North Korea’s New Coastal Aquaculture Model: How Kim Jong Un Plans to Build Self-Reliance

Last Saturday, Kim Jong Un attended the completion ceremony of the Sinpo City Coastal Aquaculture Enterprise in Sinpo City, South Hamgyong Province, North Korea.

According to Rodong Sinmun, the event marked the successful construction of a new model base for advanced coastal aquaculture in the Pung-o-dong area, which aligned with the Party’s new local development policy.

Kim Jong Un emphasized that the achievement of the Sinpo City Coastal Aquaculture Enterprise demonstrated that self-reliance and self-determination are not just ideals but results of effort and action. He expressed pride in seeing the unwavering support from the people for Party policies, noting that fulfilling these efforts brought more joy than simply finding work that benefits the people.

Kim also highlighted North Korea’s advantageous natural resources—its extensive coastline, numerous coastal cities, and favorable ecological conditions—which make it an ideal location for large-scale marine aquaculture. He revealed that, during a recent Party Central Committee plenary meeting, the experience from the Sinpo project was decided to be used to establish additional pilot aquaculture facilities in other regions.

Looking ahead, Kim stressed that future coastal aquaculture projects should improve the Sinpo City center, be tailored to local characteristics, and support long-term local economic development. He also called on other cities and counties to harness their natural resources for regional economic growth.

Kim Jong Un and Party Central Guidance Committee members toured the Sinpo City Coastal Aquaculture Enterprise, inspecting products such as kelp, clams, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins. He stressed the importance of optimizing operations to maximize profitability and efficiency.

Key figures attended the ceremony, including members of the Politburo Standing Committee, Party Central Guidance Committee officials, representatives from various regional committees, and employees from the Sinpo City Coastal Aquaculture Enterprise.