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Tourism

North Korea Unveils New Coastal Resort Amid Growing Tourism Strategy

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised the newly completed Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area as a major milestone in the government's efforts to expand the tourism sector. The sprawling resort, designed to accommodate approximately 20,000 visitors, is the country's latest attempt to present itself as a desirable destination for international travelers. The project, which includes hotels, leisure facilities, and beachfront areas, is scheduled to open to domestic tourists next Tuesday, although no specific date has been announced for when it will open to international guests. The North Korean government sees tourism as a potential source of much-needed foreign currency and employment opportunities, particularly as international sanctions and economic isolation continue to weigh heavily on the country's economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area, located on North Korea's east coast, is the country's latest attempt to expand its tourism sector and attract foreign investment.
  • The resort, designed to accommodate 20,000 visitors, features hotels, leisure facilities, and beachfront areas, and is scheduled to open to domestic tourists next Tuesday.
  • The North Korean government views tourism as a potential source of much-needed foreign currency and employment opportunities, particularly in light of ongoing international sanctions and economic isolation.
  • The project reflects Kim Jong Un's strategy to revitalise the nation's struggling economy through tourism and economic development.
  • North Korea has been actively working to present the country as a desirable destination for international travelers, despite its longstanding reputation as one of the world's most closed and secretive states.
  • The country has yet to fully lift its restrictions on international visitors, which were implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.
  • Limited international access has resumed in recent months, with North Korea accepting tourists from Russia since February 2024.

Statistics:

  • The Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area is located on North Korea's east coast along the Sea of Japan.
  • Approximately 20,000 visitors will be accommodated at the resort.
  • The North Korean government has reported that similar large-scale tourist developments are being planned in other regions of the country.
  • Since February 2024, North Korea has been accepting tourists from Russia.
  • Chinese group tours, which historically made up over 90% of foreign tourist arrivals before the pandemic, have not yet resumed.

Sources:

  • "North Korea completes new coast tourist area" by KCNA (dated to coincide with the opening ceremony)
  • Inside Kim Jong-Un's North Korea as smuggled smartphone reveals new scary rule ( AP News )
  • KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image.

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