On May 6, Rodong Sinmun reported that Kim Jong Un had visited the Turf-Institute of the Bioengineering Branch of the State Academy of Sciences, located on the outskirts of Pyongyang.
Kim’s visit to the facility marks a return to economic guidance visits, following months of military visits during the period of heightened tensions.
According to KCNA, Kim “praised the soldier-builders for erecting the monument to the institute in an imposing manner” and noted the “research rooms and laboratories were built well to suit the nature of the institute”.
Picture: KCNA
A close look at Google Earth imagery shows the new facility to be located in Mangyongdae-guyok at Google Earth coordinates 39.043940°, 125.668554°.
In the above Google Earth image (dated February 22, 2013) we can see construction well under way. The approximate dimensions of the compound are 155m [170yds] x 96m [105.36yds].
Most of the State Academy of Sciences facilities are located on their main campus in Unjong-guyok, a short distance from Phyongsong, the capital of South Phyongan Province.
