No official explanation was provided, but analysts suggest the decision may be linked to Russian media report implying the resort was populated by mobilised locals rather than genuine holidaymakers.
North Korea’s Beach Resort Goes on a “Foreign Tourist Diet”
What’s the scoop? North Korea has put a pause on foreign visitors headed to its freshly opened Wonsan‑Kalma beach paradise. This comes just weeks after the complex got a taste of domestic tourists and a handful of Russian guests.
The Splurge‑and‑Pause Story
- Pyongyang bragged that the resort can seat up to 20,000 guests – a claim that Kim Jong‑un painted as “one of the greatest successes this year.”
- Yesterday, the state‑run DPR Korea Tour website dropped a short message: the site is “temporarily not receiving foreign tourists.” No reason, no date for lifting the ban.
- The announcement followed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit for talks with Kim and the Russian FM Choe Son‑hui.
Lavrov’s Optimistic Tone
Lavrov was all sunshine, saying, “I am sure that Russian tourists will be increasingly eager to come here.” He dreamed of a wave of Russian visitors washing over the shores of Wonsan‑Kalma.
Why the Chill on Foreign Guests?
- Analysts say the ban might be a response to a Russian journalist’s piece that implied North Korean locals at the resort were “organised by authorities” rather than genuine vacationers.
- Oh Gyeong‑seob of Seoul’s Korea Institute for National Unification warned that the government feared “negative consequences” if foreigners were allowed in.
- Lee Sangkeun of the Seoul Institute for National Security Strategy added that distance and travel costs could make it hard for Russian tourists to actually arrive.
Short‑Term Effect? Long‑Term Kinda?
Expert chatter suggests the suspension won’t last forever. The resort’s founders poured heavily into a project that was supposed to pump foreign currency into North Korea’s tight budget.
Bottom line: No foreign tourists means no rubles, yuan, or dollars. If the resort can’t break even, it might have to shut down.
What’s Happening Inside?
Wonsan‑Kalma is still buzzing with domestic travelers, but there’s no word on when the door will open to the rest of the world. Group tours from China—who used to make up more than 90% of visitors pre‑COVID—haven’t yet restarted.
Kim’s Vision
Kim Jong‑un has repeatedly touted the resort as “the proud first step” in reviving North Korea’s tourism scene. Only time (and a few thousand foreign exchanges) will tell if that step will become a stride.