North Korea has opened a large pub called "Tumen River Beer House" in Rason Special City on the border with Russia. It is seen as part of efforts to expand facilities targeting Russian tourists.
Korean Central Television reported on 1st that "a new Tumen River Beer House was built in Rason and began service." Officials and workers attended the opening ceremony, including Sin Yong-chol, chief secretary of the Rason City Party Committee, and Sin Chang-il, Chairperson of the Rason City People's Committee.
The TV said, "Comrade Kim Jong Un guided the creation of excellent beer houses in provincial seats and taught in detail the issues of construction and operation."
According to the released photos, the pub is two stories tall, and the exterior windows are shaped like beer mugs to create the effect of foam running down. A giant "Tumen River Beer" sculpture was erected at the entrance. Inside, there are small seating areas as well as space for dozens of people to hold company dinners at the same time, and it is said to be supplied with various beers produced by the Rason Ryongsong General Processing Plant.
According to the Russian outlet RBC, the beer "Tumen River 11" produced in the area is exported and sold in Russia's Far East and is said to have secured a certain level of recognition locally.
North Korea's move is seen as aligning with the local development policy emphasized by State Affairs Commission Chair Kim Jong Un, while also targeting demand from Russian tourists visiting Rason. After signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia last year, North Korea has been expanding infrastructure near the Tumen River.
At present, the only transport route over the Tumen River is a railway bridge connecting North Korea's Tumen River Station and Russia's Khasan Station, with no road bridge. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled on 5th (local time) that a road bridge over the Tumen River is planned to open next year. Once the bridge opens, an increase in Russian visitors to the Rason area is expected, and demand for leisure facilities is also projected to grow.