By Yi Whan-woo

North Korea is stepping up its publicity campaign for leader Kim Jong-un's luxury tourist project on its east coast.

The campaign comes amid Pyongyang's recent invitation to International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach to visit the North after the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, fueling speculation that it hopes to capitalize on the visit to ease international economic sanctions and earn foreign currency.

During the Winter Games from Feb. 9 to 25, the North's state-controlled Korean Central Television reported that work on building the Wonsan Kalma Shore Tourist Zone was "going strong."

It underscored that electricians and other workers had completed installing underground power lines in "a short period of time."

The proposed coastal tourist project in and around Wonsan will include Kalma International Airport and the Masikryong Ski Resort, Kim's pet project built in 2013.

The country wants to complete the project by July. The zone will offer "multiple levels of enjoyment, including uniquely designed multi-story hotels, a movie theater, an outdoor performance stage, an indoor swimming pool and a leisure complex."

The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, separately reported that the Masikryong Ski Resort was "filled with numerous visitors" Feb. 16, the birthday of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

"The laughter and singing of the people spending their holiday at the world-class ski resort resonated over and over deep in the mountain," the newspaper said.
"The employees offered tailor-made services for the guests depending on their age, gender, preferences and interests. Such services left a left deep impression on the visitors."

Meanwhile, Bach told Reuters Feb. 12 that he would visit North Korea after the Winter Games.

He said the parties were still discussing a convenient date.

Some sources speculated that Pyongyang invited Bach as part of efforts to host the Winter Olympics or the Asian Winter Games in the long term and organize an international ski competition at the Masikryong Resort in the short term.

The 14 square-kilometer resort features 10 slopes, an Austrian-made cable car system and four snowmobiles from Canadian company Ski-Doo along with other amenities.

The sources also speculated that such events were ultimately aimed at loosening the economic noose on Pyongyang, giving the North another way to earn foreign currency for its nuclear program.