In brief
The Wonsan Kalma resort, poised to attract domestic tourists, raises questions about its appeal to foreign visitors and the broader implications for North Korea's economy.
North Korea has officially opened a beach resort in Wonsan Kalma, on the eastern coast, as part of leader Kim Jong Un's plan to rejuvenate the nation’s tourism industry, as reported by state media. Originally slated for completion six years ago, the resort will welcome domestic tourists starting July 1, although it remains uncertain when foreign visitors will be allowed.Wonsan holds sentimental value for Kim, who spent his childhood amid the coastal town's upscale ambiance, characterized by exclusive villas for elite citizens. The development of the resort, located along a picturesque 4km (2.5 mile) beach, is claimed by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) to offer accommodations for up to 20,000 visitors, featuring hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and a water park; however, these claims cannot be independently verified.Heavily affected by international sanctions over its nuclear ambitions, North Korea ranks among the world’s most impoverished nations, funneling significant resources into military capabilities and the glorification of the Kim dynasty, rather than into public welfare. Observers suggest that this resort may serve as a financial lifeline for the regime, attracting tourists mainly from China and Russia, with whom North Korea retains close ties.Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, expressed skepticism about the resort’s potential for attracting international tourists, noting that primary draws remain sites in Pyongyang and the DMZ. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted North Korea's tourism industry, leading to strict border closures in early 2020 that were only relaxed in mid-2023, allowing for some Russian visitors but limiting access to other foreigners.While some travel agencies doubt the resort's allure, others, such as Elliott Davies, director of Uri Tours, highlight the niche appeal of North Korea as a unique travel destination. "There’s intrigue in experiencing a beach resort framed by North Korea’s distinct cultural context," Davies commented.The opening of Wonsan Kalma is being heralded by KCNA as a transformative milestone in the nation’s tourism sector, a project initially expected to debut back in October 2019 but hampered by construction delays and the pandemic. A recent ceremony marking its completion featured Kim alongside his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Kim Ju Ae, reflecting a familial presence in the promotion of the resort.Expectations have emerged that the resort will be primarily opened to Russian tourists, especially as North Korea fortifies its alliance with Russia, further emphasized by recent military cooperation during the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, a direct passenger train route between the capitals of North Korea and Russia has been reinstated after a five-year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions.This latest development underscores both the challenges and transformations occurring in North Korea as it navigates a complex web of international relations while seeking economic opportunities through tourism.
