Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Satellite Images Analyzed by NK News Show Accelerated Construction at the Kumsusan Diplomatic Complex, with Large Structures and Possible Links to Future International Summits in Pyongyang
Construction of three mansions between 130,000 and 140,000 square feet (about 12,000 m² to 13,000 m²) at the Kumsusan complex in Pyongyang is progressing in December and expands the diplomatic structure used since 2019.
North Korea has commenced construction of three large mansions at the Kumsusan Guest House complex in Pyongyang, a traditional diplomatic area, according to analysis of satellite images released in December by NK News, indicating possible preparation for future international summits.
The information was published by the NK News website, which specializes in North Korean issues, following an analysis of recent satellite images that identified new structures emerging within the official Kumsusan complex.
-
Spain challenges the USA and closes its airspace for operations against Iran, raising global tension and provoking the threat of a trade rupture.
-
While no other country manufactures tanks in Latin America, Argentina activates the TAM 2C-A2 and raises a curiosity about the technological lag in the region.
-
A Russian ship with 730,000 barrels of oil has just arrived in Cuba while Mexico negotiates fuel sales through private companies: the communist island is desperately seeking alternatives after losing its supply from Venezuela due to American military action.
-
Iranian drones and missiles destroyed a 270 million dollar American spy plane in Saudi Arabia, splitting the E-3 Sentry aircraft in half and injuring 12 military personnel in an attack that exposes the vulnerability of U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf.
According to the survey released by NK News, each mansion occupies between 130,000 and 140,000 square feet, an area similar to the two existing buildings at the diplomatic site.
The pre-existing mansions in the complex were used to host Chinese President Xi Jinping during an official visit in 2019, reinforcing the strategic role of the area.
The analyzed images show that construction began rapidly, with the setup of a large worker camp in late October in a nearby field.
Following the arrival of the workers, excavation services progressed quickly and continued until mid-November, according to the timeline observed in the satellite images.
High-resolution photographs taken by the American company Maxar on December 2 indicate that the three mansions already have several structural floors erected.
According to NK News, the pace of construction follows a common pattern in the regime’s campaigns, characterized by centralized planning and rapid execution.
Experts consulted by the site claim that, if the current pace is maintained, external work on the three structures could be completed within an estimated timeframe of one to two months.
Background of the Diplomatic Complex
The Kumsusan Guest House gained international prominence prior to Xi Jinping’s visit in June 2019 when the government completed the complex in just four months.
At the time, the project was deemed strategic, as the old Baekhwawon Guest House, inaugurated in 1983, was seen as inadequate for high-level diplomatic meetings.
Analysts cited by NK News suggest that the new mansions may be linked to preparations for future international summits held in Pyongyang.
Among the leaders frequently mentioned as potential visitors are Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Putin visited Pyongyang in June last year, while Xi Jinping has not returned to the country since 2019, according to diplomatic records mentioned in the content.
Diplomatic protocols indicate that the next bilateral meeting between China and North Korea is set to occur in Pyongyang, fueling speculation about the role of the new buildings.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also publicly expressed interest in conducting another meeting with Kim Jong-un and visiting the country in the future.
Trump and Kim Jong-un met three times during the Republican’s first term, including the historic meeting held in the demilitarized zone in 2019.
Despite these possibilities, NK News emphasizes that the construction may not be exclusively related to visits from heads of state.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, parts of the Kumsusan complex were used as housing for artists and even as a backdrop for music video productions.
Meanwhile, a cemetery and a museum dedicated to North Korean soldiers killed in the conflict in Ukraine are being developed in the region.
For analysts, the proximity of these projects in a prestigious area of Pyongyang suggests a symbolic attempt to reinforce military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, even without official confirmation.
With information from R7.
Seja o primeiro a reagir!