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North Korea's Moon Valley Ski Resort: A Propaganda Project?

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. moon-valley-ski-resort-a-propaganda-project.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 2:54 GMT by RTE Online

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A Grand Ambition or Propaganda Project? Examining North Korea’s New Ski Resort & Its Message to the World

North Korea's latest construction project – a sprawling, modern ski resort called "Moon Valley" (officially known as Haean International Resort) – is making waves, not just for its sheer scale and ambition but also for what it signifies about Kim Jong-un’s regime. A recent report by RTE NewsLens provides a detailed look at this unusual undertaking, exploring the technical challenges, the potential economic benefits (or lack thereof), and, crucially, the underlying propaganda purpose driving its creation.

Located in Haean County, approximately 70km north of Pyongyang, Moon Valley is far from the stereotypical image of isolated, impoverished North Korea. It boasts eleven ski slopes catering to various skill levels, a hotel with over 300 rooms, a golf course (another unusual development for the country), and extensive infrastructure including cable cars and snow-making equipment. The resort was officially opened in December 2023 after years of construction, a process that reportedly involved diverting significant resources from other areas of the national economy.

A Monument to Ambition – And Resource Diversion?

The sheer scale of Moon Valley is striking. As RTE NewsLens points out, the project’s cost is difficult to ascertain precisely due to North Korea's opacity regarding economic data. However, estimates range from $200 million to over $500 million. This figure becomes particularly significant when considering the widespread food insecurity and chronic shortages that plague much of the country. The construction relied heavily on manual labor – a hallmark of North Korean projects – with thousands of soldiers and civilian workers reportedly involved in clearing land, moving mountains (literally), and building infrastructure. The project’s timeline also highlights the commitment; it was initially announced in 2019 but faced delays due to sanctions, logistical issues, and even the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resort's construction exemplifies North Korea’s tendency towards grandiose projects designed to showcase the regime’s power and technological prowess. While the government portrays these ventures as demonstrations of national progress and prosperity, critics argue they divert resources away from essential needs like healthcare, education, and food security for the general population. The golf course, in particular, has drawn criticism, as it caters almost exclusively to elite members of society and visiting dignitaries.

Targeting a Niche Market - And International Perception

The intended clientele for Moon Valley is limited. Domestic tourism within North Korea remains restricted, with access heavily controlled by the state. The resort’s primary target market appears to be wealthy Chinese tourists – a crucial source of trade and support for the isolated nation. China has been relatively silent on the project, which aligns with its policy of maintaining economic ties with North Korea despite international sanctions. The ability to attract foreign visitors is vital for generating revenue and demonstrating that North Korea is open for business, albeit under strict control.

Beyond Chinese tourists, Moon Valley also serves a crucial propaganda function aimed at projecting an image of modernity and stability both domestically and internationally. The state-controlled media has heavily promoted the resort as evidence of Kim Jong-un’s leadership and economic success. This narrative attempts to counter the negative perceptions fostered by North Korea's nuclear weapons program and human rights record. Images of smiling families enjoying winter sports are a stark contrast to the grim reality experienced by many ordinary citizens, reinforcing a carefully curated image for external consumption.

Technological Hurdles & Dependence on Foreign Expertise

The article also delves into the technical complexities of building a ski resort in North Korea's mountainous terrain and challenging climate. While the country has made strides in developing its own technologies, Moon Valley’s construction relied heavily on foreign expertise and equipment. Snow-making technology, for example, is crucial to ensuring a consistent skiing season, and this requires sophisticated machinery and operational knowledge that is largely imported. The resort's dependence on external resources underscores North Korea's ongoing technological limitations despite its aspirations of self-reliance.

The project also highlights the challenges associated with maintaining such infrastructure in a country plagued by power shortages and logistical bottlenecks. Reliable electricity supply is essential for snowmaking, heating, and other operations, and any disruptions could severely impact the resort’s functionality.

A Symbolic Victory Amidst Isolation

Ultimately, Moon Valley represents more than just a ski resort; it's a symbolic victory for Kim Jong-un, demonstrating his ability to push forward ambitious projects despite international sanctions and economic hardship. While the project may not significantly improve the lives of ordinary North Koreans, its propaganda value is undeniable. It serves as a powerful tool for bolstering domestic support, projecting an image of strength and modernity to the outside world, and reinforcing the regime's authority. However, the immense cost and reliance on foreign resources also highlight the inherent contradictions within North Korea’s economic policies and underscore the enduring challenges facing its isolated nation. As RTE NewsLens concludes, Moon Valley is a testament to Kim Jong-un’s ambition – an ambition that comes at a considerable price for the people of North Korea.

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