The Japan-based pro-North Korea newspaper, Choson Sinbo, reported on 7/7 that the dining cruises on the Taedong River in Pyongyang are proving popular with visitors.

Each covered boat can accommodate either 6 or 12 people. Both versions are self-driven and feature a grill in the center for barbecuing.

Covered boats with grills on the Taedong River in North Korea, as seen in a photo released by Choson Sinbo on 7/7. Photo: Yonhap

Covered boats with grills on the Taedong River in North Korea, as seen in a photo released by Choson Sinbo on 7/7. Photo: Yonhap

An official from North Korea's Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport stated that demand for these dining boats, primarily from families, is rapidly increasing and nearly impossible to meet during holidays.

The Taedong River, flowing through the capital city of Pyongyang, is a popular destination for both foreign and local tourists. A separate river cruise service, launched in 2013, offers a larger boat with a dining room, capable of carrying up to 300 passengers.

The Taedong River dining service is part of North Korea's broader push to expand its tourism sector. The country recently opened the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area on its east coast, boasting a capacity of over 20,000 guests and described by state media as "world-class."

Ngoc Anh (Yonhap, Korea Times, Choson Sinbo)