North Korea has officially opened five luxury hotels in Samjiyon near Mount Paektu and the Chinese border, according to state media on Tuesday, up to seven years after construction on the facilities began.

Leader Kim Jong Un visited the 300-room Ikal Hotel in the city center and Milyong Hotel and spa resort in the remote mountains with his wife and young daughter on Saturday.

Photos showed the ruling family touring opulent multi-room lodgings, indoor swimming pools, billiards halls and conference rooms.

Top party officials separately opened the 500-room Potnamu Hotel and the Sobaeksu and Chongbong hotels at the foot of