North korea: North Korea has inaugurated five newly built hotels in Samjiyon, a northern city near the country's highest mountain, Mount Paektu, as its leader Kim Jong-un expressed an "unshakable" will to develop the area into an attractive mountainous tourist zone, state media reported Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the North held ceremonies to officially open the new "modern" hotels in the Samjiyon Tourist Resort on Saturday and Sunday. The development is part of the leader's efforts to transform Samjiyon into a major tourist destination as the country seeks to enhance its tourism sector.

The expansion of tourism in Samjiyon is seen as an apparent bid by North Korea to earn hard currency amid ongoing international sanctions. The country's focus on tourism development is intended to attract visitors to the scenic area surrounding Mount Paektu, which holds cultural and historical significance.