North Korea has started to build a new ski resort in the remote “holy” city of Samjiyon, according to NK Pro analysis of satellite imagery, after leader Kim Jong Un demanded the construction last summer as part of efforts to promote the northern border city as a tourist destination. 

Planet Labs imagery shows a three-branch ski hill was carved out of Mount Pukphothae near Samjiyon Airport between late September and mid-December, with work continuing at the base of the hill over winter.

A construction worker camp appeared to be established near the base at the