The Wonsan Kalma resort in North Korea has officially welcomed its first Russian tourists, following its grand opening led by Kim Jong Un. However, the construction of this ambitious project has been marred by allegations of human rights abuses, with reports indicating the use of forced labor under harsh conditions. While the resort aims to draw in international visitors, experts remain skeptical about its appeal compared to more accessible foreign destinations.
North Korea's New Wonsan Kalma Resort Opens to Russian Tourists Amid Human Rights Concerns
North Korea's New Wonsan Kalma Resort Opens to Russian Tourists Amid Human Rights Concerns
The inauguration of North Korea's Wonsan Kalma resort has attracted its first group of Russian tourists, but the development raises serious human rights questions regarding the labor conditions of construction workers.
The recent launch of the Wonsan Kalma beach resort in North Korea has been met with mixed reactions, primarily because it has simultaneously welcomed its first group of Russian tourists amid serious allegations of human rights violations. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un celebrated the opening of what he termed a "world-class tourist and cultural destination" last month.
However, investigations into the resort's development have highlighted troubling details surrounding the conditions under which it was built. In an effort to understand the intricate dealings of this project, BBC Verify analyzed satellite imagery, internal planning documents, and expert testimonies regarding the treatment of construction workers. Allegations suggest that many of these workers endured forced labor in so-called "shock brigades," facing long hours, inadequate pay, and even physical abuse.
Wonsan, a town dear to Kim Jong Un, was previously a favored vacation spot for North Korea's elite before this large-scale resort was constructed. There were ambitious goals for the development, aiming to attract a million visitors, particularly from China and Russia, while maintaining a heavily monitored environment.
Prior to construction, in 2017, a North Korean delegation visited Spain to examine the Benidorm resort, inspiring plans for high-rise hotels, guest houses, and an entertainment complex at Wonsan Kalma. Recent updates suggest that while construction started promisingly, it was interrupted and later revived after summit discussions involving Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The United Nations has pointed out the grim realities faced by workers involved in the construction. One defected North Korean manager shared harrowing accounts of the "shock brigade" system, emphasizing the extreme pressures faced by laborers. Reports detail that some workers were overworked to the point of physical collapse, illustrating the wider human cost behind the resort’s rapid development.
Despite the potential for tourism growth, industry experts are doubtful about the resort’s ability to compete with more established destinations that offer superior amenities and freedom from strict supervision. The mixed reception from tourists highlights the reality that while the regime pushes for international attention, the shadow of human rights violations continues to loom over North Korean developments.
