The Wonsan Kalma resort, inaugurated by Kim Jong Un, has welcomed its initial Russian tourists amidst scrutiny over the harsh labor conditions under which it was built. Human rights advocates highlight the use of forced labor during its construction, while the resort aims to boost North Korea's tourism and economy, particularly through connections with Russia.**
Russian Tourists Visit New North Korean Resort Amid Concerns Over Human Rights Violations**
Russian Tourists Visit New North Korean Resort Amid Concerns Over Human Rights Violations**
The recently opened Wonsan Kalma resort in North Korea has received its first Russian tourists, raising concerns regarding construction practices and human rights abuses.**
The Wonsan Kalma resort, North Korea's latest venture to attract foreign tourists, has officially opened its doors to its first group of Russian visitors. Launched in a ceremony led by leader Kim Jong Un, the resort is touted as a "world-class tourist and cultural destination." However, it faces significant criticism for alleged human rights abuses concerning the workers involved in its construction.
British network BBC Verify has been examining the circumstances surrounding the construction of the resort. This involves utilizing satellite imagery and consulting with experts and former North Korean officials to unveil the conditions under which the resort was developed. The initiative draws parallels to popular tourist spots such as Benidorm, with aspirations of drawing substantial foreign tourism and stimulating the economy.
Historical context reveals that Kim Jong Un has deep ties to Wonsan, and prior to the resort's planning, the area served as a favored locale for elite North Korean vacations. Planning documents suggest that an initial target of one million annual visitors was set, predominantly from China and Russia. Following a governmental delegation to Spain in 2017, North Korean officials incorporated ideas observed in Benidorm into their site plans.
Satellite investigations indicate that construction progressed at an alarming rate following the commencement of work in 2018, with around 80% of the development reportedly completed by the end of that year. However, after a pause, work resumed in mid-2024 after talks between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed enthusiasm for encouraging tourist travel between the two nations.
Simultaneously, the United Nations has reported on the potentially exploitative labor systems utilized in North Korea's construction projects. Observers have noted the emergence of "shock brigades," which involve workers facing perilous conditions without proper compensation. Defectors from North Korea shared harrowing experiences of extreme work hours and inadequate living conditions, giving credence to these allegations.
Locals report extensive changes to Wonsan as the project progresses, including forced relocations and demolitions without compensation. Moreover, satellite data has corroborated these claims of systematic displacement.
While the resort aims to provide a boost to North Korea's stagnated economy amidst tightened sanctions, the significant rise in tourism demands a finer balance between foreign interest and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding labor conditions. Despite attracting Russian tourists, experts express skepticism regarding the resort’s long-term viability against the backdrop of more appealing and permissible destinations in other countries.
At present, Russian agencies have begun selling packages to Wonsan Kalma; however, inquiries reveal a limited interest in travel to the resort, suggesting difficulties in transforming it into a popular tourist destination. As the landscape of North Korean tourism evolves, the consequences of such initiatives on local populations remain pressing and controversial.
