A new resort located along the picturesque North Korean coastline has recently begun receiving its first visitors, specifically from Russia. The Wonsan Kalma resort, which has attracted criticism from human rights groups, was inaugurated last month with fanfare by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who described it as a "world-class tourist and cultural destination." However, the exact circumstances surrounding its development remain largely undisclosed, obscured by the closed nature of the regime.
According to investigations by BBC Verify, including satellite imagery analysis and insider reports, concerns about the treatment of construction workers have arisen, especially surrounding claims of forced labor practices. Construction on the resort commenced after a notable visit in 2017, when Kim Jong Un dispatched a team to examine the Benidorm tourist area in Spain, sparking initial interest in turning Wonsan into a prime holiday locale.
Ri Jong Ho, a North Korean economic official who became a defector, stated that the goal was to attract around one million visitors to the region while maintaining a controlled environment. The ambitious project aims to create a self-sustaining tourist area, featuring a plethora of hotels, recreational facilities, and an entertainment hub.
Evidence gathered by experts points to a swift construction timeline, with around 80% of the resort completed by the end of 2018, although subsequent progress seemed to stall until recent engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reports from the UN highlight the severe labor practices involving "shock brigades," volunteers who face intolerable working conditions, long hours, and minimal compensation in order to meet construction deadlines.
Defectors have detailed harrowing accounts of the labor environment, with mentions of inadequate food supply and extreme pressure to meet timelines leading to increased health risks among workers. Many local families have been relocated or otherwise affected by the rapid expansion of the resort, without any requisite compensation from the government.
Although Wonsan Kalma is being presented as a beacon of North Korea's tourism revival, its future popularity among foreign tourists, particularly Russians, remains uncertain. With other attractive international holiday options available and the high price of entry for Russian visitors, it appears that the resort may not achieve the ambitious visitor numbers that were initially projected. As investigations into human rights abuses continue to uphold scrutiny, the development of Wonsan makes a complex statement on globalization and cooperation amid tensions in the region.
