The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, launched on July 1 as part of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's tourism initiatives, has temporarily barred foreign visitors, contradicting prior promotional efforts aimed at attracting international tourists.
North Korea Halts Foreign Tourism at Newly Inaugurated Seaside Resort
North Korea Halts Foreign Tourism at Newly Inaugurated Seaside Resort
Despite a promising launch, North Korea has announced a ban on foreign tourists to its Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone just weeks after its opening.
North Korea has taken a surprising step by announcing a temporary ban on foreign tourists from visiting its newly inaugurated Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone. Launched on July 1, this seaside resort was initially marketed as a major part of Kim Jong Un’s strategy to enhance tourism opportunities within the isolated nation. Just weeks after the grand opening, a notice on North Korea's tourism website stated that foreign visitors are "temporarily" prohibited from entering the area.
In a recent development, a group of Russian tourists had reportedly arrived at the resort just days before this announcement, coinciding with a diplomatic visit from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Lavrov praised the new seaside attraction during his visit and expressed hope for its appeal among Russian tourists. Additionally, direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are scheduled to commence by the end of the month.
The coastal city of Wonsan has notable significance for North Korea, serving as home to various missile facilities and an expansive maritime complex while also being tied to Kim Jong Un's youthful memories in the holiday homes of the elite. The resort spans a vast 4 km (2.5 miles) of beach, with extensive amenities including hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and a water park capable of hosting approximately 20,000 guests.
However, the project, which began construction in 2018, has been marred by allegations of human rights violations, as workers reportedly faced long hours, harsh working conditions, and insufficient compensation during the development of the resort. Notably, representatives from Russia attended the resort's completion ceremony held on June 24, where Kim and his family were also in attendance.
Tourism in North Korea has witnessed tumultuous changes, with Russian visitors allowed back last year following a long hiatus due to the pandemic. A short-lived opening to tourists from countries like Australia, France, Germany, and the UK was abruptly ended earlier this year without official explanation. The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone's fate remains uncertain as the region grapples with ongoing controversies while aiming to attract visitors amidst a complex political landscape.
