North Korea unveiled the Wonsan Kalma resort, a flagship project aimed at attracting foreign visitors to rejuvenate its economy through tourism revenue. Despite an elaborate opening ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong-un and his family, the beaches were filled primarily with local tourists, highlighting the challenges the nation faces in drawing international attention.
North Korea Unveils Ambitious Wonsan Kalma Resort Amid Absence of Foreign Tourists
North Korea Unveils Ambitious Wonsan Kalma Resort Amid Absence of Foreign Tourists
The opening of the Wonsan Kalma resort marks a pivotal ambition for North Korea, yet the anticipated influx of foreign tourists remains elusive.
The grand opening of North Korea's Wonsan Kalma resort was celebrated this week, yet the anticipated wave of foreign tourists failed to materialize. State media reported the presence of local families enjoying the scenic beaches, but international visitors were conspicuously absent, a situation that casts a shadow over Kim Jong-un's ambitious tourism plans.
Positioned on the central east coast, the Wonsan Kalma project can accommodate up to 20,000 guests and is among Kim's broader effort to pivot away from reliance on trade, particularly after UN sanctions curtailed North Korea's main exports since 2017. With tourism deemed a viable alternative for generating foreign currency necessary for boosting the economy and funding nuclear programs, the resort was envisioned as a prime attraction.
The Wonsan Kalma coastline, previously a site for military training, has undergone significant development with hotels, water parks, and recreational facilities; however, the pandemic and geopolitical tensions hinder the anticipated influx of foreign tourists, particularly from neighboring China, which has restrictions in place.
Kim's investment in the tourism sector reflects a clear strategy: to emulate successful tourism models and attract global visitors. Whether these efforts can eventually entice international tourists in a post-pandemic world remains uncertain.
Positioned on the central east coast, the Wonsan Kalma project can accommodate up to 20,000 guests and is among Kim's broader effort to pivot away from reliance on trade, particularly after UN sanctions curtailed North Korea's main exports since 2017. With tourism deemed a viable alternative for generating foreign currency necessary for boosting the economy and funding nuclear programs, the resort was envisioned as a prime attraction.
The Wonsan Kalma coastline, previously a site for military training, has undergone significant development with hotels, water parks, and recreational facilities; however, the pandemic and geopolitical tensions hinder the anticipated influx of foreign tourists, particularly from neighboring China, which has restrictions in place.
Kim's investment in the tourism sector reflects a clear strategy: to emulate successful tourism models and attract global visitors. Whether these efforts can eventually entice international tourists in a post-pandemic world remains uncertain.
