North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un hails 'impeccable' new Masik Pass ski resort

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un visited a newly completed ski resort yesterday and ordered officials to open his pet project to the public as soon as possible, state media reported.

Kim took a test ride on a ski lift at the Masik Pass Ski Resort, which he said during a visit two weeks ago was "at the centre of the world's attention", the Korean Central News Agency said.

He noted "with great satisfaction" that everything was "impeccable" and gave instructions to serve the people well so that visitors may "keenly feel the loving care of the party".

Kim, who was educated in Switzerland, told officials to hold the opening ceremony at the earliest possible date, KCNA said.

The ski resort, in which the military played a leading role, was described by KCNA as a "great monumental structure in the era of Songun", referring to the state's "military first" policy. Kim was accompanied by top military leaders and, conspicuously, Pak Myong-Chol, a top sports official known to be associated with Kim's uncle who was executed earlier last month.

Jang Song-thaek, Kim's political mentor, was put to death in a shock purge on charges including corruption and plotting to overthrow the state.