North Korea has officially welcomed its first group of Russian tourists to the newly opened Wonsan Kalma resort, amidst deep concerns over the conditions under which the complex was constructed. Launched in a grand ceremony last month by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the resort is marketed as a "world-class tourist and cultural destination," yet it faces scrutiny from human rights organizations regarding the treatment of laborers involved in its development.
Built under a veil of secrecy, the Wonsan Kalma resort's construction involved a series of controversies, including reports of forced labor practices known as "shock brigades" that subjected workers to grueling conditions and inadequate compensation. Experts and former insiders have voiced alarm about the working environment, alleging that many laborers were pushed to extremes to meet construction deadlines.
A senior official involved in the project, Ri Jong Ho, revealed that Kim Jong Un envisioned the resort as part of a strategy to open the country slightly to tourism, aiming to attract millions of visitors. The North Korean regime reportedly drew inspiration from a fact-finding mission to the famous Spanish resort of Benidorm, incorporating architectural elements that reflect international tourism standards.
Satellite images reveal rapid construction along the resort's 4 km coastline, with high-rise hotels and recreational facilities emerging over the past year. However, the hastened pace of construction drew criticism regarding the welfare of the workers, some of whom reportedly worked extreme hours under dire conditions to meet the launch timeline.
Despite the resort’s grand ambitions, experts caution that it may not gain wide popularity among Russian tourists, who have myriad accessible vacation options worldwide that offer superior hospitality and freedom of movement. Only a fraction of prospective visitors have signed up for trips to Wonsan Kalma, emphasizing the challenges the resort faces in achieving its ambitious goals in a world where tourism preferences are vast.
As North Korea continues its outreach to Russia, partly influenced by recent geopolitical dynamics, the dual focus on tourism and human rights remains a contentious and urgent discussion. Observers are keenly watching how the situation unfolds as the resort aims to redefine North Korea's economic landscape while grappling with grave ethical implications.
