1 SEP: North Korean workers are reported to have staged an enthusiastic ceremony for the nation’s first cruise departure.
An ageing 9700-tonne vessel once used to carry cargo between North Korea and Japan left the rundown port of Rajin with 130 passengers on Tuesday, heading for the scenic Mount Kumgang resort near the border with South Korea.
North Korea’s first cruise venture is a joint effort between a state tourism bureau and a Chinese travel company.
The Guardian newspaper says some 500 North Koreans, about half dressed in dark workers’ clothes and the others in office and traditional attire, farewelled the ship in a choreographed performance.
The spectators waved North Koreans flags and fake flowers, and let off fireworks to mark the occasion.
Carnival music blared from two minivans.
