Quick Take: Further Demolition at Mt. Kumgang Tourist Area

The slow demolition of infrastructure at the Mt. Kumgang Tourist Area continues. Commercial satellite imagery shows many of the South Korean-owned buildings have been demolished, with few remaining. On imagery from April 21, demolition of the main club and spa building at the Ananti Golf Resort and Spa (Diamond Mountain Golf Resort and Spa) has been fully razed, but the family reunion center remains standing.

The tourist zone was once a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation, although the shooting of a South Korean tourist by a North Korean guard in 2008 halted the project. In 2019, Kim Jong Un visited the resort and instructed that it be rebuilt according to North Korean standards and tastes. That long process continues today but seems to be nearing its end.

Ananti Golf Resort and Spa

While many of the lodging buildings were destroyed in 2022, the main club house and spa was left standing until late 2024 when work began to raze it. Now, all that remains is a part of the building’s foundation.

The Gas Station

The South Korean-owned gas station at the resort, built to refuel tourist buses and other vehicles, has finally been demolished. The distinctive blue canopy of the forecourt was removed in late February. Imagery from April 21 shows the site has been leveled.

Kumgang Family Reunion Center

The Kumgang Family Reunion Center is now the largest remaining symbol of inter-Korean cooperation in the area. Originally constructed as a hotel in 2008, the center has hosted three North-South family reunions.

While the main 12-story building is still intact, imagery from February shows the roofs appear to have been removed from two auxiliary buildings on the site.