The Wonsan Kalma beach resort, recently inaugurated by Kim Jong Un, has attracted its first group of Russian tourists, but reports reveal serious human rights abuses and forced labor conditions during its construction. The aim is to draw in international visitors while strengthening ties with Russia.
North Korea's Wonsan Resort Welcomes First Russian Tourists Amid Human Rights Concerns
North Korea's Wonsan Resort Welcomes First Russian Tourists Amid Human Rights Concerns
The newly opened Wonsan Kalma resort in North Korea has welcomed its first Russian tourists, amidst concerns over the treatment of construction workers and overall human rights violations.
A new beach destination in North Korea, the Wonsan Kalma resort, has officially opened its doors to its first group of Russian tourists this week. This grand event, marked by a ceremony led by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month, has attracted criticism from human rights organizations concerning the poor treatment of workers involved in the resort's construction.
Constructed under a veil of secrecy, the resort, which Kim touted as a "world-class tourist and cultural destination," was built with aspirations of attracting international visitors, particularly from Russia and China. Former North Korean economic official Ri Jong Ho, who defected in 2014, revealed that the initial vision for the site was to bring in around one million tourists to a confined zone in Wonsan, a town with historical significance to Kim, who spent considerable time there during his upbringing.
The development of the Wonsan Kalma resort was reportedly inspired by a North Korean delegation's visit to the famous Spanish resort of Benidorm in 2017, which included high-ranking officials and architects. Documentation shows that the plan encompasses 43 hotels, guest houses, and various entertainment facilities along a 4 km stretch of coastline.
Satellite imaging has tracked the resort's construction, showing rapid development from early 2018. By the latter part of the year, about 80% of the project seemed complete, but work stalled until a meeting between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2024 spurred further activity.
However, the quick pace of this construction has raised grave concerns over labor practices. The UN has cited the use of "shock brigades" in North Korea, a labor system that subjects workers to extreme conditions, long hours, and minimal pay. Reports suggest workers on-site may have faced dire consequences for failing to meet construction deadlines, leading some to work exhausting hours under perilous conditions.
Defectors have shared harrowing experiences of labor conditions, including inadequate food and extreme pressure to meet construction targets. Kang Gyuri, a North Korean defector, revealed that her cousin volunteered to work at the site, hoping it would grant him privilege in Pyongyang, only to endure a grueling existence with food shortages and poor living conditions.
The resort is seen as a pivotal part of North Korea’s economic strategy to bolster its ties with Russia, particularly in light of recent military collaborations. Initial plans indicated a strong focus on attracting over a million foreign visitors, yet while Russian tour operators are beginning to offer packages to the resort, the overall interest appears lukewarm compared to more established international destinations.
Despite the opening of Wonsan Kalma, it remains to be seen whether this venture will flourish amidst emerging scrutiny regarding labor ethics and North Korea's hostile reputation. As the resort attempts to draw tourists, the chilling backdrop of past and ongoing human rights violations calls into question the viability and desirability of such a trip for the global community.
