North Korea's New Resort Attracts First Russian Tourists Amid Human Rights Concerns

The newly inaugurated Wonsan Kalma resort in North Korea, officially opened by Kim Jong Un, has begun receiving Russian tourists. However, the resort's construction has faced heavy criticism due to reports of forced labor and human rights abuses, including the use of "shock brigades." Despite the regime's ambitions to boost tourism, experts doubt its appeal compared to popular destinations available to Russian travelers.

The Wonsan Kalma resort, a newly unveiled tourist destination in North Korea, has welcomed its inaugural group of Russian visitors this week, following a grand opening ceremony led by Kim Jong Un. While the North Korean leader promotes the resort as a prime tourist stop, the construction practices employed have raised serious human rights concerns, often overshadowing its potential economic benefits.

Analyses conducted by BBC Verify, which included examining satellite images and consulting experts, underscore allegations of stringent labor practices at the site. Activist groups point to a system of forced labor, particularly through what are termed "shock brigades." Reports indicate that these groups endure extreme working conditions—long hours and inadequate pay—raising alarms about the treatment of those involved in the resort's construction.

Wonsan, historically a favored retreat for North Korean elites, is undergoing a resurgence aimed at captivating foreign tourists. According to Ri Jong Ho, a senior defected official involved in early planning stages, the North Korean government aims to entice over a million visitors while restricting access to specific zones. The inspiration, notably drawn from the Spanish resort town of Benidorm, has seen infrastructure developments modeled to cater to foreign tourists.

Nevertheless, the UN has documented conditions where workers face grueling expectations to complete projects, often at the cost of their health and safety. Eyewitness accounts from defected workers reinforce concerns about inadequate provisions and fatalities occurring on construction sites, suggesting systemic negligence by party officials.

While the hope is to increase tourism from both Russia and China, Russian agencies are gradually starting to offer trips to North Korea, initially attracting a small number of tourists. However, analysts suggest that the competitive allure of destinations in Turkey, Egypt, and Southeast Asia will likely limit the growth of Wonsan Kalma's appeal. As the regime seeks to establish its place on the tourist map, awareness of the underlying human rights abuses may impact its long-term viability.

The future of North Korea's tourism strategy remains uncertain as competing global destinations provide a stark contrast to the vacation option presented by Wonsan Kalma. For now, North Korean officials are silent on the significant controversies, leaving the global community to speculate on the real cost behind the glittering facade of the new resort.