Modern commercial centres have opened on the picturesque banks of the Pothong River in Pyongyang.

There are twin buildings standing opposite in front of the Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium. The Mirae Shop and the health complex produce a feeling of freshness with their exteriors covered with white and blue tiles.

Particularly noticeable is the logo hanging on the façade that depicts an electron track and two flower petals beneath it.

The construction of the shop was initiated by supreme leader Kim Jong Un who values and puts forward scientists.

Most of the goods are home-made and they are arranged in a practicable and artistic way.

The artistically harmonious display stands on the ground floor are filled with cosmetics, leather shoes, trainers, confectionery, soft drinks, stationery, school things, musical instruments and kitchen utensils produced by leading local factories.

Customers say everything is attractive and qualitative, and they are at a loss what to choose.

The cosmetics department is the biggest draw.

“My first choice was cosmetics, and I wanted to buy a set of cosmetics for my wife who has supported me as a researcher all her life,” said Kang Tae Sik, an old professor at Kim Chaek University of Technology. “So, I chose to buy the Sinuiju Cosmetics Factory’s functional cosmetics known for its effect of retarding ageing. I was told that an analysis shows they are better than French products.”

The stands on the first floor look like rockets. There are electronic products, sporting apparatuses, sportswear, textile goods, children’s goods and toys, as well as experimental apparatuses and measuring instruments. A playground is a welcome sight to the children who follow their parents.

The stands on the second floor resemble eggs, meaning valuable articles should be kept carefully like eggs. Here customers can buy rings, necklaces, watches and other luxury goods. A rotary glass stand attached with a mirror provides convenience to customers.

On the opposite side of the shop is a multifunctional health complex furnished with catering and welfare service facilities.

Customers can enjoy dry and wet saunas, relax in health-promoting salt and pine rooms, and play in a pool equipped with a shower bath facility.

Kim Jung Gyong, researcher at the Information Science and Technology Institute of the State Academy of Sciences, said that he felt quite fresh after having a good time in the pool together with his family.

Diners can relish favourite folk foods like roast songi mushroom from Mt Chilbo and Pyongyang cold noodles and foreign dishes as well.

The complex offers a wide choice of beverage: world-famous insam (ginseng) tea, home-made Unjong tea, foreign teas, juice, cocktail and coffee.

With quality home-made products on sale, the service centres are drawing a growing number of people.

KCNA