Seen in streets and public places are flags of the DPRK and red banners, as well as placards with wishes for good health of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.

Conspicuous in different places of the city is the slogan "Bring About a Decisive Turn in the Improvement of the People's Standard of Living and the Building of a Great, Prosperous and Powerful Country by Accelerating the Development of Light Industry Once Again This Year!" set forth in the joint New Year editorial published by three major newspapers of the country.

A large number of citizens have climbed Mansu Hill from early in the morning to lay floral baskets and bunches before President Kim Il Sung's statue and pay homage to him.

The Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery on Mt. Taesong has also been visited by many people.

It is a custom of the Korean people to visit parents, seniors and teachers on the New Year's Day and wish them a happy new year.

Some people look in at newsstands to buy newspapers and read the joint editorial.

Kite-flying, top spinning and sleighing are popular among children and yut and other folk games in families.