North Korea Bets on Tourism by Opening Controversial Beach Resort

Kim Jong Un aspires to revive North Korea's tourism sector with the launch of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, targeting domestic visitors initially and potentially expanding to foreigners. The project, beset by delays, raises questions about its appeal amidst the nation's complex international relations and tourism restrictions.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un is aiming to stimulate tourism for the isolated nation by launching a beach resort, according to state media reports. The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, located along the country's eastern coastline, is slated to open for domestic tourists on July 1, six years later than initially planned. While the exact timeline for foreign tourists remains uncertain, the complex is designed to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors, featuring hotels, restaurants, shopping facilities, and a water park along a 4km stretch of beach, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Under heavy sanctions due to its nuclear ambitions, North Korea grapples with rampant poverty, funneling funding primarily into military expenditures and propaganda monuments associated with the ruling Kim family dynasty since 1948. Industry experts suggest that promoting tourism may serve as a practical revenue stream for the regime. Domestic tourism from foreign markets primarily comes from China and Russia, nations historically supportive of Pyongyang.

The pandemic severely impacted North Korean tourism, as the country's borders were closed in early 2020, with restrictions easing only in mid-2023. Although some Western tourists, including individuals from the UK, France, Germany, and Australia, gained entrance in February before a temporary halt was enacted, the return to tourism has been far from consistent.

Skeptics within the tourism sector doubt Wonsan's allure for Western visitors, emphasizing that traditional attractions, such as Pyongyang's political landmarks and historical sites, dominate the interest for international explorers. Conversely, some operators propose that North Korea's unique narrative adds a certain charm for niche tourists fascinated by unconventional travel experiences.

KCNA heralded the Wonsan development as a significant achievement for the nation, denoting it as a "prelude to a new era" for tourism. Originally intended to launch in October 2019, the project experienced multiple construction setbacks, further exacerbated by the global pandemic. Kim celebrated its eventual completion in a ceremony on June 24 with key figures, including his family and Russian embassy staff.

Looking forward, the resort is anticipated to primarily welcome Russian tourists, who currently have access to parts of the country not available to other foreigners. The reopening of this resort aligns with a broader strengthening of ties between North Korea and Russia as both countries navigate increasing sanctions from Western powers.