The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a major project by Kim Jong Un to enhance tourism, has announced a temporary ban on foreign visitors just weeks after its opening. The decision raises concerns about the future direction of North Korea's tourism efforts, particularly following recent positive engagements with Russian tourists.
North Korea's Seaside Resort Closure to Foreigners Raises Questions on Tourism Strategy
North Korea's Seaside Resort Closure to Foreigners Raises Questions on Tourism Strategy
A recently opened coastal tourist zone in North Korea has barred foreign visitors, despite initial promotions aimed at international tourists, leading to speculation about the country's tourism strategy.
North Korea's newly inaugurated Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone will not be welcoming foreign visitors, according to a recent government announcement. Opened on July 1st, the seaside resort was intended as a symbol of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's vision to enhance the country's tourism sector. In the lead-up to its opening, the resort was marketed for both domestic and international tourism. However, a recent update on the official tourism website states that foreign tourists are "temporarily" barred from visiting the site.
The announcement comes just after the arrival of the first group of Russian tourists to the resort, coinciding with a visit from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who praised the facility as an appealing tourist destination. Notably, direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are expected to commence by the end of this month, indicating a potential pivot towards Russian tourism.
Wonsan, located on North Korea's east coast, previously hosted various armament facilities and served as a childhood retreat for Kim among elite holiday homes. The coastal area boasts a 4km beachfront equipped with hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and a water park, reportedly accommodating about 20,000 guests, as per state media sources.
Despite the eagerly awaited opening, human rights organizations have raised concerns regarding the labor conditions during the construction of the resort, alleging that workers faced long hours and inadequate pay under challenging circumstances. Notably, representatives from the Russian embassy attended the official ceremony for the resort's completion on June 24 alongside Kim and his family.
Following a long hiatus during the pandemic, North Korea reinstated tourism for Russian visitors last year and briefly opened its doors to tourists from various Western nations, including Australia, France, Germany, and the UK, though this initiative was abruptly halted without explanation just weeks later. The recent move to bar foreign tourists highlights potential shifts in North Korea's tourism policies amidst ongoing political dynamics.
