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Tourism

North Korea Unveils Major Coastal Tourist Zone, Striving for Economic Revitalization

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

North Korea has rolled out a major coastal tourist zone, Wonsan-Kalma, which boasts luxurious accommodations and activities aimed at attracting nearly 20,000 guests. State media reports indicate the zone's grand opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un, who hailed the project as "one of the greatest successes this year." The site is poised to be the nation's largest tourist destination, with operations commencing for domestic tourists next week, though no timeline has been set for welcoming foreign tourists. Experts suggest the resort will eventually need to cater to Chinese and other foreign tourists to break even, given North Korea's limited budget.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone is designed to accommodate nearly 20,000 guests and offers a range of activities including swimming, sports, and dining at on-site restaurants and cafeterias.
  • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the grand opening ceremony and hailed the project as "one of the greatest successes this year."
  • The Wonsan-Kalma beach resort is expected to become North Korea's largest tourist destination, with operations commencing for domestic tourists next Tuesday.
  • Experts predict the resort will eventually need to cater to Chinese and other foreign tourists to break even due to North Korea's limited budget.
  • North Korea has not lifted its ban on foreign tourists implemented in early 2020 to protect against the COVID pandemic.
  • Experts suggest ongoing pandemic restrictions, heightened tensions with the U.S. and South Korea, and concerns about Western tourists disseminating a negative portrayal of the regime are contributing factors to North Korea's slow return to international tourism.

Statistics:

  • The Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone will accommodate nearly 20,000 guests.
  • Over 90% of visitors prior to the pandemic were Chinese groups.
  • Russia's Primorsky region announced its first group of Russian tourists will visit the resort on July 7, with a chance to visit key attractions in Pyongyang during their eight-day journey.
  • Chinese group tours remain on hold.
  • North Korea has been bolstering ties with Russia by sending troops and arms in exchange for economic and military support.

Sources:

  • Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)
  • Russian state news agency Tass
  • Kyungnam University's Far Eastern Studies
  • Institute for National Security Strategy

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