BBC analyzes satellite imagery from July to mid-October

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un [Getty Images]
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un [Getty Images]

A luxury vessel measuring 80 meters has repeatedly been spotted near the Wonsan coast, where North Korean leader Kim Jong-un maintains a summer villa, according to a report Sunday.

Britain's BBC analyzed satellite images of the Wonsan coastline taken from July through mid-October this year and confirmed the findings, Yonhap said.

The vessel features a 50-meter swimming pool on its deck, along with multiple water slides on one side.

The ship had been docked at a maintenance facility for several months before moving in early July to waters near the Kalma Peninsula in Wonsan — an area close to a large coastal resort used by Kim and his family.

Three other vessels — measuring 50, 55 and 60 meters — were also observed making repeated movements near Kim's villa complex.

Citing former North Korean officials, defectors and experts, the BBC said the ships appear to be vessels reserved exclusively for Kim and his family.

Ri Jong-ho, a defector who handled foreign currency operations for the Korean Workers' Party's Office No. 39, which manages Kim's personal finances, told the BBC: "In winter they are kept at a shipyard, and when summer comes they are moved to Kim's villa or the Kalma area for swimming and leisure."

The exact value of the vessels captured in the satellite images is unknown. However, luxury yachts of similar size can cost around $100 million, the BBC said.

Wonsan has long served as a retreat for the Kim family, a tradition dating back to the rule of Kim's father, Kim Jong-il.

North Korean state media avoid reporting directly on Kim's vacations, instead framing his trips as on-site inspections or guidance visits.

Former NBA player Dennis Rodman, who visited North Korea in 2013, said in a past interview that he spent much of his seven-day trip with Kim in Wonsan.

Rodman, who said the two enjoyed jet skiing and horseback riding together, described the 60-meter vessel they used at the time as a cross between a passenger ferry and an American Disney cruise ship.

N. Korea's expanded economic ties with China, Russia appear to be filling Kim's coffers

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un [Captured from Korean Central TV/Yonhap]
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un [Captured from Korean Central TV/Yonhap]

Meanwhile, US media reported in July that renovation work had begun at several of Kim's luxury villas.

The Wall Street Journal, citing an analysis of satellite imagery by North Korea-focused outlet NK Pro, reported that remodeling had begun at a minimum of nine of Kim's luxury villas between late May and early June.

The construction activity suggests North Korea has gained greater financial capacity through expanded economic cooperation with Russia and China, even as Western sanctions remain in place.

One of the villas undergoing roof repairs is a beachside complex in Wonsan, where a $7 million yacht is typically moored when Kim visits during the summer, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Kim is believed to own more than 12 villas across North Korea.

Michael Madden, a North Korea expert at the Stimson Center, a Washington think tank, said the renovation work shows that an influx of goods and capital through Kim's expanded cooperation with Russia and China has enabled him to pursue projects of personal preference.

"These are the places where Kim Jong-un grew up," Madden said. "He would have maintained these high-end tastes throughout."

Kim's personal leisure facilities also include an equestrian center and an Olympic-size swimming pool, in addition to ultra-luxury yachts, the Wall Street Journal reported at the time.


yul@heraldcorp.com