North Korea's New Resort Sees First Russian Tourists Amid Human Rights Concerns

North Korea's Wonsan Kalma resort welcomed its first Russian tourists this week, following its grand opening. However, the facility's construction has drawn condemnation for worker exploitation under harsh conditions, raising questions about the human cost of this new tourist destination.

North Korea's new tourist destination, the Wonsan Kalma resort, welcomed its first group of Russian visitors this week, marking a significant step in the country's push to revive its tourism sector. Launched with a grand ceremony by leader Kim Jong Un, the resort is touted as a "world-class tourist and cultural destination." Yet, as North Korea attempts to open its doors to foreign tourism, it grapples with serious allegations regarding the treatment of the labor force that built the resort.

Criticism has arisen from human rights organizations centered on the construction practices used in the development of the resort. A report by BBC Verify, utilizing satellite imagery and expert insights, highlights concerns over human rights violations, particularly regarding the use of forced labor tactics, known locally as “shock brigades,” which reportedly entail long hours and perilous working conditions.

The Wonsan resort, situated in a region identified as a high-end vacation area, sought to attract around a million tourists while maintaining a controlled environment. Kim Jong Un, having a personal connection to Wonsan from his youth, envisioned reinvigorating the area as a premium attraction after a fact-finding mission to the Spanish resort of Benidorm.

Multiple sources report significant rapid construction progress over the past few years, raising alarms about the conditions for those tasked with building the facilities. According to testimonies from defectors, laborers, including women, faced extreme physical demands, inadequate nutrition, and often severe repercussions for failing to meet construction deadlines. This was echoed by a UN Human Rights Office representative who confirmed that reports indicate workers toiled for days on end under severe pressure.

As the resort strives to establish itself in the region's tourism landscape, North Korea showcases its intent to strengthen ties with Russia amid ongoing geopolitical dynamics, especially following its support for Moscow during the Ukraine conflict. Initial projections for the number of annual foreign tourists primarily indicated interest from Russia and China, but an investigation revealed a scarcity of actively promoted tourism packages.

While three Russian agencies are promoting trips to the resort, the numbers remain modest, with early tours attracting only a handful of customers. Experts suggest that the allure of the Wonsan Kalma resort may be undermined by the appeal of more accessible and comfortable vacation destinations elsewhere, making it uncertain whether it can thrive in the competitive tourism market.