On April 15, 2025, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the third phase of the Hwasong District apartment complex in Pyongyang, coinciding with the 113th birthday of Kim Il-sung. The event marked a significant milestone in the country's ongoing housing development initiative.
The ceremony celebrated the completion of 10,000 new homes, a part of North Korea's ambitious plan announced during the 8th Workers' Party Congress in January 2021. According to state media, Kim Jong-un cut the ceremonial ribbon and took the opportunity to meet with various groups involved in the construction, including workers, the elderly, and military personnel.
Kim expressed his happiness at providing modern housing for the citizens, stating, "I am sorry that we are only now able to provide such modern homes. Seeing the joy on the faces of the citizens today has strengthened my resolve to take on more responsibilities for the people." This sentiment highlights his commitment to enhancing living standards in the country.
The housing initiative aims to construct a total of 50,000 homes over five years, with a target of 10,000 homes each year. This plan has seen progress with previous phases completed in 2022 and 2023, which included the Songhwa Street complex and the first two stages of the Hwasong District.
During the ceremony, Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Joo-ae, was also present, underscoring the familial aspect of leadership in North Korea. The choice of date for the groundbreaking ceremony—aligned with Kim Il-sung's birthday—was likely a strategic move to reinforce regime unity and celebrate the legacy of the country's founding leader.
North Korean state media, including the Rodong Sinmun, reported extensively on the event, showcasing the construction achievements and the government's commitment to housing development. The reports emphasized that the new housing units symbolize a significant leap in modernization and urban development in Pyongyang.
Kim Deok-hoon, a senior party official, remarked that the completion of the Hwasong District would not only enhance living conditions but also serve as a model for political, economic, and cultural functionality within the metropolitan area. He noted that this project reflects decades of transformation in Pyongyang, contrasting the city’s past with its current modernized state.
The Hwasong District project has been a focal point for Kim Jong-un, who has visited the site multiple times since its inception. His active participation in these developments signifies his dedication to improving the lives of North Korean citizens, as well as a desire to showcase the regime's achievements.
As North Korea continues to push forward with its housing plans, the completion of the Hwasong District 3rd phase is expected to be followed by the 4th phase, which is set to finish by the end of 2025 or early 2026. This ongoing construction is part of a broader effort to modernize the capital and improve the quality of life for its residents.
The ceremony was attended by various government officials, construction workers, and residents, all of whom celebrated the occasion as a sign of progress and hope for a better future. The event served not only as a celebration of new homes but also as a reaffirmation of the government's commitment to its citizens.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hwasong District 3rd phase represents a key moment in North Korea's housing development strategy, reflecting both the regime's ambitions and its efforts to maintain internal solidarity through significant national events.
