Despite grand plans to draw tourists to the newly opened Wonsan Kalma Beach resort, North Korea is currently facing a lack of foreign visitors, particularly due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and travel restrictions.
North Korea Unveils Ambitious Seaside Resort Amid Tourist Shortages
North Korea Unveils Ambitious Seaside Resort Amid Tourist Shortages
Groundbreaking Wonsan Kalma resort opens with hopes of attracting foreign visitors and foreign currency but sees mostly domestic tourists.
A new waterfront resort named Wonsan Kalma has officially begun operations in North Korea, amid significant media hype and a festive atmosphere, yet without the anticipated influx of foreign tourists. The North Korean state media touted the joyful scenes of local families enjoying the scenic beach, which spans 2.5 miles along the country's central east coast, just days after its opening. "The joy and optimism of the tourists were overflowing everywhere, and the song of happiness resounded in the windows of bright lodgings," declared the North’s Korean Central News Agency.
This seaside destination, capable of accommodating up to 20,000 visitors, is one of the flagship projects launched by Kim Jong-un to bolster tourism and alleviate economic strains imposed by international sanctions. Following the punitive measures enacted by the United Nations in 2017, which severely curtailed North Korea's primary exports, Mr. Kim shifted his focus to attracting foreign currency through tourism, viewing it as a lifeline for the struggling economy.
The ambition behind the Wonsan Kalma resort is evident in its recent transformation, with the idyllic beach previously used for military exercises now filled with modern amenities, including water parks and luxurious hotels. Despite the infrastructure, the anticipated foreign tourist revenue is notably absent, largely due to travel limitations from neighboring China, which currently prohibits its citizens from visiting North Korea.
The opening ceremony in late June was attended by Kim Jong-un and his family, symbolizing the leadership's commitment to advancing this tourism initiative. However, as domestic visitors flocked to the new resort, experts remain skeptical about North Korea's ability to realize its tourism ambitions, particularly in the face of international sanctions and negative global perceptions.
