From the Joong Ang Daily:
An abrupt notification by the North that it would not attend caused the postponement of a celebration by the two Koreas of the launch of the Oegeumgang Hotel at Mount Kumgang in North Korea, which had been set to take place yesterday.
The 11-story, 179-room Oegeumgang Hotel still launched operations yesterday, as did Baekseju village, designed to promote rice liquor and a rest stop called Hwajinpo near Mount Kumgang.
The hotel will be open to foreign tourists who come on a Hyundai Asan package deal to visit the mountain.
Hyundai Asan Corp., the arm of Hyundai Group that spearheads inter-Korean business, said yesterday the North told them on Monday afternoon that it would not attend.
North Korea did not say why, but Hyundai said it may have been due to the international tension caused by its missile launches last week.
A Hyundai Asan spokesman said, “the absence is not likely to affect future business with North Korea.”
He added that the opening celebration date will be reset soon after discussions with the North.
Hyundai Asan also plans an event on Mount Kumgang with the North Aug. 4-6 to commemorate the late Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung, who was born in North Korea. The North has not said if it will participate.
