The DPRK has long been pursuing a policy of food self-sufficiency by expanding its stock of arable land via reclamation from the sea. Below are some of the more notable land reclamation projects.
Taegye Island land reclamation project
About 20km south of Sinuiju is Taegyedo. According to KCNA, the Taegyedo tideland constructors have recently dammed about 14 kilometers of rough sea to acquire 8,800 hectares of land. The sea wall makes it possible to protect the farmland from salt damage. Rice has already been planted in the paddy field of 2,600 hectares. A great ring road will circle the entire project and fresh water and sea water reservoirs with shellfish and lobster farms and salt fields will be built. Here is a Korea story about it. Here is an image from Google Earth:
(Click on image for larger version. Coordinates: 39°50’43.01″N 124°14’3.12″E)
Sin Island (probably not as much fun as it sounds)
Prior to Taegyedo, the DPRK reclaimed the Pidansom Tideland–reclaiming 5,500 hectares from the water. This bought Sindo County ito existance. Here is the location on Google Earth:
(Click on image for larger version. Coordinates: 39°47’38.18″N 124°28’11.11″E)
Tasado Tideland reclamation
Appx 1000 hectares. This is my best guess for the location:
(Click on image for larger version. Coordinates: 39°49’17.18″N 124°25’52.14″E)
Kwaksan
Image from Google Earth:
(Click on image for larger version. Coordinates: 39°49’17.18″N 124°25’52.14″E)
Rather than using its comparative advantages (via international trade and investment) to increase living standards at home, the DPRK has chosen to invest its capital in the production of agricultural goods. Unfortunately this is yet another case where poor economic policy makes perfect political sense.
