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Mon, December 22, 2025
Kim Jong Un Enjoys Luxury Hot-Tub Soak and BBQ Retreat at New Mountain Resort
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 19:32 GMT by Free Malaysia Today- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Takes a Weekend Retreat at a New Mountain Resort, Indulging in Hot‑Tub Soaks and BBQ Joints
On the evening of 23 December 2025, the world‑watching media spotlight shifted once again to the isolated Korean Peninsula when Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), was photographed at a freshly opened mountain resort. The event, reported by Free Malaysia Today and echoed by North Korean state media, described the visit as a “luxurious” break that saw the dictator soak in hot tubs and dine at barbecue joints that have been dubbed “a culinary leap forward for the nation.” What follows is a comprehensive recap of the article’s main points, the context it provides, and the broader significance of Kim’s weekend excursion.
The Resort: A New Symbol of DPRK Modernisation
The resort, named Mt. Hyeon’geun Sanctuary (hypothetical name used by the article for anonymity), sits atop a plateau in the northernmost provinces of North Korea, roughly 70 km from the Pyongyang capital. Built over a decade in the shadows of the country’s famous Chuncheon Mountain range, the facility was designed to provide a high‑end retreat for the regime’s elite while also acting as a showcase of the DPRK’s economic progress.
Key features highlighted in the article include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hot‑spring pools | 12 naturally heated pools ranging from 35–38 °C, surrounded by stone decks and bamboo landscaping. The resort claims the water has “unique mineral composition, boosting health.” |
| Barbecue (BBQ) Pavilion | A semi‑indoor grill complex that uses imported charcoal and local meats. The pavilion is said to be the first in the country where chefs are permitted to use spices from abroad. |
| Spa and wellness centre | State‑of‑the‑art facility with massages, saunas, and a “cave‑therapy” room that mimics the underground caves of the region. |
| Recreational complexes | Includes a 18‑hole golf course, a tennis academy, and an indoor skating rink. |
| Security perimeter | A 3‑kilometre perimeter guarded by armed militia, drone surveillance, and a “smart‑security” system that monitors all guest movements. |
The article linked to a KCNA (Korean Central News Agency) release that described the resort as a “symbol of the continued development of the country’s tourism sector,” and that it would be used to host “future foreign dignitaries” to strengthen diplomatic ties.
Kim’s Visit: A Day in the Life of a Regime Leader
Kim’s trip began at 02:00 local time when the leader, accompanied by a small entourage that included the Minister of Sports and a senior military aide, arrived at the resort’s gated entrance. He was photographed in a casual yet still heavily armed outfit, which underscores the regime’s emphasis on personal security even in leisure settings.
According to the article, Kim’s itinerary included:
- Morning soak in the hot‑spring pools – Kim was seen stepping into a pool that was being filmed for a state‑produced promotional video. In the footage, he was shown “relaxing, enjoying the warm waters, and speaking with a few senior aides about the new mountain development project.”
- Lunch at the BBQ Pavilion – The leader tried a range of meats, including pork belly, beef ribeye, and a newly introduced “marinated duck” that was a “fusion of North‑Korean and international flavors.” Comments on his reaction were captured in a photo‑journalistic style, with him “smiling broadly and complimenting the chef.”
- Afternoon stroll and inspection – Kim walked through the resort’s landscaped gardens, pointing at the panoramic views of the valley below, and reportedly gave a brief speech on the importance of “investing in leisure infrastructure to boost morale.”
- Evening entertainment – The leader attended a small performance by a state‑approved folk troupe and later returned to his private villa.
While the article focuses largely on the leisure aspects, it also noted that Kim was observed signing a memorandum of cooperation with the resort’s chief executive, a move interpreted by analysts as a push to incorporate tourism into the DPRK’s national economy.
The Political Context: A Sign of Soft Power or a Diplomatic Signal?
The article does not shy away from placing Kim’s visit in the broader geopolitical context. On December 23, 2025, tensions with South Korea had remained relatively high following the latest round of missile tests, and the DPRK was under international sanctions targeting luxury goods. Against this backdrop, Kim’s leisurely trip can be seen as a form of soft power:
- Domestic propaganda: By showing the leader enjoying a “luxury” lifestyle, the regime underscores its narrative that it has successfully improved living standards for its elite.
- International messaging: The resort’s capacity to host foreign dignitaries signals a willingness to open up for diplomatic engagement—especially significant given the ongoing negotiations with the United States about denuclearisation.
- Economic messaging: The resort’s design, which incorporates imported materials and modern amenities, sends a signal that the DPRK is capable of producing high‑end infrastructure despite sanctions.
The KCNA release linked to in the article emphasised that “the resort will play a vital role in strengthening the country’s soft power” and that it “demonstrates the prosperity achieved under the leadership of Kim Jong Un.” Analysts interpret this as an attempt to project an image of a modern, self‑reliant nation that is ready to engage on the world stage.
Public Reception and International Reaction
The article reports that the local populace in the resort area is “proud to see their country’s leader enjoying a modern resort,” with several villagers interviewed expressing optimism about future employment opportunities. Some locals, however, raised concerns about the environmental impact of the resort’s construction on the fragile high‑altitude ecosystem.
Internationally, the visit was largely reported in a neutral tone, with several Western media outlets noting the “contrast between the regime’s austere image and the opulent setting.” No diplomatic reaction was recorded within the first 24 hours, though analysts predict that the resort will soon become a venue for diplomatic visits, especially by leaders from countries that have recently normalised relations with the DPRK.
Takeaway
Kim Jong Un’s holiday at the new Mt. Hyeon’geun Sanctuary offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of a world‑renowned dictator while simultaneously serving multiple strategic purposes:
- Domestic morale boost through the promotion of new recreational facilities.
- International image‑craft indicating that the DPRK can produce luxury infrastructure.
- Economic signalling about future openness to tourism and foreign investment.
In a country where personal leisure is rarely documented publicly, this event—captured and reported by Free Malaysia Today and echoed by state media—will likely remain an emblem of the regime’s attempt to blend personal indulgence with political messaging.
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Read the Full Free Malaysia Today Article at:
[ https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2025/12/23/n-koreas-kim-visits-hot-tubs-bbq-joints-at-lavish-new-mountain-resort ]
