Despite launching its ambitious Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone aimed at boosting tourism, North Korea has unexpectedly announced a ban on foreign tourists, citing "temporary" measures. This comes after initial visits from Russian tourists and ongoing human rights concerns about the treatment of workers involved in the project.
North Korea Revokes Access to New Seaside Resort for Foreign Tourists
North Korea Revokes Access to New Seaside Resort for Foreign Tourists
The highly anticipated Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone in North Korea, initially opened to welcome foreign visitors, will now only cater to domestic patrons.
North Korea has declared a temporary ban on foreign tourists visiting its newly inaugurated seaside resort, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, which opened its doors on July 1. The resort, seen as critical to Leader Kim Jong Un's strategy to enhance tourism in the country, initially promoted itself as a destination for both domestic and international visitors. However, recent updates on North Korea's tourism website indicate that foreign tourism will not be permitted for the time being.
The sudden announcement follows the arrival of the first Russian tourists at the Wonsan resort, coinciding with a visit from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who praised the resort's development. Lavrov underscored its potential appeal to Russian travelers, with bilateral efforts to establish direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang set to launch soon.
The Wonsan coastal area, strategically significant due to its proximity to various missile facilities, also holds personal importance for Kim, having been a backdrop to his childhood. The resort complex features a 2.5-mile-long beachfront, equipped with various amenities, including hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and a water park, ready to accommodate around 20,000 visitors.
Despite its attractions, the construction of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone since 2018 has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, highlighting severe working conditions, excessive hours, and inadequate compensation for laborers involved in its development. Prominent Russian officials, including ambassadors, attended the recent completion ceremony, reflecting the growing ties between the two nations.
Previously, North Korea had lifted a pandemic-era hiatus on tourism for Russian visitors last year. Although foreign tourists from several Western nations, including Australia, France, Germany, and the UK, were permitted earlier this year, tourism was abruptly suspended without explanation just weeks later. The current pause on foreign tourism at Wonsan underscores ongoing uncertainties tied to North Korea's political and diplomatic landscape.
