North Korea unveils massive coastal resort but foreign tourists must wait

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently attended the grand opening of a new coastal tourist site in an extravagant ceremony. The Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone, located on the country’s east coast, boasts hotels and accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests, offering activities such as swimming, sports, recreation, and dining options for visitors.

During his tour of the resort, Kim praised the construction as a significant achievement and a step towards revitalizing the tourism industry in North Korea. The resort is set to open for domestic tourists next week, with plans to eventually welcome foreign tourists as well.

Experts suggest that North Korea has heavily invested in the construction of the resort and will likely need to attract foreign tourists, especially from China, to recoup costs. However, the country has been slow to resume international tourism due to factors such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, tensions with the U.S. and South Korea, and concerns about the impact of Western tourists on its image.

The resort is expected to first welcome Russian tourists, given the strong partnership between North Korea and Russia. The Russian ambassador and embassy staff were present at the opening ceremony, although it remains unclear if Chinese diplomats were also in attendance. South Korean and American tourists, on the other hand, are unlikely to visit the resort anytime soon.

While North Korea aims to position itself as a tourism hub to boost its economy, the country is also planning to develop additional tourist sites in other parts of the country. Both the new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and former U.S. President Donald Trump have expressed interest in reviving dialogue with North Korea, but the resumption of tours from these countries may take some time.

Overall, North Korea’s foray into tourism with the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone marks a significant development for the country. As it looks to attract foreign visitors and expand its tourism offerings, the resort represents a new chapter in North Korea’s efforts to boost its economy and engage with the international community.