. This district, located in the Hwasong area, features an impressive array of skyscrapers lining a wide avenue. The project, part of a broader initiative to enhance living standards across the country, is set to provide 10,000 modern apartments for residents. This marks a significant step in North Korea’s ambition to revamp its capital’s infrastructure.
The Hwasong neighbourhood is designed to be a self-contained urban area with high-rise residential buildings and educational, commercial, and service facilities. This new urban district is part of a long-term housing plan launched in 2021, which aims to add 50,000 more apartments to Pyongyang. The unveiling of the Hwasong area coincides with the upcoming official inauguration, scheduled for April 15th, the birthday of North Korea’s late leader, Kim II Sung. The completion of this phase is seen as a milestone in the country’s broader urbanisation efforts, designed to modernise the capital and improve living conditions for its citizens.
While Pyongyang’s skyline is rapidly changing, North Korea also focuses on housing projects beyond the capital. New developments are underway in rural areas and mining towns, with efforts to modernise housing nationwide. The government has also made notable progress in the capital, including rapidly constructing a 70-storey skyscraper in Ryomyong New Town.
Despite these advancements, housing shortages remain a pressing issue in North Korea. A study from 2021 found that a significant portion of the population still struggles to find adequate housing, particularly outside the capital, where many homes remain in poor condition, lacking essential services like electricity and clean water. North Korea’s ambitious construction plans aim to address these challenges, although the full impact of these efforts remains to be seen.
