North Korea’s New Beach Resort: A Symbol of Power or a Pipe Dream?
North Korea has unveiled a new beach resort that promises to be a major tourist destination. The Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, located on the country’s eastern coast, is designed to accommodate nearly 20,000 guests at a time. The project, which includes waterparks, high-rise hotels, and luxury accommodations, was officially opened by Kim Jong Un himself. This development marks a significant shift in North Korea’s approach to tourism, raising questions about its feasibility, accessibility, and long-term impact.
A Lavish Display Amidst Hardship
The resort, described by state media as a “national treasure-level tourism city,” is a stark contrast to the living conditions faced by many North Koreans. Human rights observers have long criticized the regime for its treatment of citizens, with reports of food shortages, limited access to healthcare, and strict control over daily life. Despite this, the government has invested heavily in the Kalma resort, suggesting that it sees tourism as a way to bolster its image and generate foreign currency.
The resort is part of a broader strategy to develop North Korea’s tourism sector, which has historically been limited to Russian nationals and select groups of international visitors. The project also includes a new train station and an international airport nearby, indicating that the government is preparing for increased foreign interest.
Limited Access and Strict Controls
While the resort is open to domestic guests starting in July, there are no details on who will be eligible to visit. Analysts suggest that the initial target audience may be the privileged elite of Pyongyang, including party officials and other high-ranking figures. This aligns with the regime’s pattern of offering exclusive experiences to those in power while maintaining strict control over the general population.
International attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony was limited to the Russian ambassador and staff, highlighting the growing alignment between North Korea and Russia. This partnership has become increasingly important as the regime faces continued isolation from the West. The resort’s location near an international airport further suggests that the government is looking to attract more foreign visitors in the future.
A Historical Perspective on Tourism in North Korea
North Korea’s history with international tourism has been marked by both promise and disappointment. One of the most notable examples was the Mount Kumgang area, which was opened to South Korean tourists in the late 1990s. Over the next decade, nearly two million South Koreans visited the site, providing a critical source of revenue for the regime. However, the initiative collapsed in 2008 after a North Korean soldier fatally shot a South Korean tourist, leading to the suspension of all tours.
More recently, small groups of Russian tourists have visited North Korea for short ski holidays at the Maskiryong resort. These visits, like all tourist experiences in the country, are tightly controlled by the government, with strict rules on what visitors can photograph and where they can go.
Despite these challenges, the North Korean regime continues to push forward with its tourism ambitions. The Kalma resort is seen as a key step in this direction, with plans to expand the country’s tourism zones in the coming years. Kim Jong Un has emphasized the importance of tourism as a means of economic growth, and the resort’s completion is being framed as a major achievement for his administration.
Skepticism About the Resort’s Prospects
While the government is optimistic about the resort’s potential, experts remain skeptical about its long-term viability. Many point out that Wonsan-Kalma is not a well-known tourist destination, and the lack of infrastructure and accessibility could limit its appeal. Additionally, the regime’s increasing focus on social control and information restrictions may make it difficult to attract Western tourists.
Dr. Edward Howell, a North Korea expert at the University of Oxford, noted that the resort’s success will depend on its ability to overcome these challenges. “Whether this resort will provide Kim Jong Un with his much-needed economic gain in the long-term remains to be seen,” he said. “Wonsan-Kalma is hardly a tourist hotspot in the first place.”
The Role of Family in the Project
The personal involvement of Kim Jong Un in the project is evident, with at least seven visits to the construction site. State media reported that he offered “on-the-spot guidance” and pushed for “world-class” standards. His wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, were also present at the opening ceremony, underscoring the family’s role in the regime’s vision.
Analysts suggest that the project is intended to carry forward the legacy of Kim’s predecessors and be sustained for future generations. The presence of his daughter at the event has also raised speculation about her potential role in the leadership of the country.
The Future of North Korea’s Tourism Industry
As North Korea continues to invest in its tourism sector, the question remains: will the Wonsan-Kalma resort be a success or a failure? The government’s efforts to attract foreign visitors, particularly Russians, suggest that it is willing to take risks in pursuit of economic gains. However, the challenges of operating in one of the world’s most reclusive nations cannot be underestimated.
For now, the resort stands as a symbol of the regime’s ambition and its desire to showcase development amid international sanctions. Whether it will live up to its promise remains to be seen.
