Kim Jong-un Opens Sinuiju Greenhouse Farm Ahead of Ninth Party Congress
Updated (4 articles)
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Image: YonhapThis photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 2, 2026, shows the North's leader Kim Jong-un delivering a speech at the inauguration ceremony for the Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
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Image: YonhapThis photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 2, 2026, shows the North's leader Kim Jong-un (C) looking around the Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm after attending the inauguration ceremony held in the North's northwestern city of Sinuiju the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
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Image: YonhapThis photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 2, 2026, shows the Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm. North Korea held a ceremony inaugurating the greenhouse farm in Sinuiju the previous day, attended by its leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
Opening Ceremony Marks Completion of Flood‑Damaged Farm Kim Jong-un attended the inauguration of the Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm on February 1, 2026 in the northwestern city of Sinuiju, a region devastated by the summer 2024 floods [1]. The ceremony highlighted the farm’s location on Wihwa Island, an islet that suffered severe flood damage and required extensive reconstruction [1]. State media broadcast Kim’s remarks, emphasizing the project’s role in restoring local livelihoods and preventing future agricultural loss [1].
Construction Accelerated From 2025 Groundbreaking to 2026 Inauguration groundbreaking ceremony for the greenhouse complex took place in February 2025, marking the start of rapid development under the Workers’ Party directives [1]. Within a year, the farm progressed from initial construction to full operational status, showcasing the regime’s ability to deliver large‑scale infrastructure quickly [1]. The swift timeline aligns with the eighth term of the Party and reflects a prioritization of disaster‑recovery projects [1].
Kim Jong-un Praised Farm as “Wonderful Achievement” and “Base for New Life” During his speech, Kim described the greenhouse as a “wonderful achievement” and a “base for new life” for residents who have endured repeated flooding [1]. He credited soldiers and young people for building the project, framing it as a collective effort that demonstrates socialist dedication [1]. The remarks linked the farm’s success to broader national resilience and the leadership’s commitment to regional development [1].
Farm Positioned as Flagship Project for Upcoming Ninth Party Congress Officials plan to showcase the Sinuiju greenhouse farm as a flagship accomplishment at the Ninth Party Congress, scheduled for early February 2026, the first congress since 2021 [1]. The farm is portrayed as one of the “hugest projects” of the Party’s eighth term, intended to illustrate policy achievements and set the agenda for the next five years [1]. Its prominence underscores the political significance attached to post‑disaster reconstruction initiatives [1].
Timeline
July 2018 – Kim Jong‑un orders the complete remodeling of the Onpho Working People’s Holiday Camp, turning a dilapidated rest home into an all‑round service and therapy facility after criticizing its conditions [2].
Jan 2021 – At the 8th Workers’ Party Congress, Kim outlines a 50,000‑unit housing initiative for Pyongyang, setting a multi‑year target for capital development [4].
2022 – The first batch of 10,000 housing units finishes in Songsin and Songhwa districts, marking the rollout of the 2021 housing plan [4].
Summer 2024 – Severe floods devastate Wihwa Island in Sinuiju, prompting a regional reconstruction push that later underpins a flagship agricultural project [1][3].
Feb 2024 – A groundbreaking ceremony launches the Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm on flood‑damaged Wihwa Island, initiating a major post‑disaster agricultural effort [3].
Feb 2025 – An official groundbreaking ceremony for the greenhouse farm is held, accelerating construction under the eighth Party term and signaling rapid progress [1].
Late Nov 2025 – Kim makes his fifth site visit to the Sinuiju greenhouse project, praising builders for turning the island into an “ideal greenhouse town” and highlighting its symbolic value [3].
Dec 2025 – The fifth‑stage construction of 10,000 housing units in Pyongyang’s Hwasong district enters its final interior‑work phase, moving the 50,000‑unit plan toward completion [4].
Dec 2025 – State media reports that the Sinuiju greenhouse farm will soon be completed, positioning it as a key element of broader regional development [4].
Jan 2, 2026 – Kim travels by private train to inspect the near‑complete Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm, declares the huge construction and equipment installation finished, and notes landscaping is underway [3].
Jan 3, 2026 – KCNA releases a report of Kim’s inspection, quoting him that the project “reflects a major developmental push” and aligns with goals for the upcoming Ninth Party Congress [3].
Jan 19, 2026 – Kim attends the inauguration of the rebuilt Onpho Working People’s Holiday Camp, says the layout is balanced and harmonious with the surroundings, and declares he is proud of “another worthwhile thing” [2].
Jan 20, 2026 – Kim orders resort officials to fully prepare for a February opening, linking the ceremony to discipline tightening ahead of the party congress, and announces the dismissal of Vice Premier Yang Sung‑ho for irresponsibility in a machinery‑plant modernization project [2].
Feb 1, 2026 – Kim opens the Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm, calls it a “wonderful achievement” and a “base for new life” for flood‑hit residents, and pledges to showcase it at the Ninth Party Congress [1].
Early Feb 2026 (expected) – North Korea holds its Ninth Workers’ Party Congress, the first since 2021, to unveil a new five‑year plan and highlight flagship projects such as the Sinuiju greenhouse farm and the Onpho hot‑spring resort [1][2][3][4].
Feb 2026 (planned) – The Onpho Working People’s Holiday Camp begins operations, presenting the upgraded hot‑spring resort to the public as part of the party‑congress showcase [2].