Chongryon Residents Visit Mangyongdae, Pyongyang Attractions

A delegation of veteran officials of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), led by Pak Jong Sang, adviser to the Central Standing Committee of the Union of Korean Writers and Artists in Japan, along with Ho Jong Man, senior chairman of the association, visited Mangyongdae today as part of a two-week stay in the country. Mangyongdae is the revered birthplace of President Kim Il Sung.

Mangyongdae is the birthplace of President Kim Il Sung. It is a uniquely popular spot for tourists and locals, alike.
Mangyongdae is the birthplace of President Kim Il Sung. It is a uniquely popular spot for tourists and locals, alike.

Being briefed on the old thatched-roof home in Mangyongdae, they looked around at the historic relics preserved there for visitors to view and asked questions about their use in the time of the President’s childhood. They also watched a short film on early culture in the country, which depicted scenes of traditional village life and families during the days immediately following the Anti-Japanese Struggle and Great Patriotic War (World War II).

Several speeches were held by officials from Chongryon afterward, with some complimenting the works of President Kim Il Sung, and the actions of the Supreme People’s Assembly in authorizing legislation for Chongryon citizenship in January 1959 as the Korean community lived over in Japan following the armistice of the Fatherland Liberation Conflict. Others thanked the people of the DPRK for making them feel “at home.”

The Kumgangsan Opera Troupe of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan also took part in the trip, providing a small concert for the Chongryon residents on the evening of 1 June.

Ho Jong Man, chairman of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) took an active part in the visit.  (AP-Pyongyang)
Ho Jong Man, chairman of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), took an active part in the visit.
(AP-Pyongyang)

The delegation also visited the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, the Mirim Riding Club, the Pyongyang Fun Fair and other places. Chongryon’s trip to the DPRK is expected to last until mid-June, when they return home to Japan.