Pyongyang, December 25 (KCNA) -- The Korean people are greeting the closing days of the year in bitter grief at the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

They stay long in mourning sites in midwinter days, weeping for the loss of their leader.

Kim Jong Il spent his last days in field guidance tours.

He gave on-site guidance to various domains of South Hamgyong Province to indicate ways for the nation's prosperity, highly appreciating the province's workers for their achievements.

When visiting the Hana Music Information Centre a few days before his demise, he promised sending to the centre all music pieces he collected for scores of years for the musical entertainment of the people.

He also visited the Kwangbok Area Supermarket, which was ready to open, and acquainted himself with prices and quality of commodities and their procurement.

His field guidance tours in December were part of the uninterrupted long journey he made all his life for the happiness of the people.