Kim Jong Un Visits Greenhouse Farm Construction Site Near China Border Ahead of Key Party Congress

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected a large greenhouse farm construction site in Sinuiju, a border city facing China’s Dandong, according to a report by state media KCNA on Saturday. The visit, which took place on Friday, is part of a series of on-site inspections by Kim Jong Un as North Korea prepares for the upcoming Ninth Party Congress of the Workers’ Party, expected to be held early this year.

During the visit, Kim Jong Un encouraged young workers and troops participating in the construction project, praising their dedication and morale as they welcomed the new year at what he described as the “northwest tip” of the country. He said he wanted to begin 2026 alongside comrades working in challenging conditions and traveled to the site immediately after a central New Year event concluded in Pyongyang.

The greenhouse farm project in Sinuiju is seen as a significant agricultural and economic initiative for North Korea. The area had suffered severe flood damage in 2024, and the new development is expected to play a role in improving food production and regional recovery. Kim Jong Un reportedly expressed satisfaction with the progress of the construction and emphasized the importance of completing the project efficiently to support local livelihoods and strengthen national self-sufficiency.

In recent weeks, Kim has increased his public inspections of both military and civilian facilities, including defense units and economic infrastructure projects. These visits are widely interpreted as efforts to showcase leadership engagement and ensure readiness ahead of the Ninth Party Congress, a major political event where North Korea typically outlines long-term policy goals, economic plans, and strategic priorities.

The focus on agricultural development, especially in strategically important border regions, highlights Pyongyang’s ongoing emphasis on food security amid international sanctions and climate-related challenges. Kim Jong Un’s remarks underscored the symbolic and practical value of the greenhouse farm, linking the workers’ efforts to national resilience and the country’s broader development goals.

The report was attributed to Reuters, citing KCNA, and reflects North Korea’s continued use of state media to project images of leadership activity, unity, and progress as the ruling party approaches a critical political milestone.