**North Korea's New Beach Resort: A Bid to Boost Tourism Amid Sanctions**

**As North Korea opens its new beach resort, experts weigh in on its potential to revive the tourism sector amidst ongoing sanctions and isolation.**

North Korea is set to unveil a new beach resort, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, which its leader Kim Jong Un hopes will invigorate domestic tourism and potentially foreign visits in the future. According to state media, this resort, located on the country's east coast, is scheduled to open to local tourists on July 1, after a lengthy construction period that began six years ago.

The resort is designed to accommodate up to 20,000 guests and features amenities such as hotels, restaurants, shopping facilities, and a water park spread across a 4km (2.5-mile) beachfront. However, due to North Korea's strict information control, independent verification of these claims remains uncertain. The nation has been under heavy sanctions for decades, primarily due to its nuclear ambitions, diverting most of its resources to military endeavors and propaganda that glorifies the ruling Kim family.

Some analysts view the introduction of this resort as a strategic move by the regime to generate revenue through tourism, particularly from travelers from neighboring countries like China and Russia, with whom Pyongyang maintains long-standing ties. Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, expressed skepticism about the resort's ability to attract a broader international audience, noting that tourism significantly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic when the country closed its borders in early 2020. North Korea's restrictions were only relaxed in mid-2023, allowing Russian visitors, and a brief opening to Western travelers occurred in February, followed by another abrupt halt.

While some tour agencies doubt the allure of Wonsan for typical foreign tourists, others believe it may attract a niche market interested in visiting less conventional destinations. Elliott Davies, director of Uri Tours, pointed out the unique experience of a beach resort shaped by the distinct cultural context of North Korea.

The Wonsan development was presented as a significant nation-wide achievement and a sign of a new era for the country's tourism sector. Initially planned to open in October 2019, the resort's construction faced multiple delays exacerbated by the pandemic. Kim Jong Un celebrated the project's completion on June 24, accompanied by key figures, including his daughter Kim Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol Ju. The ceremony was also attended by Russian ambassador Alexander Matsegora, reflecting the strengthened ties between North Korea and Russia amid Western sanctions.

As North Korea continues to navigate its international relationships and economic constraints, the successful launch of the Wonsan Kalma resort could offer insights into the future of tourism in the isolated nation.