Despite the allure of North Korea's new resort, Wonsan Kalma, the experience is far from a typical beach vacation. Russian tourist Anastasia Samsonova, part of the first group to stay at the seaside destination, found herself surrounded by security guards and a regimented schedule that highlighted the country's strict tourism policies.
Wonsan Kalma, located on the east coast where Kim Jong Un spent part of his upbringing, officially opened on July 1 as a part of North Korea's wider push to revive its economy through tourism. With amenities including hotels, restaurants, and even a water park, it aims to attract foreign visitors. However, so far, it has only welcomed Russian tourists, typically traveling in organized groups through accredited agencies.
Anastasia, 33, and her group encountered a tightly controlled environment, where any deviation from their scheduled itinerary required prior approval. Guards were present to mitigate interactions with locals, as North Koreans were reportedly taken aback by the presence of foreign visitors after years of isolation. "They looked at us with great surprise," she shared, reflecting on the peculiar atmosphere of rarity and scrutiny.
Strict rules accompanied their stay. They were cautioned against taking photos of construction sites and were advised on appropriate attire, steering clear of revealing clothing. Despite these constraints, Anastasia praised the beaches for their cleanliness and emptiness, enjoying the pristine sands and the orderly presentation of facilities.
The global pandemic had previously stymied international travel to North Korea, but as restrictions began to ease, the republic re-opened its borders specifically for Russian tourists. While they basked in the sun along the shores of Wonsan Kalma, rumors circulated about a planned re-launch of tourism to other nationalities, although many were halted abruptly.
The resort's development has drawn comparisons to the Spanish hotspot Benidorm, a fact that has sparked concerns regarding the treatment of North Korean laborers involved in its construction—a dark undercurrent to the tourist experience. Reports detail workers enduring long hours under harsh conditions, raising questions about the ethical implications of supporting such ventures.
While the journey to the resort has challenges, including uncertainty regarding future visits and limitations affecting even Chinese tourists, interest in experiencing North Korea's complex landscape remains. Despite the restrictions and the controversies surrounding it, Anastasia expressed her desire to return next year, highlighting the potential for new adventures, particularly at a rumored skiing resort nearby.
As Wonsan Kalma stands as a symbol of North Korea's tourism aspirations amid a backdrop of tightly controlled appearances, the juxtaposition of pristine beaches and the oppressive framework surrounding them paints a complex picture of travel in this reclusive nation.
Wonsan Kalma, located on the east coast where Kim Jong Un spent part of his upbringing, officially opened on July 1 as a part of North Korea's wider push to revive its economy through tourism. With amenities including hotels, restaurants, and even a water park, it aims to attract foreign visitors. However, so far, it has only welcomed Russian tourists, typically traveling in organized groups through accredited agencies.
Anastasia, 33, and her group encountered a tightly controlled environment, where any deviation from their scheduled itinerary required prior approval. Guards were present to mitigate interactions with locals, as North Koreans were reportedly taken aback by the presence of foreign visitors after years of isolation. "They looked at us with great surprise," she shared, reflecting on the peculiar atmosphere of rarity and scrutiny.
Strict rules accompanied their stay. They were cautioned against taking photos of construction sites and were advised on appropriate attire, steering clear of revealing clothing. Despite these constraints, Anastasia praised the beaches for their cleanliness and emptiness, enjoying the pristine sands and the orderly presentation of facilities.
The global pandemic had previously stymied international travel to North Korea, but as restrictions began to ease, the republic re-opened its borders specifically for Russian tourists. While they basked in the sun along the shores of Wonsan Kalma, rumors circulated about a planned re-launch of tourism to other nationalities, although many were halted abruptly.
The resort's development has drawn comparisons to the Spanish hotspot Benidorm, a fact that has sparked concerns regarding the treatment of North Korean laborers involved in its construction—a dark undercurrent to the tourist experience. Reports detail workers enduring long hours under harsh conditions, raising questions about the ethical implications of supporting such ventures.
While the journey to the resort has challenges, including uncertainty regarding future visits and limitations affecting even Chinese tourists, interest in experiencing North Korea's complex landscape remains. Despite the restrictions and the controversies surrounding it, Anastasia expressed her desire to return next year, highlighting the potential for new adventures, particularly at a rumored skiing resort nearby.
As Wonsan Kalma stands as a symbol of North Korea's tourism aspirations amid a backdrop of tightly controlled appearances, the juxtaposition of pristine beaches and the oppressive framework surrounding them paints a complex picture of travel in this reclusive nation.
