Unveiling of Wonsan Kalma Resort
North Korea recently opened the much-anticipated Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist zone, a sprawling seaside development on the country's east coast. Championed personally by Kim Jong Un, the resort was inaugurated with great fanfare, featuring hotels, dining options, shopping areas, a water park, and even mini-golf. With accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests, the complex was initially set to welcome domestic tourists starting July 1, marking a significant step in the nation's push to boost tourism.
The project, which began construction in 2018, faced multiple delays due to technical challenges and other undisclosed issues, taking six years to complete against the original timeline. State media hailed the resort as a milestone for national tourism, with Kim Jong Un himself attending the opening alongside family and foreign dignitaries, including Russia's ambassador. The 5-kilometer complex was promoted as a 'world-class' destination, raising hopes for an influx of visitors.
Sudden Ban on Foreign Tourists
Just weeks after its grand opening and initial promotion to international visitors, North Korea has abruptly barred foreign tourists from accessing the Wonsan Kalma resort. According to a notice from DPR Korea Tour, a website operated by the country's tourism authority, the resort is 'temporarily not receiving foreign tourists.' This policy reversal came shortly after a visit by Russia's top diplomat, Sergei Lavrov, who had pledged to help increase tourist flows to the isolated nation.
The decision to suspend foreign access has dimmed prospects for tourism development, especially as the country had hinted at welcoming visitors from nations like Russia and China amid signs of rapprochement with Moscow. No specific reasons for the ban were provided by the authorities, leaving analysts and potential visitors puzzled. Posts found on X reflect a mix of surprise and skepticism about the sudden shift, with many questioning the long-term viability of North Korea's tourism ambitions.
Implications for North Korea's Tourism Goals
The ban on foreign tourists at Wonsan Kalma raises questions about North Korea's broader strategy to position itself as a tourist destination. Kim Jong Un has long emphasized the importance of projects like this to showcase the country's appeal and generate revenue, yet the exclusion of international visitors undermines those objectives. While domestic tourists can still access the resort, the absence of foreign currency from overseas guests could limit the economic impact of such developments.
This move also comes at a time when North Korea continues to maintain strict border controls, largely blocking most foreign visitors even as it promotes new attractions. The lack of transparency regarding the 'temporary' nature of the ban adds further uncertainty to whether Wonsan Kalma will ever fulfill its promise as a global getaway. For now, the resort remains a symbol of unfulfilled potential in North Korea's quest to open up through tourism.