North Korea Enforces Ban on Foreign Visitors at New Seaside Resort

North Korea has unexpectedly announced a ban on foreign tourists at the newly opened Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, contradicting previous efforts to boost tourism and following the initial arrival of Russian visitors.

North Korea has taken a surprising step by prohibiting foreign tourists from visiting its newly inaugurated seaside destination, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone. Opened on July 1, this locale was designed to showcase North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's aspirations for enhancing tourism. Before the launch, the resort had been actively marketed as a hotspot for both local and international travelers; however, a recent update on North Korea's official tourism platform now states that foreign visitors are "temporarily" barred.

This announcement comes on the heels of reports that the first group of Russian tourists had arrived at the Wonsan resort the same week Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held talks with Kim in the city. Lavrov referred to the seaside project as an excellent tourist attraction and expressed hope for its success among Russian tourists. Remarkably, plans are underway to initiate direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang by the end of the month.

Wonsan, situated along North Korea's eastern coastline, features a range of missile facilities and boasts a substantial maritime complex. It also holds sentimental value for Kim, who spent significant time in the area during his youth, near vacation homes belonging to the elite class. The newly built resort spans 4 kilometers (approximately 2.5 miles) of beachfront and includes hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and a water park, catering to around 20,000 guests according to state reports.

Despite its promotion as a recreational space, the resort's construction since 2018 has faced scrutiny from human rights organizations, which criticized the treatment of workers allegedly forced into working long hours under harsh conditions and insufficient remuneration.

The completion ceremony for the resort saw attendance from Russian diplomats, as well as Kim and his family, on June 24. Following a nearly two-year suspension due to the pandemic, North Korea began allowing Russian tourists back into the country last year. In February, tourists from Western nations, including Australia, France, Germany, and the UK, were welcomed, but this initiative was abruptly halted weeks later without any explanation.