In brief
Briefly, after weeks of welcoming foreign tourists, North Korea has barred access to its Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a key project under Kim Jong Un, raising questions about the future of the region's tourism aspirations.
North Korea has made a surprising move by announcing a ban on foreign tourists at its newly unveiled seaside resort, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, just weeks after its opening on July 1. This resort, which is purported to play a central role in North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's strategy to enhance tourism, was initially promoted to attract both domestic and international visitors. However, a recent notice on the country's tourism website states that foreigners are now "temporarily" prohibited from visiting.This news comes shortly after the arrival of the first Russian tourists to the resort, coinciding with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's meeting with Kim in Wonsan. Lavrov had previously endorsed the seaside resort, commenting on its potential to become a popular destination for Russians, while plans for direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are set to commence at the end of this month.Wonsan, located on North Korea's east coast, is notable for its proximity to missile facilities, and it also holds personal significance for Kim, who spent a significant portion of his youth in the area surrounded by elite holiday villas. The resort boasts a 4km (2.5 miles) beach lined with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and a water park, designed to accommodate nearly 20,000 visitors, as stated by state media.However, the construction of the resort, which began in 2018, has not been without controversy. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of laborers, alleging that workers faced long hours, dangerous conditions, and insufficient pay while constructing this extensive development. Following the completion ceremony attended by Russian diplomats and Kim's family on June 24, North Korea had opened its borders to limited tourism, allowing Russian visitors after a hiatus caused by the pandemic. In February of the previous year, the country also resumed tourism for some Western countries, including Australia, France, Germany, and the UK, but this was shortly discontinued without explanation. The recent restrictions have left many questioning the stability of North Korea's tourism sector and its long-term viability.
