North Korea has stopped foreign tourists from visiting its new Wonsan-Kalma resort just weeks after it welcomed the first Russian visitors.
North Korea has temporarily suspended foreign tourist access to its newly launched Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, according to an announcement by the state-run DPR Korea Tour website on Wednesday. The beachside resort opened to locals on July 1 and recently hosted a group of Russian visitors. No official reason was given for the halt.
The Wonsan-Kalma site, designed to hold up to 20,000 guests, had been described by leader Kim Jong-un as one of the country’s major achievements this year. However, Pyongyang’s tourism authority said the resort is “temporarily not receiving foreign tourists” and did not indicate when the suspension might end.
The move comes shortly after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov toured the site and held talks with Kim Jong-un. Lavrov praised the resort and voiced hope that more Russians would visit. But analysts believe Pyongyang may have reconsidered the rollout after a Russian media article suggested many of the locals at the resort may have been mobilized rather than visiting freely.
“The government likely feared reputational damage if the site appeared staged for foreigners,” said Oh Gyeong-seob of the Korea Institute for National Unification. Lee Sangkeun, from the Institute for National Security Strategy, suggested logistical hurdles for Russian tourists may also have influenced the decision.
Despite the suspension, experts believe the restriction may be lifted soon. The Wonsan-Kalma development is expected to play a key role in earning foreign currency, which remains crucial for North Korea’s sanctions-hit economy.
“If foreign tourists aren't allowed, then no hard currency enters, and Pyongyang won’t be able to maintain the resort,” said Ahn Chan-il of the World Institute for North Korean Studies.
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