North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has announced the opening of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a beach resort on the country's east coast. While initially designated for domestic tourists starting July 1, the timeline for foreign visitors remains uncertain. The initiative aims to enhance tourism revenue amidst ongoing sanctions, drawing mixed reactions from travel experts.
North Korea Unveils New Beach Resort as Kim Jong Un Eyes Tourism Revival
North Korea Unveils New Beach Resort as Kim Jong Un Eyes Tourism Revival
The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone is set to welcome domestic tourists in July, marking a significant investment in North Korea's tourism sector.
With a focus on reviving tourism in the isolated state of North Korea, the government has set its sights on the completion of a new beach resort, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone. According to state media, the resort is expected to open its doors to domestic visitors on July 1, although it remains unclear when international tourists might gain access.
Located on North Korea's eastern coastline, Wonsan has historical significance for Kim Jong Un, who spent part of his childhood in this area, known for its luxury villas reserved for the elite. The development project, which was originally slated for completion in 2019, had faced several delays, including those caused by the global pandemic.
The reported features of the Wonsan Kalma resort include accommodations for up to 20,000 guests, a sprawling 4 km stretch of beachfront, hotels, dining options, shopping facilities, and a water park. However, the actual presence of these amenities has not been independently verified. Observers note that this push for a tourism-centric revenue model seems to be a strategy for Pyongyang to financially benefit from foreign visitors.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has restricted tourism by closing its borders early in 2020, only beginning to ease restrictions in mid-2023. The first resurgence of foreign tourists occurred when visitors from Russia were permitted entry; some Western tourists were briefly welcomed earlier in the year, though tourism operations were suspended shortly thereafter without explanation.
Travel experts express skepticism over the resort's appeal to the broader global market. Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, suggests that while the beach resort may not attract many Western travelers, it has niche interest for those keen on unique destinations. In contrast, the main draws for foreign tourists are likely to remain in Pyongyang and historically significant areas like the demilitarized zone (DMZ).
Celebrated as a significant national milestone, North Korea's state media heralds this development as a pivotal moment in the nation’s tourism landscape. The completion ceremony on June 24 included Kim Jong Un alongside his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and their daughter, Kim Ju Ae, marking a notable public appearance for the first family.
Speculation persists about the potential for the resort to cater to Russian tourists amidst strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia as both confront sanctions from the West. Recent developments include the reopening of direct passenger train routes between the two nations, indicating deeper collaboration.
As North Korea navigates its post-pandemic tourism strategy, all eyes will be on whether the new resort can indeed attract visitors in a challenging global climate for travel.
Located on North Korea's eastern coastline, Wonsan has historical significance for Kim Jong Un, who spent part of his childhood in this area, known for its luxury villas reserved for the elite. The development project, which was originally slated for completion in 2019, had faced several delays, including those caused by the global pandemic.
The reported features of the Wonsan Kalma resort include accommodations for up to 20,000 guests, a sprawling 4 km stretch of beachfront, hotels, dining options, shopping facilities, and a water park. However, the actual presence of these amenities has not been independently verified. Observers note that this push for a tourism-centric revenue model seems to be a strategy for Pyongyang to financially benefit from foreign visitors.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has restricted tourism by closing its borders early in 2020, only beginning to ease restrictions in mid-2023. The first resurgence of foreign tourists occurred when visitors from Russia were permitted entry; some Western tourists were briefly welcomed earlier in the year, though tourism operations were suspended shortly thereafter without explanation.
Travel experts express skepticism over the resort's appeal to the broader global market. Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, suggests that while the beach resort may not attract many Western travelers, it has niche interest for those keen on unique destinations. In contrast, the main draws for foreign tourists are likely to remain in Pyongyang and historically significant areas like the demilitarized zone (DMZ).
Celebrated as a significant national milestone, North Korea's state media heralds this development as a pivotal moment in the nation’s tourism landscape. The completion ceremony on June 24 included Kim Jong Un alongside his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and their daughter, Kim Ju Ae, marking a notable public appearance for the first family.
Speculation persists about the potential for the resort to cater to Russian tourists amidst strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia as both confront sanctions from the West. Recent developments include the reopening of direct passenger train routes between the two nations, indicating deeper collaboration.
As North Korea navigates its post-pandemic tourism strategy, all eyes will be on whether the new resort can indeed attract visitors in a challenging global climate for travel.
