North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has announced the impending opening of a new beach resort named Wonsan Kalma, aimed at revitalizing tourism in the isolated country. Set to welcome domestic tourists on July 1, this development comes six years behind schedule and raises questions about its capacity to attract foreign visitors.
North Korea Launches New Beach Resort Amid Push for Tourism Revival
North Korea Launches New Beach Resort Amid Push for Tourism Revival
North Korea aims to attract tourists with the opening of its Wonsan Kalma beach resort on July 1, sparking hopes of tourism growth despite ongoing sanctions.
Located along the east coast, the resort is said to cover a 4km stretch of beach and feature accommodations for up to 20,000 guests, including hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, and even a water park. However, the authenticity of these claims remains unverified. Heavily impacted by international sanctions linked to its nuclear ambitions, North Korea maintains a struggling economy primarily focused on military spending and the propagation of the Kim regime's image through monuments and landmarks.
Experts note that this initiative may serve as a strategic avenue for generating revenue, particularly from tourists originating from neighboring China and Russia, with whom North Korea has historically maintained amicable relations. Despite the lingering hope that this launch might signal a broader reopening to international tourism, some tour operators like Rowan Beard caution against overly optimistic expectations. He doubts that the new resort will capture the interest of Western travelers, who may continue to favor Pyongyang and other culturally significant sites.
The pandemic has significantly affected international travel to North Korea, with the country closing its borders in early 2020 and only recently allowing limited visits, primarily from Russian tourists. The opening ceremony for Wonsan Kalma took place on June 24 and was attended by Kim, his daughter Kim Ju Ae, and wife Ri Sol Ju, marking Ri's first public appearance in several months. Some tour operators remain skeptical about the appeal of the beach resort, with many emphasizing the unique cultural and historical aspects of North Korea that dominate tourist interest, implying that the major attractions may still lie elsewhere in the nation.
Nevertheless, the North Korean government heralded the resort's launch as a "great, auspicious event," promoting it as a precursor to a new chapter in tourism. As North Korea continues to navigate international sanctions and strengthen ties with Russia following recent military collaborations, the world watches closely to see how this venture unfolds within the broader context of tourism in this enigmatic nation.
Experts note that this initiative may serve as a strategic avenue for generating revenue, particularly from tourists originating from neighboring China and Russia, with whom North Korea has historically maintained amicable relations. Despite the lingering hope that this launch might signal a broader reopening to international tourism, some tour operators like Rowan Beard caution against overly optimistic expectations. He doubts that the new resort will capture the interest of Western travelers, who may continue to favor Pyongyang and other culturally significant sites.
The pandemic has significantly affected international travel to North Korea, with the country closing its borders in early 2020 and only recently allowing limited visits, primarily from Russian tourists. The opening ceremony for Wonsan Kalma took place on June 24 and was attended by Kim, his daughter Kim Ju Ae, and wife Ri Sol Ju, marking Ri's first public appearance in several months. Some tour operators remain skeptical about the appeal of the beach resort, with many emphasizing the unique cultural and historical aspects of North Korea that dominate tourist interest, implying that the major attractions may still lie elsewhere in the nation.
Nevertheless, the North Korean government heralded the resort's launch as a "great, auspicious event," promoting it as a precursor to a new chapter in tourism. As North Korea continues to navigate international sanctions and strengthen ties with Russia following recent military collaborations, the world watches closely to see how this venture unfolds within the broader context of tourism in this enigmatic nation.
