seniorspectrumnewspaper – North Korea has announced that it will temporarily bar foreign tourists from its recently opened Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone. The resort officially opened on July 1 and leader Kim Jong Un promoted it as a major step to boost tourism. Before the opening, North Korea marketed the site as an attraction for both locals and international visitors. However, a recent notice on the country’s tourism website states that it does not allow foreigners to visit the resort for the time being.
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Despite this restriction, reports indicate that the first Russian tourists arrived at the resort last week. Their visit coincided with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s meeting with Kim Jong Un in Wonsan. Lavrov praised the resort as a “good tourist attraction” and expressed hope that it would become popular with Russian travelers. The two countries also plan to start direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang by the end of this month, further strengthening tourism ties.
Before the opening, Russian tour guides had planned multiple trips to the resort in the coming months. Wonsan, located on North Korea’s east coast, is a strategic city housing missile facilities and a maritime complex. It is also known as the place where Kim Jong Un spent much of his youth, surrounded by elite holiday villas. The new resort stretches along 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of beachfront and features hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and a water park. According to state media, it can accommodate around 20,000 visitors.
Controversies and Future Prospects of Wonsan Resort Tourism
The resort’s construction, which began in 2018, has faced criticism from human rights groups. They allege that workers endured forced labor, long hours, and harsh conditions with inadequate pay to complete the project. Despite these concerns, the resort’s completion ceremony on June 24 attracted Russian ambassadors alongside Kim Jong Un and his family.
North Korea briefly resumed tourism last year after a long pandemic-related suspension, allowing Russian tourists to visit. In early 2024, the country also welcomed visitors from Western countries like Australia, France, Germany, and the UK. However, it abruptly halted these Western tours within weeks without offering a clear explanation.
The recent decision to restrict foreign tourists from the Wonsan resort may reflect ongoing concerns about international access and security. It also highlights the complexities in balancing tourism ambitions with the country’s political and strategic priorities. While the resort remains open to locals, the ban on foreigners raises questions about when international tourism will fully resume.
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Going forward, North Korea’s plans for the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone remain uncertain. The upcoming direct flights from Russia may facilitate travel once restrictions ease. Observers will closely watch if the government lifts the ban on foreign visitors and how it manages tourism amid political and human rights challenges. The Wonsan resort stands as a key indicator of North Korea’s broader approach to opening up its economy and attracting foreign interest.
