In brief
The newly opened resort in North Korea reflects Kim Jong-un’s goal to attract tourists and foreign currency, despite the absence of international visitors due to sanctions.
As North Korea celebrates the introduction of the Wonsan Kalma seaside resort, the anticipated influx of foreign tourists remains a distant dream. This week, domestic families flocked to the scenic 2.5-mile stretch of sandy beach on the central east coast, welcoming a new era of leisure, as per the state-run Korean Central News Agency.The Wonsan Kalma resort, capable of hosting up to 20,000 guests, stands tall among Kim Jong-un's ambitious projects aimed at revitalizing North Korea’s tourism sector. The resort was inaugurated in late June with a remarkable ceremony attended by Kim and his family. Since the imposition of strict UN sanctions in 2017, which crippled the economy by prohibiting exports, Kim has pivoted towards tourism as a potential remedy to alleviate the economic burden.Historically, Kalma Beach served a military purpose, often hosting artillery during drills. However, the recent transformation into a vibrant tourism hub, adorned with waterparks and modern hotels, has led to its affectionately dubbed title of "North Korea's Waikiki" by South Korean media.While the beach was bustling with North Korean families, the absence of international tourists is a stark reminder of the geopolitical tensions and travel restrictions, particularly with neighboring China halting outbound travel to North Korea. This stark reality poses challenges to Kim's aspirations of generating foreign currency through tourism, which he views as vital to counteract the economic hardships driven by persistent sanctions.
