In a notable development, the recently inaugurated Wonsan Kalma resort in North Korea has received its first group of Russian tourists. This extravagant beach destination, which opened with much fanfare last month under the authority of Kim Jong Un, promises to be a "world-class tourist and cultural destination." Yet, the circumstances surrounding its construction have ignited criticism, particularly from human rights organizations.
The resort, enveloped in operational secrecy, has been scrutinized through satellite imagery and interviews with defector sources who describe alarming abuses faced by workers during its construction. The initiative aims to attract one million tourists, particularly from Russia and China, as part of North Korea's broader strategy to boost its economy.
Historically cherished by the North Korean elite, Wonsan has been transformed through significant investments that echo the aesthetics of popular Spanish tourist destinations like Benidorm. In 2017, Kim Jong Un commissioned a delegation to visit Benidorm, taking notes on the resort's design, which later informed the construction in Wonsan.
The initial phases of building the 4km coastline stretch saw astonishing speed, with 80% of the project finished by late 2018. This accelerated pace, however, has cast a shadow on the treatment of laborers, often subjected to forced labor regimes, extended working hours, and minimal pay. The UN has highlighted concerns regarding "shock brigades"—intensive labor groups given impossible deadlines.
Defectors have provided chilling accounts of the exploitation workers endure, from inadequate nutrition to brutal working conditions. Reports indicate that residents were displaced without compensation as construction encroached upon their homes, further illustrating the socioeconomic strains tied to the project.
Despite the noise surrounding the resort's unveiling, foreign tourism to North Korea remains restricted. Although Wonsan Kalma aims to reboot the country's dwindling hospitality industry, experts predict a lukewarm response from potential Russian tourists, who can find far better destinations elsewhere.
According to Russian travel agencies, initial tours to Wonsan Kalma have seen limited participation, offering packages that, while enticing, cost significantly more than the average Russian salary. Analysts argue that the region may not sustain the tourist influx needed for economic revival.
Kim's vision for Wonsan as a hub for global visitors faces scrutiny from the international community, balancing the nation's isolated reputation with its ambitions for tourism and collaboration, particularly with Russia following recent geopolitical shifts.
The resort, enveloped in operational secrecy, has been scrutinized through satellite imagery and interviews with defector sources who describe alarming abuses faced by workers during its construction. The initiative aims to attract one million tourists, particularly from Russia and China, as part of North Korea's broader strategy to boost its economy.
Historically cherished by the North Korean elite, Wonsan has been transformed through significant investments that echo the aesthetics of popular Spanish tourist destinations like Benidorm. In 2017, Kim Jong Un commissioned a delegation to visit Benidorm, taking notes on the resort's design, which later informed the construction in Wonsan.
The initial phases of building the 4km coastline stretch saw astonishing speed, with 80% of the project finished by late 2018. This accelerated pace, however, has cast a shadow on the treatment of laborers, often subjected to forced labor regimes, extended working hours, and minimal pay. The UN has highlighted concerns regarding "shock brigades"—intensive labor groups given impossible deadlines.
Defectors have provided chilling accounts of the exploitation workers endure, from inadequate nutrition to brutal working conditions. Reports indicate that residents were displaced without compensation as construction encroached upon their homes, further illustrating the socioeconomic strains tied to the project.
Despite the noise surrounding the resort's unveiling, foreign tourism to North Korea remains restricted. Although Wonsan Kalma aims to reboot the country's dwindling hospitality industry, experts predict a lukewarm response from potential Russian tourists, who can find far better destinations elsewhere.
According to Russian travel agencies, initial tours to Wonsan Kalma have seen limited participation, offering packages that, while enticing, cost significantly more than the average Russian salary. Analysts argue that the region may not sustain the tourist influx needed for economic revival.
Kim's vision for Wonsan as a hub for global visitors faces scrutiny from the international community, balancing the nation's isolated reputation with its ambitions for tourism and collaboration, particularly with Russia following recent geopolitical shifts.
