North Korea has been building a ‘socialist utopia’ in Samjiyon but it’s now running short on labour

In January, thousands of North Korean students travelled to Mount Paektu, a sacred mountain where the ruling family claims its roots and where leader Kim Jong-un is building a massive economic hub at the alpine town of Samjiyon.It is one of the largest construction initiatives Kim has launched, part of his campaign for a “self-reliant economy” even as he seeks to convince US President Donald Trump to lift economic sanctions at their second summit later this month.State media painted an…