An endless stream of visitors was flowing to the hill with floral baskets and flowers in their hands.

Seen in darkness were citizens of different social strata paying silent tribute to the statues and sweeping the ground around them.

Jong Myong Nam, an old man living in Hyongjesan District, Pyongyang, told KCNA:

"It is about four hours since I came here.

Today is the day when leader Kim Jong Il passed away while making tireless efforts for the wellbeing of the people. So, I wanted to stay here all night."

Han Ok Ran, a student at Kim Chaek University of Technology, said:

"I want to sweep up here again and again, though others would do."

According to data available, more than 528 000 people visited the statues from 16:00 to 24:00 Sunday.