Tour groups fly to the airport for scheduled journeys to this significant landmark and to see the birthplace of Kim Jong-il.

There is a high presence of military equipment at this airport, there are large numbers of older Soviet jets such as MiG-15's lined up in sidings next to the runway and many utility vehicles/jeeps.

The airport was built in the 1980s to accommodate a ski center planned by a South Korean company.

The venture failed, and Samjiyŏn airport now sits in a deserted location.

Entrances to underground bunkers are clearly visible in satellite photography of the base.