North Korea Opens Beach Resort as Kim Jong Un Bets on Tourism
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hopes that a new beach resort will boost tourism in the secretive communist regime.
North Korea is opening a beach resort, Wonsan Kalma, located on the east coast, to domestic tourists on 1 July.
The resort was initially due for completion six years ago but faced construction delays.
State media claims that it can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and a water park along a 4km stretch of beach.
While foreign tourists are allowed in, they mostly come from China and Russia.
The opening of the resort comes as North Korea seeks to earn money amid strict international sanctions.
Tourism was affected by the Covid pandemic, but it recently reopened to more Western visitors before abruptly halting again.
Some tour agencies remain skeptical about its appeal to foreigners, while others see a niche market for travelers interested in unconventional destinations.
The resort was initially due for completion six years ago but faced construction delays.
State media claims that it can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and a water park along a 4km stretch of beach.
While foreign tourists are allowed in, they mostly come from China and Russia.
The opening of the resort comes as North Korea seeks to earn money amid strict international sanctions.
Tourism was affected by the Covid pandemic, but it recently reopened to more Western visitors before abruptly halting again.
Some tour agencies remain skeptical about its appeal to foreigners, while others see a niche market for travelers interested in unconventional destinations.
