In brief
The decision comes amidst a backdrop of Kim Jong Un's tourism ambitions and growing international tension.
North Korea has officially declared that its Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone will no longer accept foreign tourists, despite having just recently opened its doors on July 1. The coastal resort, which is part of leader Kim Jong Un's efforts to promote tourism, was initially pitched as an ideal destination for both locals and international visitors. However, a new announcement on North Korea’s tourism website reveals a "temporary" ban for foreigners.Last week, a group of Russian tourists was reported to have arrived at the Wonsan resort coinciding with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit to meet with Kim Jong Un. Lavrov praised the seaside development as an attractive tourist destination, indicating it could captivate Russian visitors. Direct flights from Moscow to Pyongyang are also expected to launch by the end of the month.The Wonsan resort lies along North Korea's east coast, in an area known for its missile facilities and a prominent maritime complex. It features a beachfront stretching 4 kilometers (approximately 2.5 miles) adorned with hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and a water park, catering to a capacity of up to 20,000 individuals, as per state media reports.However, the resort's construction since 2018 has attracted criticism from human rights organizations, which allege that workers were subjected to long hours under harsh conditions with inadequate pay. Despite the Russian delegation's attendance at the completion ceremony on June 24, the future of foreign tourism at this lavish venue remains uncertain.Following a lengthy suspension driven by the pandemic, North Korea reopened its borders to Russian tourists last year, only to temporarily resume Western tourism in February 2023 before stopping it again weeks later.
