The resort was launched to attract visitors but now limits entry as internal policies shift amid ongoing geopolitical dynamics.
**North Korea's Coastal Dream Turned Exclusive: Foreign Tourist Ban Imposed on New Resort**
**North Korea's Coastal Dream Turned Exclusive: Foreign Tourist Ban Imposed on New Resort**
North Korea shuts its doors to foreign tourists at Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone despite initial plans for inclusivity.
North Korea has made an unexpected pivot by announcing that its recently inaugurated seaside resort will not be open to international visitors. The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, celebrated as part of leader Kim Jong Un's plan to enhance tourism, officially commenced operations on July 1. Prior to this, the resort was marketed as a prime destination for both local citizens and foreigners alike. However, this week a sudden update on North Korea's tourism website declared that foreign tourists would be prohibited from entering the area "temporarily."
The announcement comes shortly after the arrival of the first group of Russian tourists at the resort, coinciding with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's visit to Wonsan. Lavrov praised the coastal development during his trip, expressing optimism for its appeal among Russian travelers, while plans for direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are set to commence by month’s end.
Despite the optimistic façade of the tourism initiative, the construction of the Wonsan resort has been marred by allegations of labor rights violations, with human rights organizations condemning the harsh working conditions faced by laborers tasked with completing the site. State media has touted the resort's capacity to host approximately 20,000 visitors, featuring extensive beachfront amenities, but criticism remains over the treatment of its workforce.
Shortly before the tourism halt, North Korea had welcomed Russian visitors for the first time following an extensive suspension due to the pandemic. Additionally, in February, the country briefly accepted tourists from various Western nations before unexpectedly retracting that access. The fluctuating status of tourism reflects an ongoing tug-of-war between domestic policy, international relations, and economic aspirations in North Korea's complex political landscape.
The announcement comes shortly after the arrival of the first group of Russian tourists at the resort, coinciding with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's visit to Wonsan. Lavrov praised the coastal development during his trip, expressing optimism for its appeal among Russian travelers, while plans for direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are set to commence by month’s end.
Despite the optimistic façade of the tourism initiative, the construction of the Wonsan resort has been marred by allegations of labor rights violations, with human rights organizations condemning the harsh working conditions faced by laborers tasked with completing the site. State media has touted the resort's capacity to host approximately 20,000 visitors, featuring extensive beachfront amenities, but criticism remains over the treatment of its workforce.
Shortly before the tourism halt, North Korea had welcomed Russian visitors for the first time following an extensive suspension due to the pandemic. Additionally, in February, the country briefly accepted tourists from various Western nations before unexpectedly retracting that access. The fluctuating status of tourism reflects an ongoing tug-of-war between domestic policy, international relations, and economic aspirations in North Korea's complex political landscape.
