In brief
The sudden policy change comes shortly after the resort's debut, creating uncertainty regarding North Korea's tourism ambitions and its implications for foreign relations.
In a surprising turn of events, North Korea has declared that foreign tourists will not be allowed to visit the newly inaugurated Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, which was launched on July 1 as part of leader Kim Jong Un's overarching vision to boost tourism in the country. Initially advertised as a family-friendly destination for both local and foreign visitors, the resort's website recently conveyed that foreigners are "temporarily" barred from entry.In an ironic twist, this announcement comes on the heels of the recent arrival of Russian tourists, reportedly just as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited the region. Lavrov praised the seaside location as a potential "good tourist attraction," expressing hopes for its popularity among Russian nationals. As part of their growing ties, direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are set to commence by the end of the month.The resort, located in Wonsan—a coastal city implicated in North Korea's missile development and historical significance as Kim Jong Un's childhood holiday spot—boasts 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of beachfront lined with luxury hotels, eateries, shopping centers, and a water park, facilitating a total capacity of around 20,000 visitors, as highlighted by state media.However, this ambitious project, which began construction in 2018, has faced severe criticism from human rights groups concerning the conditions under which workers labored to complete the development. Reports indicate that individuals endured extended hours with insufficient pay while working under strenuous conditions.During a ceremony marking the completion of the resort, Russian diplomats were present alongside Kim and his family. This marked a significant occasion as North Korea had only recently resumed allowing Russian tourists into the country after a lengthy hiatus due to the pandemic. Moreover, in February, North Korea had opened its gates to tourists from Western nations, including Australia and France, but abruptly suspended these arrangements shortly after, without providing a clear rationale for the stoppage.As the situation develops, the future of North Korea's tourism industry and its interactions with foreign nations remain under close scrutiny.
